Ripley Park Master Plan 2015-2019

In the majority of Cities across the United States, a park located within the City’s business district is a place of social gathering and interaction, and a venue for various forms of entertainment.   It is also considered one of many economic development catalysts and is normally one of the first places seen by visitors.  While the City and Recreation & Parks Board works hard to maintain a beautiful park in the center of Downtown Marceline, the park has not had a comprehensive investment in years.  While it is understood that Ripley Park is a valuable asset to the City, many of the facilities are antiquated and have fallen into disrepair.  More importantly, many of the facilities do not meet American Disability Act (ADA) requirements.

Work on conceptual planning for Ripley Park has been ongoing for many years.  Prior to the inception of the Recreation and Parks Board, work was done by volunteer citizens and community organizations with approval by the City Council.  Discussions about a parks plan predates the community involvement in the park pond, renewed plans began with the removal of a separate Parks Board and Recreation Board and the creation of a combined Recreation & Parks board to sustain both and yield greater synergy.  This was a part of the broader plan from Recreation and Parks Board still in the developmental stages.

In the fall of 2013, through the summer of 2014, consideration was given to the removal of the Park Pond located in the northeast corner of the park, one of the many features in Ripley Park that has provided fond memories for generations of Marceline residents.  Although the consideration was rescinded, there was a renewed interest in the park as a whole.  Meetings between the Recreation & Parks Board, Downtown Marceline, Marceline Volunteer Fire Department and the City found consensus that changes to design and features were needed.  In December of 2014, the Marceline City Council formally requested a long-range concept plan for the park, so that the resources of all parties concerned could be focused on the Park’s revitalization.

Purpose:

The purpose of the Ripley Park Master Plan 2015-2019 is to provide flexible design concept for the future planning of the growth, development and renovation of Ripley Park for the next 5 years. 

Proposed Timeline:

The following proposed timeline is flexible and can be modified or changed at any time based upon available resources, funding, and the desires of all parties concerned.  This can be used for all parties to plan budgets, fundraising efforts and schedules.