City Seeks Design Firms for Cove, Wagar Parks Overhauls

As part of this year’s strategy to upgrade, enhance and improve the parks in Lakewood, the city is requesting proposals for the re-design of Wagar Park and Cove Park.

The city will be working closely with residents to envision the future uses at both parks.

“We’re looking for design firms to re-imagine Cove and Wagar parks,” said city planner Michelle Nochta. “We have a strong feel for what this community wants, and in Lakewood, there’s a genuine appreciation of our public spaces. This project will help us realize our goal to provide first rate park facilities for all to enjoy.”

The city’s department of planning and development is looking for proposals that incorporate the city’s six focus areas, per the Parks Master Plan Strategic Update, which set out to guide future improvements throughout our park system.

Those six community priorities are: Safety; quality of facilities; access; natural resources; cultural and social resources; and year-round use.

Additionally, the improvement plans will encompass elements that include thoughtful design, efficiency and longevity; harmony between design elements, equipment and topography should effortlessly blend form and function.

Proposals are due by noon on April 8.

In 2010, Lakewood adopted its first Parks Master Plan to provide a guidebook to effectively maintain and improve the city’s parks, while being mindful of the need to prioritize limited resources. In 2015, city staff in partnership with the Planning Commission and City Council adopted the Parks Master Plan Strategic Update 2015. The update provides pertinent information about Lakewood’s citywide parks system.

Since 2010, the city has made significant investments in its parks system with a focus on the city’s largest parks, Lakewood, Madison and Kauffman. Improvements at each park involved extensive resident engagement, thoughtful design plans, and an execution strategy to ensure construction completion.

Earlier this year, plans were approved to overhaul the Kid’s Cove Playground at Lakewood Park. Construction is expected to begin on that project this fall.