Landscape Architects Randell Ernstberger Associates, LLC are starting to “zero in” on the design for the new downtown Prairie Creek Park going in across from Nickle Plate Flats in downtown Frankfort.
Principal Architect Cecil Penland, PLA and Landscape Architect Sami Bronowski gave a conceptual 3-D rendering presentation to the Frankfort Rotary Club Thursday at Arborwood.
Here is a brief example of the 3-D design rendering presented at the Frankfort Rotary Club Thursday July 5th.
Prairie Creek Park will be located near the corner of Jackson and Washington Streets. Prairie Creek Park is designed to be a key feature of the Live-Work-Play amenities of Downtown Frankfort. One of the key features of the park will be the Farmers Bank Stage area capable of accommodating 800 people seated in the audience or up to 1500 unseated individuals. The grass area in front of the stage will slope down slightly to the elevated stage and designed so attendees will not see the back of the head of the person in front of them instead of the on-stage Entertainment. A key component of the stage will be a dressing room green room area plus a walled area directly behind the stage for easy entrances and exits to and from the stage.
A ticket booth-souvenir Kiosk may be a part of the amphitheater design to be able to take money or tickets.
The park will be designed with flexible movable tables and seating to maximize customization and utility. The current parking area in the Northwest Corner is now only used on the top level. The large area under the parking lot will be transformed into a catering station, restrooms and designed to transition into the outside during the summer and yet be usable in the colder winter months as needed.
The plans envision a beer garden as a small rentable area with two adjoining picnic shelters and several banquet tables for meetings, receptions, reunions and other public and private activities.
The NHK bridge over Prairie Creek will be designed to withstand a 500 year water flooding event and marks the transition into the children’s area complete with a fenced in splash pad area, oversized benches for families to enjoy the water and shade, drinking fountains, playground and grassy area for green space or possibly dog park area. The playground might have a “Musical Instruments” theme for the different attractions.
Flexabilty and capability to accommodate large and small groups, public and private events through several different seasons, sunny and shaded areas, day and night events, adult and child friendly areas have all been planned into the park to create public and private demand for the space.
Travis Sheets, Frankfort Park Director, can be reached at 765-659-3422.