As Gardner continues to rapidly grow, the Gardner Parks and Recreation Department has been taking steps to sustain the quality of life we all enjoy. In 2002 the City adopted its first Master Plan for the Parks System. This plan is designed to guide the development of the community’s parks over the next 20 years with expectations of a population well over 35,000.
The plan specifies how the existing parks can be improved and suggests ways to expand the Park System in the future. It will balance the need for green space to support the highly valued small-town character. It addresses budget implications of operations and maintenance costs, and suggests funding mechanisms for land acquisition and park development. It provides significant environmental, recreational, educational, and economic benefits to the community.
Another high priority of the Park Master Plan is to acquire parkland for future developments and expansions. Because of the rapid growth and with projections of a population base over 35,000 in 2025, the City intends to be aggressive in acquiring land for parks and open space development. Following the Park Master Plan the City has wasted no time at pursuing options as well as acting on some good opportunities.
Quail Meadows Neighborhood Park Development
The Parks and Recreation Department is currently working on design plans for Quail Meadows Neighborhood Park. The 10.5 acres scheduled for development is nestled within the Quail Meadows sub-division located off of 167th Street and west of Waverly Road. Park features include amenities such as a picnic shelter, playground equipment, trails and landscaping. The park is also adjacent to Kill Creek providing an opportunity to connect to the future Kill Creek Greenway Trail.
Kill Creek Trail Master Plan
As a part of the Park Master Plan, Gardner Parks and Recreation developed a master plan for a greenway system along the west fork of Kill Creek. The plan identifies property needed along the creek to develop a trail system from 151st Street south to 175th Street. It indicates potential locations for trails as well as possible neighborhood park locations that could tie into the greenway system.
Recently Gardner Parks and Recreation requested that the Johnson County Park & Recreation District adopt the plan into the Districts Master Action Plan. The Board approved the request in June. The approval now qualifies the City of Gardner for District funding for the development.
Swimming Pool Expansion and Renovations
The new Gardner Aquatic Center was completed and opened to the public in May. A number of state of the art features were added including a new zero depth entry, an active in-water play area, lazy river, multiple water slides, floatable walk, climbing net, spray grounds, new tot pool, and new concessions area with shelter just to name a few.
The development was made possible by the 1/2 cent sales tax that the Gardner voters approved in June of 2005. The project was completed on schedule and budget.
Celebration Park Development
Currently under construction is what will be the largest park in the City of Gardner. The 83-acre community park will better serve existing programs and events as well as allow for the expected continued growth in participant numbers and programs for traditional activities such as baseball, softball, soccer and football. The athletic facilities will be supported with concessions, restrooms, playgrounds and parking. Additionally the park will have amenities such as a trail system, large picnic shelters, landscaping, large destination playground and a 10-acre recreational lake that will also be the irrigation source for the park.
The park will be located on the south west corner of 159th Street and Kill Creek. The property adjoins the 45-acre school site where Pioneer Ridge Middle School was recently constructed.
As part of the planning for the park, Gardner Parks and Recreation Department developed a concept working with the School District. With sites adjoining, great opportunities exist in sharing common facilities and reducing development costs for taxpayers. Because of the efforts made between the Parks and Recreation Department and the School District, students will be able to utilize park facilities for educational opportunities and park users will be able to overlap on school grounds for recreational needs.
Development of the park is scheduled for completion in Spring 2008.
