By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
Decatur residents are being afforded an opportunity to give their opinions on what they would prefer in a proposed downtown park.
Three proposals were placed on view at a recent open meeting and the public can now offer their references for the proposed park.
The park would be mostly located in the area of a city-owned parking lot on the west side of the St. Marys River, between Monroe and Jackson streets. A smaller portion would be situated on the east side of the river, near Riverside Center.
The park is not in the city’s immediate future, likely at least a couple of years away. But as Mayor Dan Rickord and others have said, a definitive plan is needed in order to begin seeking grants.
Concept 1 has the largest open lawn space area, and a flat surface splash pad.
Concept 2 has a pavilion with restrooms and open lawn space with the pavilion, a fountain-type splash pad with a stone creek feature leading to the splash pad.
Concept 3 has a flat surface splash pad, small pavilion, and a play area that incorporates the natural slope of the ground.
City officials said each concept has many other features that are not listed above, and residents should view the photos accompanying the story.
All concepts are ADA compliant and accessible for everyone, officials noted.
PICK ‘EM: Residents taking the survey are asked which park rendering they prefer.
Then they are asked to rate from 0-5 (5 being the most important) several amenities:
1 Splash pad/water feature
2 Shades play area
3. Overlook swings
4. Terrace seating
5. recreation/multi use area
6. Open Lawn space
7. Event pavilion
8. Walking trails
9. Kayak river access
10, Performance space
Note: Write in thoughts, ideas, features you would like considered.
Survey information is available at:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/J7L3VWY
A QR code is available on the City of Decatur’s website.
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