On Monday, February 24, at 2:00 PM, JC Parks officially launched an inclusive audit of key parks in partnership with design firm Crafton Tull.
With sixty-plus years of experience, Crafton Tull has been dedicated to improving communities through thoughtful planning, innovative design, and professional expertise.
In the fall of 2024, they submitted a proposal through the City’s RFP platform outlining a two-pronged project to increase accessibility and inclusivity in the city’s parks: an audit of existing parks and infrastructure with a roadmap for increasing accessibility and a proposed location and construction documents for an inclusive playground.
“We hope to really help move the needle forward on inclusion here,” Dave Roberts, Senior Vice President for Planning and Business Development at Crafton Tull, told the steering committee at the audit’s launch on Tuesday.
“Sometimes, seeing is believing,” he continued, “And as the Capital City, your town can be seen as a leader that others look to – we’re excited to be here.”
JC Parks director, Aaron Grefrath welcomed the firm’s staff and added, “This is an exciting project for us, one that feels long overdue.”
This audit is guided by a steering committee composed of JC Parks staff, commissioners, and community members invested in seeing inclusion for all ages and abilities increase within city parks. The list of committee member names and roles is included at the end of this release.
The audit will include a walk-through evaluation of designated parkland and facilities including:
- Binder Park
- Washington Park and Ice Arena
- Community Park
- Ellis-Porter Riverside Park, Pool, and Capital Region Amphitheater
- Memorial Park and Family Aquatic Center
- McClung Park
- McKay Park
- Oak Hills Golf Course
In this first phase of the process, relevant staff and community members will accompany the firm to share user experiences and community needs that dovetail with the nuances of each location.
Phase two of the audit, which is scheduled to begin in March 2025 will include public engagement sessions — gathering community input through online and in-person sessions. Details about public meetings and opportunities for community input will be announced with at least two weeks’ notice on JC Parks’ Facebook page and website.
For updates, visit JC Parks or contact Jefferson City Parks and Recreation at 573-634-6482.
Steering Committee members:
JC Parks Staff:
- Kevin Schwartz, Outdoor Recreation Specialist
- Angie Toebben, Program Manager – Camps & Active Living
- Julie Haupt, Program Manager – Aquatics
- Missy Morarity, Program Manager – Washington Park Ice Arena
- James Reinkemeyer, Program Manager – Special Populations
- Payton Funk, Program Manager – Adult Sports
- Josh Werdehausen, Parks Supervisor
- Bryan Braun, Assistant Director – Parks & Golf
- Amy Schroeder, Assistant Director – Arts & Outreach
- Phil Stiles, Assistant Director – Recreation Services
- Andrew Brunnert, Senior Management Analyst
- Ashley Wiskirchen, Community Engagement Manager
- Aaron Grefrath, JC Parks Director
Additional Members:
- Stu Murphy, Parks Commissioner
- Stephanie Johnson, Executive Director — Special Learning Center
- Jennifer Wright, Director of Therapy Services — Special Learning Center
- Leslie Bickle, Parent & Community Advocate
- Debbie Himmler, former Executive Director — Special Learning Center (retired)
Media Mentions:
Click here to read the full feature from the News Tribune: Accessibility improvements suggested in parks audit
