A design for the future 70-acre park land in Shadow Lake was presented to the City of Charlestown’s Aug. 1 Redevelopment Commission meeting by HWC Engineering.
PLAN RENDERING FOR 70 ACRE SHADOW LAKE PARK
The land was graciously donated to the city in 2022 to create a nature-friendly park. Located off High Jackson Road, Shadow Lake park is less than a mile from Charlestown Middle School and HWY 62. The vision of the park came through various stakeholder meetings, the land donor, steering committee, high school students, and youth activities directors.
“I’m excited to see the opportunity for preservation of our beautiful natural landscape with this stunning park concept,” said Mayor Treva Hodges. “My favorite part is this is not one persons idea, but a collaborative idea to involve residents in our growth and decision making.”
The design includes a 31,500-square foot multipurpose community/civic center. Amenities would include a sports court space for basketball, volleyball, pickleball, archery, wrestling, gymnastics, and more. Other areas feature a theater/stage space, community rooms, and an indoor play area for children and indoor walking track.
“The civic center will fulfill a major need our residents want,” said Mayor Treva Hodges. “This facility is in a shovel-ready location and offers year-round use for sports, meeting spaces, events, and more.”
Adding mixed use trails to the parks system was a unanimous desire among stake holders of the 2020/21 Parks Masterplan. The 70-acre park intends to keep much of the green space and established trees as the design incorporates a trail system of boardwalks, stairs, and traditional footpaths. Trail options include handicap accessible paths and switchbacks through moderate elevation changes and offer opportunities for everyone from casual trail walkers to competitive trail runners.
Two large event lawns and sports practice spaces would be open for major events like the Rock and Glow, in addition to being used for football, soccer, archery, ultimate Frisbee, and more.
“I am thrilled to see the plans for the Shadow Lake park land and all the great amenities it will provide to our community as a destination for our growing community and region,” said Parks Director Marissa Knoebel. “This park will open many avenues of programming, community events, and activities for all Charlestown residents.”
There is plenty of play for all ages in the concept. A nature play area incorporates natural features, covered sports courts (basketball/pickleball), a tree house, a challenge course, yoga decks, and fitness stations.
Beyond active sports, the land will feature an existing creek and retention ponds to offer a dock for fishing and water activities. An amphitheater situated between a pond, lawn space, and the civic center opens programming opportunities for arts, events, weddings, and other celebrations. Art installations and donor wildflower gardens add to the aesthetics of the park.
In line with the 2020/21 Parks Masterplan, the conceptual design addresses a variety of needs including the 72-acre lack of park land in the city as identified by The Trust for Public Land.
The next phase of planning is continuing communications with residents. Public feedback opportunities take place on three dates:
- Saturday, Sept. 16 – 4-6 p.m. at Community Days Festival at the City’s booth in front of City Hall (304 Main Cross Street)
- Tuesday, Sept. 26 – 6-8 p.m. at the Arts & Enrichment Center (999 Water Street)
- Thursday, Oct. 12 – 6-8 p.m. at the Arts & Enrichment Center (999 Water Street)
In addition, residents can submit online feedback via form.
After gathering feedback, the plan is to move to the design phase in 2024 with target construction beginning late 2025.
PLAN RENDERING FOR 70 ACRE SHADOW LAKE PARK
The presentation from HWC can be viewed HERE (14:00 mark).