Cooper Park – Parking Lot Redesign and Replacement

The asphalt pavement in the northwest corner of Cooper Park was originally constructed for basketball courts. After the basketball hoops and standards were removed, over time, the court space was converted into a de facto parking lot that supports the wading pool, pavilion, and sports fields. The pavement was last rated in 2018 as an 11/100, the worst asphalt pad in the system, likely due to use other than the original design and its age.

The pavement area only has a single lane for ingress/egress, making vehicular movement very difficult at times of high use (such as a pavilion rental or on election day). Since there is ample street parking on both sides of all adjacent streets, this project would include an evaluation of reducing the pavement to what is necessary to meet the building demand only, and convert the remaining impervious area to green space (included as part of the overall design process). The local Friends group has planted a pollinator garden nearby that would complement this growing green space.

An improved parking lot would also support the 60-person rental hall (used 2 times/week) and the beer garden hosted in the same space. This location is also a voting site for 2 wards.

The scope of work includes planning and design for the parking segment in Cooper Park with a new asphalt parking lot. Size to be reduced to what is needed (original asphalt was of a low-grade quality). Includes new striping, landscaping, storm, curb and gutter, and lighting, building a new shed, and removing the existing shed, parking lot entrance, and exit. A barrier to separate service vehicles and pedestrian access shall be installed. Better ADA accessibility. Signage for entrances to parks and new front entrance signage for the park.

Modification of existing playground fence to extend to the south with pedestrian gates (ornamental/black vinyl chain link – 4 height).