Overhaul of Kauffman Park Presented to Planning Commission

A group of citizens are looking to move forward with a plan that would transform Kauffman Park.

A splash pad, an amphitheater and public art are just a few of the initial ideas.

Bryan Evans, a nearby resident who is organizing the effort, said the scope of the proposal is largely dependent on the funding that can be raised for the park’s redevelopment.

On Wednesday, Evans and about a dozen neighbors showed up to introduce the proposal to the Lakewood Planning Commission. 

Evans, who’s on the LakewoodAlive design committee, partnered with Friends of Kauffman Park to volunteer planning the redesign of the park. The three ways, he said, to make the park a destination: education, exploration and entertainment.

“We talked about the good and bad, and we talked about the hopes and dreams,” he told the planning commission of the 18-month process. 

“Hopefully in the not-too-distant future we will be back to get this officially adopted.”

Evans, who also sits on the city’s architectural board of review, said there is no firm timetable attached to the project.

To see more of the plans in detail, click here.

“Lakewood Park has a master plan, Madison Park has a master plan,” said Dru Siley, the director of planning and development. “Now, Kauffman Park is getting a master plan.” 

Commission member Bill Gaydos called the plans “gorgeous.” The rest followed, noting support for the project.

Several residents spoke in support of the proposal. 

Missy Toms, who lives next door to the park on Lakeland Avenue, said she’s proud of the effort made by the volunteers in the neighborhood.

“We’re committed to raising the money to make this happen,” she said. “It will just be another gem in Lakewood. People won’t have to go to Crocker Park for a splash pad.”