Project Overview
Meadow Park is a 2-acre park situated at 6730 Meadow Street in our Central Park district. It offers wooded areas, a play field, trails, open water, and picnic tables. The property was acquired in 1968 through Heritage Land Bank lands and water quality bonds. In the Eastwood Park area, Public Works constructed a sedimentation basin system to treat stormwater runoff. Planning meetings in 1988 marked the beginning of development for both the ponds and the park. Presently, the park functions as an open space park.
Located amidst a mix of industrial, commercial, and residential areas, the park is also conveniently close to two schools: Polaris K-12 and Rilke Schule German School of Arts & Sciences.
Since adopting the park in 2015, dedicated volunteers from Rilke Schule have made significant efforts to contribute to the community's well-being through park improvements. These proposed enhancements, endorsed by the Abbott Loop Community Council, will provide the school and community with a sheltered gathering space, parking accommodations to meet increased park usage, and ensure safe pathways for residents and students to access schools within the neighborhood.
This project aims to enhance resources for the public and nearby students, focusing on Meadow Park. A challenge grant was awarded to involve Rilke Shule students and teachers in designing drawings for a picnic shelter and outdoor classroom resources across the park. These initial efforts will be expanded in the future, including the creation of ADA accessible sidewalks, parking areas, and a picnic shelter. The image to the right shows a fourth grade class visiting the park during April 2023 to do a field trip to the park. Pictured in the foreground is a schools on trails map done with the students in prior years; the backside of this sign is identical, but in german.
Timeline
Funding has only been identified for design and the installation of outdoor classroom materials. The community is currently working towards identifying funds to develop the park.
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2021: Challenge Grant awarded by Anchorage Park Foundation
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2022: Public involvement with the Abbott Loop Community Council as well as survey, geotech, and preliminary design took place.
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2023: Engagement with the Rilke Shule Students, finalizing design, and continuing to identify funds for construction.
Funding
Funding for this project is entirely through the Anchorage Park Foundation Challenge Grant
- Challenge Grant Awarded: $15,000
- Community Match: $15,000
Total Funding: $30,000