The Parks, Trees and Trails Committee reviewed an early schematic design concept for Cheadle Lake Park that would include increased parking and a permanent stage during its Feb. 19 meeting.
In March 2022, House District 11 Rep. Jami Cate secured a $2.6 million grant from the state for the City of Lebanon to make accessibility improvements at Cheadle Lake Park, such as restrooms, walkways and parking. Since then, city staff and the Parks, Trees and Trails Committee have been working through a series of ideas and designs for which improvements could be made.
City Manager Ron Whitlatch told Lebanon Local that the $2.6 million will primarily cover costs for access improvements, such as paved parking, paths, ADA parking, and a multi-use path along Weirich Drive along the park’s frontage. Other funding sources, such as a $1 million Large Government grant and Park SDCs, will pay for other Cheadle Lake Park projects, also supplemented in part by the state grant.
During their recent meeting, the committee heard a presentation from Udell Engineering, Agate Architecture, and Satre Group on a proposed stage area at the northwest corner of the park.
Michael Soraci, of Agate Architecture, explained the stage they designed features concrete and galvanized steel that is meant to be resilient and require as little maintenance as possible.
Inspired by a bronze plaque with a strawberry motif that sits in the welcome monument at the north entrance of town, Soraci wants to incorporate a strawberry patch design into the concrete pour of the stage’s face, saying he wants to connect “what got us here in the first place, which is the Strawberry Festival,” referring to the park’s original intent to be used for the annual event.
“Even though this will be a multi-use facility that is attracting all different types of events and entertainment, I think it’s good to know that this place is here for a reason and not ever lose that fact,” he said.
Soraci also wanted some sort of expression of the community’s connection to timber in the design, so he added wood beams into the stage ceiling that “pop” against a painted matte black structure.
Committee member Cindy Kerby, who is also heavily involved with the Strawberry Festival Association, said she didn’t like the location of some plants because she believes it would separate the concert area from other areas in the festival too much and would limit the amount of people who could visit the section.
She also talked about safety concerns from the perspective of Homeland Security, should there ever be a dangerous situation, such as an active shooter or cars driving into crowds.
The design team took more feedback from the committee and is expected to continue fleshing out details for the plan.
