Hutchinson’s Gateway Park is on its way to receiving a few upgrades, as Hutchinson City Council members approved a plan concept and estimated price at Tuesday’s regular meeting.
The plan, currently a color-coded sketch with a $35,000 cost attached, proposes an umbrella or similar fabric shade structure, cement footing for the structure, pavers with polymer sand, new park lights, new greenery, a new picnic table, a drinking fountain and mural signage, the most discussed item on the list.
Before the design’s approval, Council Member Chad Czmowski recommended an extra $3,000 for financial padding, setting the cost at a total not to exceed $38,000, which would come from the city’s Community Improvement Fund.
Council Member Mary Christensen said visitors to the mural, which depicts several notable Hutchinson natives such as WNBA star Lindsay Whalen and late police officer Mike Hogan, have wanted to know more about its subjects. The new sign would identify and give information on these individuals.
“If we had definite signage on people with great accomplishments in our city, it would be good for everyone,” Christensen said.
Council Member Steve Cook brought the idea to the rest of the council in October 2017 because he thought it was time the park was improved and finished.
“When the mural was done and dedicated in 2013, I was kind of involved with helping get that completed,” he said. “There was always talk of having signage to explain who the people were on the mural and their significance. That had never gotten done.”
Cook said it is evident that community members, and perhaps even some leaders, still do not know all the names of those the mural depicts.
“I thought it was really important because all these people have a story,” he said. “(The plan to improve) is a way to tell those stories and make the park more attractive and usable.”
Another reason for the improvements is that the park is in a convenient and usable location, Cook said.
“There’s parking available,” he said. “People could park there and be able to walk to other nearby areas. We would encourage people to visit downtown.”
In addition to Whalen and Hogan, the mural depicts U.S. Congressman Ancher Nelsen; the Hutchinson Public Library and the Crow River; Les Kouba, said to be “Dean of Minnesota Wildlife Artists”; and Sam Anderson, co-founder of the Gopher Campfire Conservation Club. The mural was painted by Lance Albers.
Planning and Zoning Director Dan Jochum said last year that the park’s original plans, which were similar to the new concept, were sidelined when installing a public restroom was found unfeasible.
“You can have it there in front of the flood plain, but in order to get it out of the flood plain and make it ADA accessible, the ramp is super long and doesn’t work on the site,” he said. “So that was out of the question.”
When Cook brought the idea up again last year, City Administrator Matt Jaunich recommended the council draft and approve a plan. Improving the park is consistent with long-term city plans, he said Tuesday.
Hutchinson Mayor Gary Forcier said he approves of the idea.
“It would be a great thing to have something explain who these people are,” he said. “There’s always a lot of people in that area, whether they’re fishing or looking at the mural. It’s a well-used area and a good amenity.”
Cook said he is excited about the plan.
“It’s the entrance to the community,” he said. “As you go around to other parks, you’ll see they have improvements as well. This was never finished, and now it’s time.”
