Master Plan - In the
first post, we reviewed the Parks Master Plan's critical role in shaping
Proposition A, detailing how community feedback led to prioritizing
projects like a new community center and park improvements. These
efforts align closely with residents' most requested enhancements,
ensuring Prop-A truly reflects our collective vision for Crestwood's
future.
Community Center - In the second article, had fun taking
virtual tour of the proposed new community center that will feature important amenities including an elevated indoor
walking track, expanded fitness areas, and versatile gathering spaces.
These features underscore the center's aim to foster wellness,
community engagement, and recreational activities for all Crestwood
residents.
Finances - Last time, we covered the costs, the bond issue, and
what it would mean for your monthly mortgage payment. We also saw how
Crestwood residents will enjoy lower tax rates even with Prop-A,
maintaining Crestwood's status as an attractive and affordable place
to live, balancing quality community amenities with sensible tax
rates.
Park Improvements - This time, let's cover the details on the
remaining Prop-A improvements planned for Crestwood, including
additional projects that were all “top requests” from our residents.
Pedestrian Bridge to Lodge Pole Neighborhood
A key feature of the Whitecliff Park enhancements is the construction of a pedestrian bridge, connecting the park directly to the Lodge Pole neighborhood. Today residents in this area must navigate Mulberry Creek to access the park. If you have a stroller or bike, this isn’t much of an option.
This bridge was a proposed concept dating back to the early days when Whitecliff was first designed. It’s not an easy bridge to construct, so the project has been kicked down the road for decades. Prop-A will finally make that vision a reality and will serve residents from multiple neighborhoods. Like the bridges recently installed at Sanders Park and Crestwood Crossing, it will provide residents easy access and improve overall walkability for our city.
New 1.25-Mile Loop Trail
The number one and number two top request from the Parks Master plan were more walking trails – both indoor and outdoor. Whitecliff already has a winding network of natural dirt trails throughout the woods. It also has several gravel-base trails, but there isn’t an easy or obvious way to navigate the entirety the park.
The concept of a loop trail, dates back to the 1999 Whitecliff Master Plan and will finally be realized through Prop-A. The trail will be about 1.25 miles total and will navigate around the perimeter of the park, connecting to existing trails and to the Prop-A proposed pedestrian bridge across the creek to the Lodge Pole neighborhood. There will be multiple trail-head locations so you can start the loop at many places, or even make a shorter loop by cutting through at various points.
Pickleball and Family Games Complex
Acknowledging the popularity of pickleball, Proposition A includes the transformation of the existing community center into a state-of-the-art pickleball complex. This facility will house multiple indoor and outdoor courts, designed to accommodate players of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned enthusiasts. The complex will serve as a hub for community activity, fostering a vibrant pickleball community through tournaments, leisure play, and instructional clinics.
Complementing the pickleball courts, Proposition A also includes an outdoor Family Games area, designed as a fun space for people of all ages. Also a Master Plan top requested feature, this area will feature activities such as Bocce, Corn Hole, and Shuffleboard. These types of games can bridge generations, encouraging families and friends to come together in a spirit of fun.
This phase of the project will start after the completion of the new community center.
Nature Playscape Introduction
Moving beyond traditional playgrounds, the introduction of a nature playscape within Whitecliff Park marks a bold step towards innovative child-centric recreation. Like the nature playscape in Forest Park (but on a smaller scale) the Whitecliff playscape will inspire imagination and encourage interaction with natural elements, offering a diverse range of play experiences that are both educational and entertaining.
This will be a space where children can climb, explore, and discover amidst structures that mimic the natural landscape, from log balance beams to sand play areas and other fun ways to explore.
New Playground at Crestwood Park
We have playgrounds at most of the parks around the city, but the one at Crestwood Park is perhaps the largest and sees the most use. However, it’s at the end of its lifespan and is ready for replacement.
Crestwood Park's playground boasts a larger surface area compared to other parks in Crestwood, presenting a unique opportunity to blend modern design with enhanced accessibility. With advancements in playground equipment, we can now incorporate features that were unavailable just a decade ago, making our spaces truly inclusive.
Our goal is to create a playground where everyone, regardless of ability, can play and explore together. This expansion enables us to achieve that vision, ensuring Crestwood Park is a place for all to enjoy.
Eilien Ramirez, Director of Parks and Recreation
The Community-Wide Impact
By supporting Proposition A, we're not just voting for infrastructure improvements; we're casting a vote for our community's future. We're choosing to invest in spaces that will enrich our lives, foster connections among residents, and enhance the beauty and functionality of our city for generations to come. Let's come together to make this vision a reality and Crestwood a place for everyone.