The City of Springfield is progressing through the concept development phase for the Grant Avenue Parkway project – working alongside the community to determine what basic traffic calming and infrastructure design elements could be included in the parkway and where.
More than 250 viewers tuned in as the City and project consultant CMT presented preliminary concept designs for the project during a virtual public event on Nov. 19, 2020. Participating residents and stakeholders were presented four basic design options generated using feedback gathered during the public visioning phase in September. More than 200 individuals provided input through live polling exercises and a follow-up survey.
“The options presented are very basic mockups of possible project features. We wanted to hear what participants liked and what they didn’t like about each option,” explains Public Works Project Manager Leree Reese. “This feedback will help guide us toward the public’s primary goals and preferred direction for the project.”
The City’s team will continue to gather input on first-draft concepts through a series of one-on-one stakeholder input sessions scheduled through January. To schedule an input session for your neighborhood or organization, fill out an interest form at grantavenueparkway.com.
In early February, the City’s project team expects to present a second draft of design concepts for additional public feedback.
“At the end of the concept development process, we will provide a baseline concept design to design-build teams, allowing them to innovate and develop unique final designs based on the public’s direction,” says Reese.
As an integral part of the development of the city’s Comprehensive Plan update, city staff continues to work closely with Forward SGF planning consultants Houseal Lavigne to develop a targeted plan for the Grant Avenue corridor.
“In addition to the parkway design, we have been evaluating development opportunities, complimentary building types and related improvements along Grant Avenue. We plan to share some of our progress and listen for feedback from the public in the months to come, as we work to bring it all together,” added Principal Planner for the City of Springfield Randall Whitman. “This is an interim stage in an overall planning study of the Grant Avenue corridor.”
About the Grant Avenue Parkway Corridor Improvement Project
Funded primarily by a $21 million federal Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant, the Grant Avenue Parkway will provide major transportation improvements along Grant Avenue in the heart of Springfield.
The Grant Avenue Parkway will create an off-street pedestrian and bicycle pathway along Grant Avenue between Sunshine Street and Downtown Springfield. The 3-mile stretch will connect downtown businesses and neighborhoods with the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium (WOW) – linking Springfield cultural experiences for both residents and visitors.
The Parkway route will further connect parks and recreation amenities, neighborhoods, schools, and fill a vital gap in the Ozark Greenways trail network.
The Parkway will start at Sunshine Street and end in a loop downtown via College Street, Boonville Avenue, Mill Street and Main Street. The route is envisioned to include bike and pedestrian friendly facilities, various traffic-calming improvements, bridge enhancements, utility upgrades, fiber connectivity and additional crossing and intersection improvements.
The City will be tackling this corridor improvement project with four improvement goals in mind: Transportation, Economic Development, Quality of Life and Community Revitalization.
To participate and learn more, visit grantavenueparkway.com.