Altoona city officials get feedback on River Prairie public parks spaces

Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Jesse Yang | WQOW

Altoona (WQOW)- As Altoona continues to map out green space in the River Prairie Development, the city is asking what residents want to see in city parks. 

On Tuesday the city held a public presentation on what the city has planned for the public park spaces near the developments, including a public plaza, pavilions, an amphitheater and performance areas. 

City Administrator Mike Golat said most of the feedback the city received was very positive and did not raise any concern regarding the substantial part of the plans.  Golat said most of the questions that came up were about plans for the park's WiFi capabilities, and the park's audio system.

Right now the park is set to enable an audio system that would provide speakers near the outdoor theaters and the wedding space, and have capabilities of providing subtle ambient noise throughout the park.

Golat said they will continue taking feedback as the city moves closer to finalizing the park plans.  The city hopes to start park construction in June, and have most of it completed by this fall.

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March 22, 2016

Altoona (WQOW) - A local city wants you to join in on the conversation about its new city parks.

On Tuesday, Altoona staff will ask for your input on its design plans for the new public park spaces in River Prairie Development. The public areas are near the "Four Seasons Plaza" and along "Altoona Main Street" and "River Prairie Park". The plans call for a children's play area, splash pad, outdoor fire places and performance venues for events and festivals.

Mike Golat, the city administrator for Altoona, said Tuesday's event will allow people to share thoughts on improvements and changes to the design plans. "The idea is to give a wide demographic of people a lot of different things to do and a lot of reasons to be there," Golat said. "We can create good energy and have large events hosted there."

Staff said the park amenities and construction of main street are estimated to cost $7.7 million. The public event will be held tonight at The Classic at Hillcrest Greens in Altoona. The event begins at 6pm and ends at 8pm.

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