2023/09/19 - Walter's Blog: Community Park Improvements
Democracy on the Front Lines
City Administrator’s Blog
Walter Denton
Community Park Improvements
September 19, 2023
We are in the process of making some exciting improvements to Community Park. Community Park has been a centerpiece of O’Fallon for many years, and some of the park’s amenities are showing their age. Here is a summary of the planned improvements:
- All Abilities Playground: You may have already notice the new All Abilities Playground that is set to open in October. The playground is designed so it will be accessible to all ability levels, including wheelchairs. The $777,000 project is a cooperative effort with grant funding, City funds, and $88,010 in community donations.
- Walking/Biking Trail: The existing sidewalk that surrounds Community Park will be replaced with a wider 10-foot trail that will connect with the new playground and event space. The $561,000 project will be funded with a $224,480 MEPRD grant and City funds. The trail should be complete next spring.
- Pool: The existing Memorial Pool was built in the 1960s and is long past its useful life. Plans are underway to replace the pool with a new 6-lane competitive pool, recreational pool, and splash pad. There will also be a new pool house, party room, and park offices. The $9.1 million project will be funded through a $600,000 state grant and the issuance of municipal bonds.
- Amphitheater: Connected to the pool will be a stage and amphitheater with tiered seating space that will host festivals, concerts, movies, and other special events. The $548,000 project will be funded through a $100,000 MEPRD grant and City funds.
- Gym/Community Center: The Katy Cavins Community Center is more than 90 years old and past its useful life. Estimates to renovate the Cavins Center were over $2.5 million, so we believe it would be more cost effective to demolish the Cavins Center and replace it with a gym/multi-purpose building that will be more flexible and accessible for special events, sporting activities, and summer camps. We applied for a $2.8 million state grant to assist with funding the $6.1 million project. The Cavins Center site will be replaced with a parking lot, and the new building will be located south of 5th Street.
- Outdoor Event Space: The gravel area in front of the Cavins Center has hosted countless events and festivals over the years and needs improvements to make it more flexible and accessible for all residents. The old kitchen will be demolished and replaced with a new area to host events. The gravel will be replaced with a hard surface that is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. The $733,000 project will be funded with City funds.
The pool, amphitheater, gym, and event space are expected to be complete in May 2025. Here is a picture of the what the new improvements will look like:
