40. Community Need In 2020, the Board of Park Commissioners adopted a Park Master Plan for Grant Park, our largest park in the District at 220-acres.

The Grant Park Master plan reflects a large number of passionate voices from the community. 448 individuals participated in the survey, and park staff provided insight from their experiences regarding opportunities and challenges within the park. From the input came the recommendation for safe, reliable access for students, visitors, maintenance and first responders.

To address safety and accessibility within the entire park, the master plan calls for two bridges that will allow for reliable year-round access. Currently, the main trails at Grant Park are accessed via an existing 160-foot bridge over Hole’s Creek. This bridge has reached its lifespan, and the plan calls for replacement with a new bridge that will be vehicle load rated and ADA accessible. The second bridge will also cross Hole’s Creek upstream along the same trail network.

It is important to note that the park connects to Watts Middle School and Normandy Elementary School, as well as surrounding neighborhoods. Both of the aforementioned schools utilize the park as an escape route should a threatening situation arise, such as an active shooter. A delineated route leads students through the park to safe zones, such as the Kennard Nature Nook on the west side of Grant Park. Safe, reliable trail access is a must for this purpose.

Grant Park is a beautiful and scenic nature park stretching along Holes Creek, and attracting over 65,000 visitors every year. Developed on the former country estate, Normandy Farms, the park still contains remnants of buildings and structures developed by Richard H. Grant, Sr. The park provides access to forests, meadows, prairies, wetlands, and a meandering stream. A trail network connects the park’s natural and historic features with amenities which include the Kennard Nature Nook, natural play area, storybook trail, campfire circles, sled hills, picnic areas and more.