The Norman City Council discussed the design of a nature park at its special meeting on Tuesday.
Nature park design
Council heard a presentation for a nature park presented by Planning Design Group Principal Geoffrey Evans and Parks and Recreation Director Jason Olsen.
The park would be located at Alameda and S. Carter Ave, just west of the Alameda Church of Christ. According to the presentation, it would cost $1.2 million.
Olsen said council had already set aside $1.5 million for a nature park in 2022 and that the park would not require additional funding.
Evans said the conceptual design is complete and can be seen on the presentation. The presentation includes a nature-themed playground, a pavilion, educational signage, a nature trail and a wetland area.
Evans said the playgrounds will be ADA-accessible.
Evans said an expansion of the park’s central creek is planned to increase storm capacity, citing an increase in water during rainfall. He added the creek will provide habitat space for animals.
“We’re hoping to dig it down so we can maintain some water in there (and) create some habitats for different animals, different plants and filter that water too,” Evans said. “Anything that lives in Norman can live in this park.”
Olsen said the park should open in late spring or early summer if approved.