Peterson Road Park


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Peterson Road Park is 22 acres of undeveloped, City-owned property in the northwest part of Lawrence. This property is located just west of Hallmark Cards. Hallmark Cards originally owned the property to serve as a buffer area or possible future site. In 1998, the south side of Peterson Road Park was donated to the City from Hallmark Cards for use as a future park. In January of 2000, the northern portion of the park ground was donated to the City for a park. As part of the donation, the City was required to provide a master plan to Hallmark Cards for their review and comment.

Site Inventory and Analysis

The topography and vegetation vary throughout the site, from open grass area to densely, wooded areas. Peterson Road bisects the park in the center from east to west. On the south side of Peterson Road, the park is made up of grass pasture and a few trees at the southwest corner of the Peterson Road and Iowa street intersection. On the north side of Peterson Road, the park is made up of large dense woodlands and a small pasture. To the north is a major storm drainage collector running from the west to the east and under North Iowa.

Surrounding usage includes existing single family development to the west and southwest; the Hallmark Cards Manufacturing plant to the east across North Iowa street; and manufacturing to the north. West of the Park, adjacent to the south side, is the Lawrence Heights Christian Church. Pedestrian access into the Park is available via existing sidewalks along north Iowa Street and Kingston Drive. Existing trails are in use along the existing drainage way. Several years ago, the City improved the drainage way by widening this section drainage channel and cleaning up the drainage area. A 10′ wide bike path and 6′ sidewalk runs along Peterson Road. A large parking lot is located on the west side owned by the Lawrence Heights Christian Church.

Programming and Preliminary Design

Programming for Peterson Road Park was a collaboration of Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department staff, Hallmark Cards representatives and Landplan Engineering representatives. Three concepts were created by all parties and revised per all representatives’ comments. Along with the comments, the three concepts were received by Hallmark representatives prior to the final donation of the north portion of the proposed park. The first public meeting was held in June of 2000. There were approximately 30 people at the meeting to review the concepts (See figure A, B, C). From that meeting, Landplan compiled a list of comments and ideas from the neighbors. A meeting was then conducted with the design team and park maintenance officials to discuss the concerns of the neighbors. From that meeting, two of the concepts were combined and comments were included. One master plan was drawn and ready for the next public meeting. The design team and park maintenance officials once again reviewed this plan. A second public meeting was held in mid-July 2000. Approximately 20 people attended that meeting. All concepts were reviewed and discussion on the plans. The surrounding neighbors may a few small changes and accepted the master plan.

To date, park completion awaits funding.