ALTUS – City council members gave the green light to proceed with the partial closure of a downtown street that will allow for the development of a new $1.5 million park.
The council voted unanimously to approve the closure of Broadway and Commerce streets so workers can begin utility relocation and architects can start their rendering of the five-acre park. The overhead utility lines will be placed underground.
“It’ll be six months before we get to going good, and about a year to 18 months before we’re finished,” Altus City Manager Gary Jones said.
The council voted on June 7 to approve a resolution proposing an ordinance be passed to close part of Grady Street. A public hearing was held, but no major opposition was expressed by residents.
Jones described the project as a “massive park” with a concert stage and pavilion.
“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, in a previous interview.
Developing the downtown park will be another way to attract more people to Altus and to create another recreational attraction for airmen stationed at Altus Air Force Base, Mayor Robert Garrison said.
“We think it’s going to be a great thing. It allows us to have things we can do at different times of the year,” 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, city estimates show.
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 east 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).