The Columbia Parks and Recreation Department is proposing an improvement project for Lions-Stephens Park.
The project will be funded by the department’s Park Sales Tax, which was voted into place in 2015. The department is working with the Benton-Stephen’s community to figure out what improvements are needed most at the park.
Peter Norgard is President of the Benton-Stephens Neighborhood Association. He says some community members don’t see a need in upgrading the park, but overall the response to the project has been positive.
“You know, I’m just glad that the city is willing to spend money on our neighborhood…It’s refreshing to see the city so willing to put some money into our neighborhood and reinvest a little bit.”
Norgard says the current shelter in Lions-Stephens Park is about 30 years old. The Columbia Parks and Recreation Department plans on rebuilding the shelter and replacing playground equipment.
The department is still finalizing its improvement plan before presenting it to the Parks and Recreation Commission for approval.