More changes are in store for Steamboat Park.
At their Feb. 2 meeting , the Pierre City Commission approved an agreement with Stockwell Engineers to develop a masterplan for the west end of the park.
“With the development of the drinking water treatment facility, there was some obvious disruption to the western edge of Steamboat,” said Kristi Honeywell, City Administrator. “Water treatment will be on line soon which clears the way for landscaping and other improvements.”
Although nothing is finalized, Honeywell stated that the plan will likely include a new public bathroom, new playground equipment, a small parking lot, shade structures, and the return of Frisbee golf. A final redevelopment plan will be determined by the budget.
“We’ve given Stockwell some design guidance. We’ll see what their recommendations look like,” said Honeywell. “With these types of projects, you start with the grand vision and then narrow that vision for feasibility and affordability.”
The master plan is expected to be complete by June. That timeline will allow the city to budget for plan execution in 2023.
“The changes in that area of Steamboat are giving us an opportunity to reimagine the park,” said Mayor Steve Harding. “I think this plan will bring about some nice improvements and give the area a real boost.”
The park will see some renovations between now and the implementation of the master plan.
“To be clear, site restoration in the immediate area of water treatment will be completed by the end of this year. Then we’ll move to the grander plan for the whole west end of the park,” said Honeywell.