City of Forest Acres announces new public park plans

Waterfront park in Forest Acres

New waterfront park in Forest Acres

Renderings via Kenneth B. Simmons Associates and City of Forest Acres

ICYMI — The City of Forest Acres announced plans for a brand new, half acre waterfront park. The plans for the estimated $1 million park were unveiled at the Bierkeller event over the weekend that took place in the same location of the future park.

The City hopes that the newest park to the unincorporated area will provide an urban green space + become the “town square” destination for future community events.

Waterfront park in Forest Acres

New waterfront park in Forest Acres

Renderings via Kenneth B. Simmons Associates and City of Forest Acres

Deck overview and splash pad | Renderings via Kenneth B. Simmons Associates

The new city park will offer waterfront views along Gills Creek on Forest Lake Place Drivewhich is across from Trenholm Plaza + behind Forest Lake Fabrics and Zoe’s Kitchen.

The location was home to the former animal clinic that was removed after being flooded during the 1,000 Year Flood in 2015. The property was donated to the city + due to the zoning rules following the historic flooding, buildings of that size are no longer permitted for the area.

Day - Memorial 2

Memorial for Forest Acres police officers | Renderings via Kenneth B. Simmons Associates

A memorial stone is planned to honor Forest Acres police officers Greg Alia, who died while on duty in 2015, and Richey Finch, a patrolman who died during a traffic stop in 1974.

Evening - Lawn + Food Truck

Green space and food truck area

Renderings via Kenneth B. Simmons Associates and City of Forest Acres

Green space and food truck area | Renderings via Kenneth B. Simmons Associates

Here’s what community members can plan to see at the new park:

  • An event lawn
  • A small performance stage
  • An overlook deck on the creek to view the spillway of Forest Lake
  • A splash pad
  • Space for food trucks
  • A memorial for Forest Acres Police Officers Greg Alia + Richey Finch.