Lester Park New Concept Plan

If this doesn’t make you feel like spring is close, I don’t know what else could! Here is the new concept plan for Lester Park!!! A HUGE thank you to Shalae Larsen of IO Landarch for her design that incorporates connection, flow, nature and the current feedback from the community based on the most recent neighborhood survey. And all within a reasonable budget!

Highlights to notice are the preservation of every tree with this design (although some will need to come down due to age). There’s also a clear space for inviting art installations and a variety of gathering areas. The goal is to have three distinct playgrounds for a variety of ages and abilities – perhaps even swings! A basketball court and several pickleball court would provide group play opportunities. Keeping the open field with some landscaping around the edges for viewers to watch the game mean the pick up games of soccer can continue. 🙂 There would also be a fitness loop to allow walkers/joggers to run on a more natural surface as they do laps.

Lester Park has always been a thoroughfare for those heading to the library, so concrete paths are still planned for those who want a clear route from one end of the park to the other. Shade creating (not rain preventing) structures would cover the centralized tables, another location for connecting with friends and enjoying a good book!

The first phase of this construction would most likely be the playgrounds on the north end, with some potential murals done by the neighborhood on the restrooms/pavilion. The city has set aside some funding (and is still working on getting more) so we can begin construction in 2024. We might even be able to get the murals in this year!

What do you think of this concept plan?!