David Locke, Landscape Architect with Stockwell Engineers, presented the Westerman Park Master Plan to the council and public on Monday night at the Lennox Senior Citizen Center. The new plan encompasses all that the public has been asking for: a new swimming pool, a new events stage (bandshell), a sports complex with concessions/restrooms, an improved play area, tennis court, basketball court, walking paths throughout, three camping spots and three parking lots. The only part of the park that doesn’t receive a major overhaul is the baseball field, which is slated for a new backstop. Of course, this beautiful new plan comes with a hefty price tag. The total cost to complete the entire park project is estimated to be $9,211,553.
Locke explained that the plan came about after analyzing what was already in the park and getting public input. The public indicated that they wanted the pool to be unique to the area and designed for the future. They wanted to build upon the neighborhood park feel, upgrade and add softball/baseball facilities, and connect the park amenities within the park and to the surrounding community.
The plan was developed to be completed in seven phases. The first phase encompasses the greatest need for the community—the new pool. It also includes work on the west end of Park Drive, the new events stage and lawn, the camping area and a parking lot. This is the most expensive of the seven phases, coming in at $4,661,389. Locke estimated the pool itself would cost between three to three and a half million dollars. The new pool is located in the area where the current bandshell now stands.
The pool features a zero entry area that goes to three feet and includes some play equipment, a slide that empties into a plunge pool, a rectangular pool that is over 11 feet deep at the deep end to allow for diving boards, a very large deck area with seating and shade areas, and a pool house that includes a concession area. The pool capacity would be 300 people.
Phase two would be the sports complex with concessions. This phase is estimated to cost $2,459,185. It includes two softball/Little League diamonds (220 foot fields), a larger diamond to the south (275 foot field), bleachers with shade structures, a concession and restroom building, and a small playground.
Phase three, estimated at $436,035, would involve the rest of Park Drive and Main Street parking. Park Drive has been moved as far north in the park as possible.
Phase four would be the central park area, which would include the playground, a tennis court and a basketball court at an estimated cost of $876,911.
Phase five would be the baseball backstop, estimated at $79,695.
Phase six is the south parking lot to the south of the sports complex. It would include a practice infield, a parking lot, a detention area and trails. This is estimated at $490,553.
The final phase would involve building a parking lot where the old swimming pool was located. This cost is estimated at $207,785.
Even though the costs seem very high, Locke said they have built very expensive projects in much smaller communities with success.
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Master Park Plan avilable for viewing in PDF format, here.