Bringing life to underused space

Red Andrews Park is one of several parks in Oklahoma City that are getting makeovers.

Earlier this month, civic leaders broke ground on Midtown’s only public green space to begin the revitalization project, which includes a sun lawn, walking path, volleyball court, new lighting and landscaping and a covered pavilion. The $1 million renovation was funded through bond funds, tax increment financing and private donations.

The revitalization of Red Andrews Park is more than cosmetic. A well-planned green space gets people out to interact with their neighbors and community. It also encourages placemaking – a space where people want to host events and create gatherings.

Campbell Park in Automobile Alley is another downtown park that is seeing new life – and bursts of color. Once known as a high-crime area, Campbell Park, renamed Campbell Art Park, now is becoming known for its inclusion in the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center campus. In addition to it being a place to host special events, renowned art installations, such as the bright red rope of the Terra exhibit or the reflective spheres of Cloud City, have brought hundreds of visitors to the park.

Read the full article at The Journal Record