Dardenne Prairie city park concept unveiled while funding challenges loom

It might be a sign of the times.

But in just a few short weeks, Dardenne Prairie's new architect pulled together an innovative new concept design plan that will create a central focal point around which the city's new Main Street development will unfold.

Ted Spaid, principal with the architectural firm, SWT Design, St. Louis, unveiled an innovative new design for a new city park during the Dardenne Prairie Board of Aldermen work session April 7.

The design is visually appealing but the focus on functionality was especially impressive given the short amount of time Spaid had to pull the plan together.

In March, Alderman Scott Kolbe (Ward 1) initiated the call to get the project back on track after the city lost its architect and general contractor to an accident last fall. SWT got the bid and Spaid went to work.

His 360-degree presentation captured all the aesthetic appeal laid out in the city's master plan and codified in the SmartCode adopted three years ago.

The park design, Spaid said, fits in with the contemporary Victorian style the city is seeking to establish as its trademark look. It is also flexible enough to accommodate the realities of construction schedules and the limitations of municipal funding cycles.

Using the City Hall building as the western perimeter of the park, a parking lot would serve both the park and Dardenne Prairie government offices, residents who have business at City Hall and the staff who works there.

The Dardenne Athletic Assn. ball fields border the park's southern edge linked by a concession stand serving both venues. The park itself would pull together both City Hall and the athletic fields creating one large recreational and entertainment center.

While the design is open, specific areas are set apart with low, ornamental fencing and landscaping. For instance, the tot play area would be separate from the older children's playground but the lines of distinction would be low as to not obstruct the eye, maintaining an open, airy environment.

An outdoor dining area at the concession stand is close to one of the playgrounds but still has a clear view of the amphitheatre - which will be wired for light and sound to accommodate performing arts productions.

Water features can be used or substituted for landscaping, Spaid said. Depending on funding, the plan can adapt to accommodate the city's budget while still achieving the ultimate goal of creating a destination for city residents.

Again, as a sign of the times, construction material prices are extremely competitive in this economic climate, Spaid said. "The market has been volatile in the last 18 months for building products," he said. "I suspect we could see (estimated cost) numbers drop as much as 20 percent in this current bid market."

The elected officials were enthusiastic about Spaid's presentation - even after hearing the price tag.

Once again, depending on the competitiveness of the construction market, Spaid said the park could cost from $1.5 million to $1.89 million.

"It's a beautiful plan," said Mayor Pam Fogarty. "I'd like to not make a lot of cuts."

Alderman Kolbe concurred. "It's a gorgeous park," he said.

The board unanimously passed Spaid's presentation as the park master plan.

And not a minute too soon. A residential subdivision adjoins the eastern boundary of the park.

Dale and Linda Schultehenrich's backyard backs up to the lot. While the area next to their home will someday be a park, it now looks more like a bomb site.

Erosion from a pile of dirt, unsightly left-over construction materials from the City Hall building project and unsightly weeds prompted the Schultenhenrichs to attend the meeting to express their concerns.

They, too, were impressed with the concept design.

City Administrator Brad Turvey gave the residents assurances that the initial site grading should begin within the month - weather permitting - and a barrier of trees and shrubs would be planted shortly after that.

A full construction schedule will have to be worked out as the budget allows.

Another sign of the times is the less-than-anticipated economic growth that had been counted on to fund the project. Casual conversation between elected officials and department heads indicate some thinking outside of the box in coordination with a fundraising effort can soon be expected.