The Powell Park project in the Renaissance Pointe neighborhood was identified as a priority for future improvements in the Public Spaces & Interconnectivity section of the Southeast Strategy Update adopted in 2021.
Project Overview
Powell Park is a small playlot that originally only contained a small basketball court and a bench. Through public engagement and outreach, the City was able to create a space that met the needs of the community. This basketball court was expanded to allow for a free throw line to be implemented along with a higher fence to keep kids safe while playing basketball. A small pavilion with a picnic table was added to allow families and community members to host small gatherings. Additional tables and chairs were also added to the site. A new, more prominent sign was installed and landscaping was added to help create some vibrancy within the playlot.
PHOTOS OF POWELL PARK (BEFORE)
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PHOTOS OF POWELL PARK (AFTER)
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Project Goals and Objectives
GOAL ONE: Improve Safety
- Objective 1: Provide additional lighting for the site
- Objective 2: Create a planted buffer to separate people from vehicular traffic
- Objective 3: Add a taller fence around the basketball court to prevent basketballs and children from running into the street
GOAL TWO: Create a Space Where The Community Can Gather
- Objective 1: Improve the existing basketball court
- Objective 2: Provide seating and tables for community members to use
- Objective 3: Provide a space for public art to be displayed
GOAL THREE: Beautification
- Objective 1: Provide additional plantings along sidewalk areas
- Objective 2: Design a new sign for the park
- Objective 3: Provide new walkways and concrete
- Objective 4: Provide new site furnishing
Project Timeline
June 2021
- Community Engagement event at Renaissance Pointe YMCA
July 2021
- Project design begins
February 2022
- Groundbreaking on the project
August 2022
- Project is substantially completed
- Ribbon cutting ceremony held
Project Team
Community Development
- Nancy Townsend, Director - Community Development
- Stacy Haviland, Landscape Architect, and Administrator - Redevelopment
- Holly Petzak, Community Development Manager - Redevelopment
- Hayley Bondi, Urban Designer, and Landscape Architect - Redevelopment
Design Team
- Paul Konwinski, Project Manager - Martin Riley Architects
- Torrey Ehrman, Civil Engineer - Martin Riley Architects
- Dan Ernst, Landscape Architect - Earth Source Inc.
- Ryan Rodrigue, Landscape Architect - Earth Source Inc.
Contractor
- Hamilton Hunter Builders, Fort Wayne
Plan Alignment
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Southeast Strategy Update Public Spaces & Interconnectivity One: High-quality and inviting public gathering spaces should be created and maintained Two: Improvements to neighborhood parks, including upgrades to existing amenities, should be a priority in Southeast and focus on neighborhood and resident input |
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All In Allen Comprehensive Plan (DRAFT) Transportation & Mobility Goal Five: Improve awareness of outdoor passive and active recreation and local and regional tourism opportunities within our parks, trails, riparian and natural areas |
Project Metrics
- How many people use the park before and after renovations
- Neighborhood survey on comfortability and accessibility before and after renovations
Project Budget
- $407,023.17