City unveils three neighborhood park master plans, including reuse of Lucore farm structures and a Waterland greenway connection

City planners and RDG consultant Scott Crawford presented final neighborhood park master plans July 15 for three sites: Lucore Park (north growth area), Waterland Park (east growth area) and a renovation of existing Willow Park tied to the Auburnette Road extension.

Lucore Park: Crawford said the plan preserves existing dairy‑operation structures (silo and farm buildings) that are structurally sound and could be repurposed. Proposed elements include parking co‑located with a future water tower and maintenance building, a central playground between preserved structures, a park shelter with restrooms, pickleball courts with shade, trails and a large prairie restoration that would create passive open space and trail connections to future surrounding neighborhoods.

Waterland Park: Positioned adjacent to an anticipated elementary‑school site to the north, the Waterland concept emphasizes neighborhood‑scale amenities (playground, shelter, restroom, splash pad option, hard court) and a proposed Greenway connection to potential regional stormwater detention to the south. The plan contemplates coordination with an adjacent developer and Marion Water Works infrastructure and notes that some elements are intended to function as future parent/bus drop‑offs for the school.

Willow Park: The Willow Park plan responds to the planned Auburnette Road extension that bisects the existing park. RDG proposed reconstructing wetlands to intercept and treat runoff before it reaches Indian Creek, adding a pedestrian underpass beneath the bridge, a creek crossing connection to the Indian Creek Trail, and concentrating active uses (playground, shelter, hard court) on the eastern parcel with more passive open space on the western side. The plan notes an existing significant stormwater outlet that may require upsizing and offers wetland and boardwalk options to improve water quality and provide amenities.

Crawford framed the master plans as “guidebooks” for phased implementation over 5–15 years tied to development timing and CIP scheduling; costs provided are planning‑level estimates and the city intends to leverage partners (Monarch Research, Trees Forever and others) to accelerate conservation and tree planting. Council asked about phasing, naming conventions (several earlier names exist for Willow Park), and confirming that naming decisions will come later in the development process; staff said they will continue neighborhood engagement before construction and parcel‑level design work.

Councilmembers voiced support for forward‑looking conservation work and early tree plantings to ensure shade as parks mature, and asked staff to consider distinguishing Willow/Wilow Wood naming to avoid confusion in the future.