ALTUS – City officials are moving forward with the partial closure of a downtown street that will allow for the development of a $1.5 million, five-acre park.
City Manager Gary Jones said the council took no formal vote at the June 7 meeting but decided to continue with the process and move forward with the public hearing on July 5.
Jones described the project as a “massive park” with a concert stage and pavilion coupled with relocation of some utilities, including the underground placement of electrical lines. It will take three to six months before construction begins, Jones said.
“Altus has a vibrant downtown so this ties in with a lot of events we have down there,” the city manager said. “We have a big green space for mini concerts and other things so this will be a big deal for Altus. It’s a hub of activity.”
Jones predicted events such as “Rock-n-Rumble” will be held at the park.
“We’re already hearing from people who are excited about what’s coming to downtown,” he said.
Site development for “The Station” development will cost an estimated $573,630 including $100,000 for decorative lighting. Landscaping will cost more than $136,000. In addition, three shaded gathering areas will cost the city more than $90,000.
Other work will include a food truck pavilion large enough for three food trucks, power for a portable stage, stormwater improvements, large “Altus” signage, streetscape development along E. Commerce similar to the town square including landscaping, lighting and site accessories such as benches.
The downtown park development is one of several projects that are part of an Altus renaissance which stems from MAPS I and MAPS II programs funded with sales tax money. MAPS I served as city projects such as a new city hall and new fire station. MAPS II projects include quality of life projects such as the Altus Reservoir ($11 million), the downtown park, the Veterans Court Housing addition ($15 million) and new walking and jogging trails ($2 million).