The former amenities at Fireman’s Park served their purpose, no doubt. It had been a place of public gathering for soccer, picnics, and refreshing summer swims for decades. Yet, the buildings and restrooms were in a state of steady deterioration. An overgrown chain-link fence surrounded the beach in a somewhat unwelcoming fashion, and trail connections to and from park amenities were in poor repair, largely inaccessible to anyone with mobility restrictions—as was much of the playground equipment. 

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The City’s goal was to create a flagship community park to serve as a model for safe, inclusive, sustainable design. Now, more than ever, individuals and families are looking to a community’s park, recreation and outdoor spaces when making decisions about where to visit, vacation or relocate. Those communities who are successful have elected to make these assets as visible, accessible, and interactive as possible. 

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The landscape architect was the project manager from schematic concepting through construction documentation and construction administration. The project included public engagement as well as several council approvals at each step. The landscape architect provided on-site guidance during construction as well as coordination with park staff.

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Fireman’s Park retains its connection to the old community swimming hole and waterslide of Quarry Lake, but with new site grading, welcoming terraces, a sunbathing deck, and umbrellas poised along the beach to provide shade to visitors and their picnics on hot summer days. Concrete steps lead up a stamped architectural concrete retaining wall to a circular, elevated splash pad and zero-depth aquatic play area, both of which can be reached by an arching ADA-accessible ramp.

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The splash pad design itself is cheery, with swirls of sky blue and spring green concrete underfoot, complemented by matching blue and green leaf-shaped shade canopies above. Designed to be circular in nature and to encourage open vantage points and views of other play areas within the park, the splash pad is accented with nature-based water features depicting cattails, flowers, fish, plant life and butterflies in an array of vivid prime colors. At the center is a gigantic orange and white water pinwheel that dumps a cascade of water onto both eagerly awaiting and unsuspecting kids and adults beneath.

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Adjoining the splash pad is another circular area where visitors will find a “dancing water” journey area for younger children, or those looking for a quieter play experience. Here, children are encouraged to be curious and interact with the water features beneath two giant blue shade canopies. Benches invite parents to watch, relax or play along.

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Thanks to grant opportunities and tremendous community support, Fireman’s Park officially opened for public use in 2019 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on July 31. As the only outdoor aquatic recreation facility in the City of Verona, the beach and splash pad provide options for water lovers of all ages and abilities to cool down on hot summer days. This reclaimed, revitalized city park is sure to provide residents and guests with recreational entertainment for generations to come.