The City of OKC sends this information as posted below:
Construction is underway on a new 4-acre park in northeast Oklahoma City.
The former Dewey Elementary School, 3500 N. Lindsay Ave., was purchased by the City of Oklahoma City in December 2024 from Oklahoma City Public Schools to develop a new park in Ward 7.
The Capitol View Neighborhood Association applied and was selected to participate in the City’s Strong Neighborhoods Initiative (SNI). Through SNI, strategic investments were planned to help revitalize the neighborhood. One of the top priorities was demolishing and replacing the long-time vacant school with a park.
“The park will serve as a catalyst for revitalization and social interaction, fostering greater unity within the community through exercise, relaxation, stress reduction, and enhanced mental well-being for all,” Capitol View Neighborhood Association President Priscilla Meadows-Norwood said. “The completion of Dewey Park marks the fulfillment of the dedicated efforts of past and present Presidents, and the members of the Capitol View Neighborhood Association.”
With its large, flower-themed playsets, it will be the first neighborhood park of its kind in Oklahoma City. Other Dewey Park amenities include a walking path, public art, shade structures, exercise equipment, picnic tables, sports courts, trees, and a memorial wall highlighting community leaders. Small planting beds will be available for native plants to attract pollinators.
“OKC Parks Landscape Architect Subhashini Gamagedara did a wonderful job listening to the community; she has designed a one-of-a-kind space that will be enjoyed for generations,” Urban Revitalization Program Planner Shannon Entz said. “Our SNI team has thoroughly enjoyed working with the neighborhood and can’t wait for the grand opening this summer.”
Dewey Park is scheduled to open in mid-summer 2025. Once the park opens, the Oklahoma City Parks & Recreation Department will manage and maintain it.
“We’re so excited to add a new park in the Capitol View Neighborhood,” OKC Parks Director Melinda McMillan-Miller said. “We hope this park becomes a gathering space for the community and creates more opportunity for residents to enjoy the outdoors.”
Downey Construction is the general contractor for the $2.5 million park.
SNI will finish a five-year, $3 million revitalization journey with the Capitol View neighborhood with the park’s completion. Earlier SNI projects in Capitol View included nine new homes, 37 housing rehabilitations, public art, tree planting and more.
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