27 January 2024
TOPEKA (KSNT) – Shawnee County Parks and Recreation is set to begin the first phase of a project they’re calling the ‘Gage Park master plan’.
Shawnee County Parks and Recreation Director Tim Laurent received approval from the Shawnee County Board of Commissioners at their weekly meeting Thursday morning.
“This will set the groundwork for probably two more phases,” Laurent said. “What we’re trying to do is set the groundwork for what Gage Park is going to look like moving forward in the future.”
Last April, the Kansas Department of Revenue began taxing an additional 0.2% on Shawnee County sales, known as the Gage Park tax. The revenue will be used to fund part of this project.
Laurent says engaging the public throughout all phases to get residents’ input will be vital to the project’s success.
“Gage Park is so important to this community,” Laurent said. “I think it’s imperative we hear from as many people as possible.”
Before physical changes can be made, the park’s infrastructure must first be evaluated. Bartlett and West – a Topeka engineering firm – has been contracted to do just that. The company has until May 21st to complete their evaluation and provide it to the county.
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