Conway Park – Heart of D1 Presentation by the District 1 Community Council
Location of Conway Park North of SunRay Shopping Center & I-94 In Conway neighborhood Surrounded by large apartment complexes and modest single family homes SunRay Library shares the park space with Conway Rec Center Total of 22.3 acres – 8.7 acres of ballfields, 9.4 acres of open space and 4.2 acres of constructed space
Location, location, location
Recent History of the Park In 2009 a community garden is created in the park – second in the district In 2012 Mayor announces he is removing Conway Rec from city programming and selects a partner 2012 neighborhood asks for rec center to remain city-run 2013 city and community jointly put out a request for proposals and select a partner
History of Park continued 2013 CIB funds used to construct new totlot and splashpad SunRay Library is redesigned and remodeled to create indoor and outdoor community space – but small & fenced 2014 University of St. Thomas builds science garden – “Growing Science” 2014 – 2015 Children and Nature Network and Library partner to re-naturalize part of park and identify community need for a master plan for the park
Univ. of St. Thomas & Conway
The Proposal Build on work by community, the library, the Children and Nature Network, University of St. Thomas Address unmet needs of area youth, especially older children and those with other recreational interests than soccer Address unmet need of community for an identified center to the district
Proposal – youth basketball court
Proposal – local skate park
Proposal – picnic tables and grills, an amphitheater??
Use the space and the topography to create PLACE
Overall – a full park plan is needed…
Benefits and impacts of this project Builds on previous work but also is strategic about future improvements Enhances livability and provides for unmet need of a community center, activities for all ages and all income levels Improves aesthetics and the asset the park represents
THANK YOU FOR BUILDING COMMUNITY!