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In 2004 Gardner Parks and Recreation completed a study to identify the possibility of expanding and renovating the existing swimming pool located in Cornerstone Park. The revised concept (project map PDF listed below) identified a number of state of the art features second to none. It included 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 concession area with shelter just to mention a few.
The study proved that renovating and expanding the existing pool would save the taxpayers money in development and by expanding vs. developing a new aquatics facility in another location. This expansion also kept the swimming pool in the downtown area and centrally located in the community. As a part of the new plan, the City was able to acquire land to the north of the pool in November 2004, which accommodated the expansion allowing for close to 1,200 swimmers.
On June 7, 2005 voters approved a 1/2 cent sales tax increase to fund the development of a new community park and the expansion of the Gardner pool. The issue was passed with over a 70% approval rate.
Construction of the new Gardner Aquatic Center was completed in May 2007. The facility opened May 26, 2007.
Click Here to view the Gardner Aquatic Center Concept Plan.
Click Here to view more pictures and video of the Gardner Aquatic Center Project.
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The Gardner Parks and Recreation Department continues to follow the adopted Park System Master Plan at addressing the needs for additional neighborhood parks. In 2004 the Parks and Recreation Department worked with residents in the Cottage Creek, Pumpkin Ridge and Wildcat Run sub-divisions at master planning a neighborhood park. Stone Creek Park located in the center of the sub-divisions off of Stone Creek Drive was developed and opened in 2005. The new 11-acre park features a large playground, shelter, trails and landscaping.
With the development completion of Stone Creek Park, Gardner Parks and Recreation Department is already searching for additional land for the next neighborhood park site scheduled for development in 2007.
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A looped extension to the Gardner Greenway System was completed with the assistance of the Johnson County Park District that takes the trail up to 167th Street. Approximately 1-mile of trail surface and pedestrian bridge was developed to bring the Greenway to a total of 1.69 miles.
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An additional bicycle / pedestrian path was developed along with both the South Center and North Center Street improvements. Park benches and extensive landscaping were added for the users to enjoy. The trail development adds an additional 2 miles of trail to the Gardner trail system.
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Veterans Parks final phase was completed to provide additional leisure opportunities. Included in this phase was the development of a large picnic shelter that has eight picnic tables and barbeque grill. A full-length basketball court was developed with two fiberglass basketball goals. A restroom facility was also constructed to service the park users. Additional park amenities were also installed such as park benches and parking lot lighting.
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Improvements were made to Westside Parks field four. Final grade work was done to make for a safe playing surface. A lighting system was also erected to allow this field to be used for the growing number of baseball and softball games in Gardner. An overflow parking lot was constructed to allow for additional parking in the popular park. Additionally, the backstops and fences on fields 1, 2 and 3 were replaced along with all the bleachers in the complex. Fields 1 thru 3 were re-rounded in 2005. New field lighting will be added on fields 1 thru 3 in 2006.
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New replacement playground units have been installed in Cornerstone Park, Meadowbrook Park and Brookside Park. Each unit is handicap accessible with a great number of features to provide a variety of uses for the children in the community.
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Almost four acres of land off of White Drive in the Winwood sub-division was dedicated over to the city for the development of a new neighborhood park. A looped trail that ties in with the Gardner Greenway System was developed. Construction also included adding a 2-5 year old playground unit and a 5 to 12 playground unit. A 20x30 shelter was erected and includes a limestone seat wall. Landscaping, path lighting and a drinking fountain completed the development of the park in the summer of 2003.
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Both shelters below the Gardner Lake dam have been renovated and are open for use again. In addition to the shelter repairs, the Parks and Recreation Department has cleaned up the area by trimming and removing the damaged trees. New trees were planted to replace the ones that have been removed. The shelter located by the public boat ramp was replaced in 2005. Handicap access and parking was also developed with the improvements.
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The Gardner Senior Center received several improvements in 2003. Improvements included installing a new tile floor that replaced the worn out carpet. The entire facility was painted and new fixtures were installed in the restrooms. The parking lot was also repaired to complete the renovations.
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