Public input meetings set for Orr Street park development

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia Parks and Recreation is hosting a pair of meetings to gain public feedback on the development of the Orr Street park property.

The first meeting will be 5-7 p.m. Saturday, and the second is 5-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 4. Both meetings will be held at the park property.

The park will be built in an empty lot at Orr Street and Park Avenue at a former site owned by Ameren. The site was deemed a contaminated Superfund site and cleanup began in 2014.

Parks and Recreation staff will be available at both meetings.

Proposed park improvements may include passive greenspace, a playground, a performance area, permanent public art installations, a seating area and sidewalk and parking improvements. 

The Missouri Department of Economic Development awarded the City of Columbia $1.25 million through Missouri’s American Rescue Plan Act Community Revitalization Grant Program for the development of the Orr Street park property. The grant will be matched by funds generated by the voter-approved Park Sales Tax.

Pubic input can also be provided on the City’s BeHeard website.