In last week’s post, we shared with you the exciting news that the Garfield Superblock Coalition is finally able to share updated information about the park design with the public. Today we are sharing more details about how the east and south edges of the park will change. We hope you’ll be excited about all the new features and functionality coming to these parts of the park!

Our next post will cover the North and West edges, including the new playground, comfort station, parkour park and public art pieces. 

The East Edge

Currently an underused grassy slope, this area is often used for impromptu parking. The new design thoughtfully increases activation, and includes features such as a nature play trail path adjacent to a ballfield viewing area, providing young users something to do while a ballgame is being played. New plantings will help define the area and create habitat that benefits pollinators. 

The Southeast Corner and South Edge

Currently, there is no wheelchair access into the southeast corner of the park. Although there is access via a stair from the Garfield High parking lot, folks on wheels must travel a city block to get into the park from that side. A new accessible ramp is planned for the SE corner. The ramp and surrounding space at this corner will be activated by features such as a slide and boulder scramble, and other seating and landscaping. The goal is to make the park more accessible, give teens and ball game attendees places to sit, and give young park users more movement opportunities to jump, scramble, balance, and slide. The current memorial stone in this area will be preserved. 

Along the south edge, new paving and planting will be provided, as well as seating options including porch swings. The area beneath the large retaining wall at the SE corner will be a gathering space with the opportunity for games and seating. If you’d like to see and comment on options for this space, please visit the following short survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NZRY7F9

These changes along the south and east sides of Garfield Park  will serve to make the loop path around the park more accessible and activated. There will be increased opportunities for game day viewing, and a diverse array of opportunities for play and exploration around the site.