NEW AMENITIES AT W . S . GIBBS MEMORIAL PARK
W . S . Gibbs Memorial Park has some new amenities , with more to come !
SWITCHBACK TRAIL An ADA-accessible concrete switchback trail is being constructed on the south side of the 30-foot-tall hill in the park , providing easier and safer access to the top . The staircase that was installed on the east side of the hill last year will remain in place , allowing for two options for ascending and descending beginning in early to mid-fall .
PAVED TRAIL The park ’ s first paved trail will be constructed around the ponds , roughly following the routes of Turtle Crawl and Monarch Way . It will provide smoother ADA-accessibility , as well as a trail conducive to roller blades , foot-powered scooters , and standard strollers . This project should be completed during the fall months .
MAINTENANCE HUB The exterior of the maintenance hub was built in the northwest corner of the park in late 2023 , and our maintenance crew has spent the months afterwards constructing the interior . The hub is now fully functional , eliminating the need for repeatedly transporting equipment back and forth from McCloud Nature Park in order to care for W . S . Gibbs Memorial Park .
PLACARD A placard was installed near the forebay bridge on a pedestal that mimics the style of the park ’ s entrance sign . The placard commemorates those who were heavily involved with the creation and realization of W . S . Gibbs Memorial Park .
INTERPRETIVE SIGN A new interpretive sign is coming to Pollinator Pathway , detailing the species of plants in the pollinator plot that the trail surrounds , as well as how this project came to fruition . The sign will feature a photo by Traci Patterson Photography in addition to educational information .
MODERN RESTROOMS Modern restrooms are coming to W . S . Gibbs Memorial Park ! Since the park is not connected to any city water or sewer service , a septic system is being designed to handle two modern restrooms that will be coming in 2025 . The restrooms will be similar in style to those at the Vandalia Trail trailheads in Amo and Coatesville . A large restroom will be placed near the central parking lot , and a smaller restroom will be north of that lot in between Firefly Shelter and the playground .
Fall 2024 • 17