Liberty Park Cultural Landscape Report and Vision Plan

Final Vision Plan

Nearly 1,000 community members, along with members of the technical advisory committee and community advisory committee, participated in an open and transparent planning process. Community engagement was crucial to the development of the Cultural Landscape Report and Vision Plan for Liberty Park.

Based on feedback from public input (one public open house and over 470 online surveys) the design team developed three unique design alternatives for the park. The plans represented a variety of park configurations, programming, and varying levels of naturalization throughout the park.

During the second round of public input, over 280 participants provided feedback, which highlighted the restoration of history tree allées, maintenance of existing structures and features, and a soft loop trail along Liberty Lake. Waterwise gardens and the addition of a new greenhouse, with event space and public programing, were also highly prioritized by the community.

What We Heard

1. Preserve open green space, trees, and habitat areas while supporting thoughtful improvements that enhance accessibility, safety, and park uses, and long-term resiliency.
2. Repair historic features and maintain existing amenities.
3. Provide space to gather and host community events.
4. Provide clean facilities and a safe park for all.

Guiding Principles

1. Ensure safe connections and access to and through Liberty Park
2. Ensure safe and welcoming park experiences for everyday use and special events
3. Preserve and repair Liberty Park’s historic composition, buildings, and features
4. Re-establish significant features and uses
5. Protect and enhance the urban forest
6. Be a model for resiliency, low-water landscapes, and biodiversity in urban parks

Final Concept Design

Based on the treatment recommendations from the Cultural Landscape Report and extensive community feedback, a final concept design was developed. This Vision Plan establishes a shared vision to guide preservation and rehabilitation of Liberty Park. Recommendations preserve and rehabilitate historic and natural resources, including Liberty Park's urban forest, park composition, and features. Guidance addresses deferred maintenance, repair, and enhancement of park infrastructure and amenities, and diverse opportunities for visitors of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to relax, recreate, gather, and celebrate.

Key Improvements

• Preserve the park’s historic character
• Repair and enhance iconic tree allées, tree groves, meadows, and water features
• Expand indoor and outdoor gardens, including a new greenhouse facility
• Enhance Liberty Lake with boardwalk and trails
• Preserve circulation patterns, improve access, and enhance accessibility
• Create flexible gathering spaces

Preserve contributing historic buildings, structures, objects, and features

Phased Implementation

The Vision Plan outlines a phased implementation approach that allows the City to prioritize critical needs while adapting to future funding opportunities and community priorities.

Phase 1 (0-5 years) will focus on high-priority maintenance and improvements, including:

• A continuous loop trail around the lake with a boardwalk section, overlooks, native plantings, and informational signage.
• Realignment of multi-use trail and mulch trail with buffer along 700 East
• Greenhouse replacement with expanded gardens, trails, seating, and interpretive signage
• Ongoing repairs and maintenance throughout the park
• Continue to preserve and repair historic patterns of tree allées and tree groves
• Plant 750 deciduous trees and 450 evergreen trees

Phase 2 (5-10 years) will focus on infrastructure preservation and enhancements to high-use areas, such as roadway and entrance improvements and connectivity within the park.

Phase 3 (10+ years) will introduce additional amenities and improvements, such as new picnic shelters, gathering spaces near the Koi Pond, play areas, pathways, wayfinding, improved multi-use trail, and further landscape improvements.