WINFIELD — The town continues to work on development of its 10-acre downtown park, and one council member said to encourage all generations of residents to use their imaginations, the park’s overall unique theme will be a nod to modern literature and literary classics.
Councilwoman Bridget Baird said it will be done with subtle structures, plants and trees throughout the park reminding residents of their favorite literary references. The park will also include a little free library.
"The little free libraries are a concept that offers a standalone compartment for residents to leave a book or take a book at their leisure," Baird said. "As a town we know that a child who is literate has a much greater chance for success in life than unable to read. Our vision with this park is to provide access and surround our children with literary elements even when they may not have access at home."
Baird said examples include a sidewalk that ends, a giving tree stump, a Weeping Willow (like the Whomping Willow from "Harry Potter") and Dr. Seuss-inspired plants.
Baird said as more opportunities for civil integration within Winfield are present, residents can form more connections with their neighbors and have an even greater sense of engagement within their community.
"The town’s overall plan for the park stretches beyond playground equipment with a fully comprehensive plan to hosts events such as movies in the park, yoga in the park and provide year-round activities such as sledding, walking paths, a community garden and much more," she said.
Plans for the park began several years ago when the town obtained the land for the park from Providence Real Estate Development just south of 109th Avenue on Randolph Street.
The park project was delayed for a while while the town worked with Providence, the developer of the subdivision that borders two sides of the park property.
Among the things Providence did that helped the town save money was dig a large detention basin (for the subdivision), which allowed needed fill for the park.
The town has saved about $415,000 to develop the park and hopes to break ground this summer. A walking path has already started to be built around a pond in the park.