Design company chosen for Downtown Park Project

The Sanger City Council awarded a contract to MHS Planning & Design for conceptual renderings for the new downtown park that will be considered the gathering place for downtown Sanger. A kick-off meeting was held with the firm on January 4, 2024, to discuss the project timeline. The first public online survey will go live this week, followed by several meetings with stakeholders, staff, and the City Council. The final design concept is expected to be completed by June 2024. 

The City of Sanger is exploring a future Downtown Park between Elm and Bolivar streets, just east of 2nd street. It would be a gathering spot for the community with an outdoor stage, incorporation of food trucks and become the new home to downtown events.  It would feature and entry plaza with pop-up market, flexible seating with a central and secondary lawn, walkway with trees, and covered structures.  The images to the right are not representative of the final design but an example drawing.   

PROJECT BACKGROUND:

The City recently adopted a new comprehensive plan called Sanger 2040 Comprehensive Plan. This plan is meant to be a guideline for future development. The existing park network provides Sanger residents with access to a range of active and passive green space. The development of a new downtown park provides what families are looking for in downtown while creating a catalyst for adjacent new commercial development. At the same time, strengthen the opportunity for outdoor activity and education.

SCOPE OF SERVICES AND DELIVERABLES:

The City of Sanger will consider two conceptual renderings for approximately 6 acres of currently undeveloped park land in the downtown area as follows:

• Scenario I – A conceptual rendering of the proposed park centered around a “railroad theme”. The location of the new park is in close proximity to an active railroad and the City would like to see a concept embracing railroad-themed elements. 

• Scenario II – The firm should propose one other conceptual rendering (not railroad theme related). 

The proposed site includes an existing vacant structure (large warehouse). The City is planning for the structure to stay and would like to see it repurposed and incorporated into the new park concept; however, it is willing to consider alternatives that do not include preserving the building.

Additionally, the City owns a piece of property adjacent to the proposed site that currently includes an old lumber yard and is in the process of determining whether it needs to be made part of the proposed park. The Respondent should incorporate this additional site into the proposed scenarios.