Eric Hall Public Services Director | City of Florence
Eric Hall Public Services Director | City of Florence
The City of Florence is set to reveal its new master plan for six city parks at an open house scheduled from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on January 21, 2025, at the Florence Nature Center. This comprehensive plan incorporates public input collected throughout 2024 and aims to guide future improvements for years to come.
Unique enhancements have been recommended for each park. Kentaboo Park will feature a new splash pad, multi-purpose sports field, and shading over play areas. Lincoln Woods Park will include a new outdoor classroom, multi-purpose court, and upgraded baseball facilities. Orleans Park will see new pickleball courts, a dog park, a gathering space, and improved walking trails. South Fork Park will introduce a new adventure playground, water play area, and walking trail. Stringtown Park will have a new plaza along with pickleball and basketball courts. Lastly, Skate Park plans to add a new amphitheater and both competition-level and beginning-level pump tracks.
The first phase of plan development began in early 2024 with an online survey and an in-person public meeting aimed at gathering resident feedback on current park conditions and desired improvements. The preliminary concepts created from this input were refined after further community feedback was gathered through a virtual open house in July.
Dr. Julie Metzger Aubuchon, Mayor
| City of Florence
Florence Mayor Julie Aubuchon expressed enthusiasm about the project: “We are excited to share the final result of a very thoughtful and collaborative planning and design phase,” she said. “We worked hard to incorporate many of the public’s suggestions, and we hope the Florence community will be thrilled with the plans they helped design.”
The master planning effort included analyzing existing conditions at each park while developing concept plans, renderings, and cost estimates for improvements. The team focused on identifying features that would benefit Florence residents long-term.
For those unable to attend the in-person event, a virtual open house will be available starting January 16 at cofparksmp.mysocialpinpoint.com. The website offers an interactive map, ideas wall, initial concepts, and draft plans.
Community members with questions or wishing to provide feedback can contact KZF Design at (513) 621-6211 or abby.stainfield@kzf.com.
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