Partnership brings park to life

This Saturday is the unveiling of the newly renovated Red Andrews Park. Located at 720 NW Eighth St., the Midtown park once consisted of a municipal gym, a play area and large parking lot. The unveiling will show a different, more vibrant and interesting park due to a successful public-private partnership.

The idea began several years ago when the city allocated funds to repair the Red Andrews Park parking lot and upgrade the park’s municipal gym. Residents and area businesses began working with the city of Oklahoma City to figure out a way to renew the park in a way that expanded its use and encouraged more people to interact with the space. The question was how to fund the renovations. The answer – a public-private partnership. The $1 million renovation was funded through bond funds, tax increment financing and private donations. Fitzsimmons Architects created the design.

One of the exciting components of the park is that it was redesigned for different interests and uses. It has a volleyball court and a renovated Johnnie Williams Gymnasium, which continues to have an active basketball league. The park also includes a sun lawn, a walking path with mature trees, a public art piece, and new lighting and landscaping to encourage people to get out and enjoy the green space. The new design also includes a covered pavilion that can double as a stage for outdoor concerts. The redesign means more reasons for residents, families and employees of surrounding businesses to gather and host events.

Read the full article at The Journal Record