A 62-acre sculpture park in Edmond might still be possible after all. The developer called it quits on their efforts last week, but the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce announced their intentions to help make the project a reality.
The Chamber says they want people to understand what this could do for the area, and how the park could be a game-changer.
"Our mission is to be the voice for business and to improve quality of life in Edmond," President and CEO of the Edmond Chamber Sherry Jordan said. "We feel this project speaks directly to those things."
SEE RENDERINGS OF THE PROPOSED PARK VIA THE GALLERY AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE
The Chamber released this statement today, sharing their concerns about Edmond losing the Uncommon Ground Sculpture Park.
"We really need this park," Jordan said. "It could be a huge economic development tool for us. It could just raise our level of wanting people to come here to work, live and play. It could be a huge economic driver for us, so I really hope [the developers] don't give up."
Jordan says she wants to help revive the project. While park advocate Randel Shadid appreciates that, he says that doesn't change his mind about not working on the property anymore.
"We don't make public statements about being done if we don't mean it," Shadid said.
Shadid also admits he doesn't want to work with city management anymore.
"They're not wanting to do things that they should do to encourage development, particularly when someone is trying to give you $60 million worth of improvements."
He says if there are any further efforts to bring this park to Edmond, developer Hal French won't be involved, and neither will he.
"It's going to be somebody else if they want to do it, and take it on. I'm sure Hal would give them all of our plans, architectural stuff, landscape plans and park plans if they want it. They're never going to take on a project like this in the city, and we don't expect them to. They don't have the money to do what we were going to do here."
Regardless, the Chamber says it won't give up on this idea.
"We would love to work with anyone who would want to come forward and continue the project," Sherry Jordan said.
Even after hearing Shadid's comments, City Manager Scot Rigby says Edmond is ready and willing to continue working with the developers:
The City is ready and willing to work with Mr. French’s team. The Uncommon Ground proposed park is an exciting opportunity for this community, as evidenced by City Council unanimously approving their site plan, granting all their requested site plan variances, and agreeing to assume responsibility for future improvements to Coltrane Road and 2nd Street. The City has even taken the step to include funding in next year’s budget for Coltrane street design. With site plan approval, Uncommon Ground can submit civil and building plans for review and once approved can receive building permits to start park construction. In the meantime, the City is at the table and ready to continue discussions about a master agreement regarding their requests for additional city incentives.
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