This first phase of the design process is to gain an understanding from the community regarding their vision and preferences for the use of the park. Community members will be asked to help outline priorities and test previous input and ideas from the PROS plan, including previous concept designs. There will also be a presentation by the consultant, DTJ Design, which will include examples of parks from communities across Colorado and beyond. DTJ will then process community input as well as information gathered from the City Council workshop and focus groups planned for April 1, into three concept designs with cost ranges. An additional opportunity for public input is planned for May 13 and 14 which will include a review of the three design concepts.
Other methods of public engagement include collecting input through informal surveys and from interaction on the city’s community engagement website EngageGJ.org. A recording of the presentation of each phase in this planning process will also be posted on EngageGJ.org.
DTJ Design was chosen as the consultant on the redesign of Whitman Park following an RFP process in December of 2023. They were selected based on their extensive experience in similar projects, their ability to reimagine community spaces, their expertise in placemaking, and their comprehensive team.
The reactivation of Whitman Park is outlined as a priority in the 2021 Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Master Plan for the parks and recreation system. More information about the PROS Master Plan. For questions regarding city programming, services, or facilities, call Grand Junction Parks and Recreation at 970-254-3866, visit gjcity.org, or email gjparksandrec@gjcity.org