In subsequent days, the Orem City Council met with residents, stakeholders and area businesses to see what the impact of a new city park at that location would look like.

Having a park in the Hillcrest neighborhood was considered a good investment, not only for that area of the city, but for the entire community.

It was decided that the newest portion of the school, which includes the gym, kitchen and a few other rooms, would be saved. As of a few months ago those facilities were already being used for after-school activities.

On Tuesday, the council was presented with the park plans. The hope is to start construction this summer. Working together, blu line designs and WPA Architecture will complete the final concept of the park.

“We are very pleased to have been selected by Orem City to generate Construction Documentation for the Orem Hillcrest Park. This park will occupy the site of the former Hillcrest Elementary School,” said Cory Shupe, president and owner of blu line designs. “The school and accompanying annex buildings will be removed with the exception of the gymnasium (which will remain and be utilized as a sports gym and rentable indoor/outdoor event space).”

“Some architectural enhancements such as a new entry to this building will be necessary as the old portion of the building will be removed. The previously approved master plan for Hillcrest Park is very beautiful, functional, and provides numerous verities of activities. As we begin the production of construction documentation for this park, we are recommending a few modifications to the plan. These recommendations will provide for anticipated use and function,” Shupe added.

The overall layout and design of the approved master plan will remain intact. The recommendations are as follows:

• Increased parking to accommodate for anticipated patrons and avoid parking on adjacent roads.
• Reconfiguration/layout of the pickleball courts to allow more park space/event space on the east side of the building.
• Locate the splash pad area closer to the future restrooms and splash pad mechanical room. The splash pad area is also being considered event space during the off seasons that the splash pad is not in use.
• Eliminate one of the access points to University Parkway.

The splash pad will have in-the-ground nozzles so that the space can be used for other things year-round, instead of just the 90 days of summer. It is anticipated the splash pad area will cost about $600,000 or more but is within the allotted budget.

The east side of the gym has a wall of windows that would be turned into doorways and will make the seating areas and the splash pad closer for moms with small children.

Parking was another issue and the designers did some reconfiguring to add more parking spaces. The original renderings showed parking was not sufficient, or even close to it.

There will still be several amenities, playgrounds and a half-mile of walking paths, according to blu line. The City Council was supportive of these recommendations. For now, the project is expected to start this summer.