City staff on Thursday gave commissioners an update on a proposed downtown park that is being coordinated with a Jiffy Trip store development.

Scott, the staff project lead, said demolition work was completed in October and that utility companies OG&E and Blue Peak removed most infrastructure. A remaining gas main in an alley prompted a signed agreement to remove the line; "the vacation hearing has been set for February 26," Scott said, so the city can obtain a judge's decree required to finalize plats.

Staff described a three-lot plat: Lot 1 will host the Jiffy Trip store, Lot 2 will contain the amphitheater and central lawn, and Lot 3 will be a north-side parcel for later features. Scott said the timeline calls for a MAPC review on March 16 and commission consideration on March 17 to approve the three plats.

Design and amenities discussed include a tiered, turf seating area for the amphitheater, a permanent stage canopy, paver-style Park Street surfacing, irrigation throughout the park and several circular plazas. The city said it plans to retain flexible, blanket-style seating areas and provide ADA access to the stage area.

Public-art plans were highlighted by staff and the Public Arts Commission (PACE). Commissioners described two planned art pieces: a large guitar tribute to Michael Hedges by local artist Kelly Todd, and a proposed stainless-steel astronaut sculpture intended to be interactive. PACE involvement was noted as part of project programming.

On funding, staff provided preliminary estimates for park elements shown on a slide; the presentation referenced an on-screen estimate for key park components and noted that the city's agreement with Jiffy Trip provides roughly $1.3 million in a mix of cash and in-kind contributions. Staff said total needs exceed those contributions and that the commission will pursue additional fundraising and likely a contract amendment to secure execution. The mayor and commissioners discussed soliciting donations and naming-rights agreements for the amphitheater, playground and other major features; staff said they will return with a fundraising proposal at the next meeting.

Commissioners asked about schedule and capacity: Jiffy Trip representatives said construction of the store could open near the end of the year, while staff said the park work is intended to finish before a planned tree installation next season. "We're trying to run the park construction concurrent with the store construction for efficiency," an Alex with the developer said.

The commission took no formal action on the park during the study session; staff identified the remaining administrative steps (vacation hearing, MAPC review, plat adoption and any contract amendments) and said they will return with firm cost allocations and a fundraising plan.