Monroe Bicentennial Commons is envisioned to have nine separate areas starting with an entrance plaza that will use a 1940s art deco design for the gateway into the park.
The building would be reminiscent of the amusement park’s buildings, according to Patrick Hoagland of Brandstetter Carroll Inc., which is developing the park for the city.
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The goal is to utilize as many of the former amusement park buildings and other items as possible, he said.
One possibility is using some old ride cars as planters or other climbing amenities, according to Hoagland.
Other amenities will include:
- an active play area with an interactive fountain, playground, nature play area and picnic shelters.
- a bicycle-focused area because the Great Miami River Recreation Trail will go through the park in addition to other bike trails and amenities.
- a riverfront area with swings, a canoe/kayak launch, and an lookout plaza overlooking the Great Miami River.
- a nature restoration area with trails, picnic areas and educational features.
- a recreation area that would include an amphitheater and large lawn for events.
- reconstructing a portion of the former LeSourdsville Lake with a 7.5-acre pond with bridges to an island as a gathering point. There would also be rental canoes and paddleboats.
- a nature habitat/wetland area with an outdoor education center and bird sanctuary.
- pavilion area that would reuse several large steel pavilions for large gatherings and a game plaza.
A portion of the city’s 0.5-percent earned income tax increase approved last fall is earmarked for infrastructure and parks improvements to help pay for the project.
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