RSVP now to be part of the Sulphur Center Circle Park redesign. Who better to help make design decisions about a community park than the people who plan to use it?

Laurie Koelzer, interim executive director for Sulphur Parks and Recreation said this is the thinking behind SPAR’s invitation to the public to attend the design charette to help do just that.

The meeting is set for 6-8 p.m. July 12.

A design charette, she explained, is a planning meeting of stakeholders. The Duplantis Design Group, SPAR board and staff will be at the meeting, along with the public.

Center Circle Park, off Maplewood Drive, was in the news recently when the board decided it was in the best interest of the safety of the community to close the pool this summer, demolish the hurricane-damaged dressing rooms/bathrooms and prepare for the redesign.

This is the first time in SPAR’s history that the public is invited to have a say in the park’s features, Koelzer said.

“Community members can participate and provide insight on how the site could look, along with what features they are most interested in having inside the park,” she said. “This could include a picnicking area, splash pad, pool, inclusive playground, restrooms, community garden boxes, small dog park, shaded sitting areas, exercise and fitness stations, extended walking path that ties into The Commons, pavilions for birthday parties and outdoor events, for example.”

Anyone who plans to use the park can participate in the charrette even though this is a Ward 4, District 2 park. After the design charrette is completed, the team from DDG will develop a professional park design that will integrate resource protection and new features/amenities with the natural character of the park.

The new design will integrate into the Maplewood Commons park done several years back. It won’t look like separate parks when everything is complete. Tranquil spaces will flow into active spaces, in a manner that’s aesthetically pleasing, Koelzer explained.

The monies are budgeted for the project, but no exact dollar amount has been earmarked, Koelzer said. We do have the funds. Funding is provided by property tax millage and SPAR fees.

“We want to see design options to determine how much we would like to allocate to the design,” she said.

SPAR’s goal is to keep as much of the park accessible during construction as possible. Changes, where possible, will be phased in.

Koelzer said the Duplantis Group is someone that local architect E.J. Ellender has partnered with in the past. Ellender designed Maplewood Commons and The Grove.

“This is a great opportunity to help the design team conceptualize the layout and amenities for Center Circle Park from our residents’ perspective,” she said.

To be a part of this charette, RSVP by visiting www.sulphurparks.com/rsvp, so ample materials and snacks can be provided.

For the latest updates on Sulphur Parks & Recreation, follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sulphurparks or go to www.sulphurparks.com and sign up for RAVE notifications.