Kimball City Park
A community park redesign that transforms an underutilized space into a central hub for recreation, gathering, and everyday use in a rapidly growing city.
Project Overview
Project Type
Community Park Design
Project Name
Kimball City Park
Location
Kimball, Nebraska
Design Process
Problem
Kimball, Nebraska is projected to nearly double in population, placing immediate pressure on existing park infrastructure and creating the need for expanded recreation, improved circulation, and spaces that can support a growing and evolving community.
Approach
Reimagined the existing park as a central community hub by introducing active recreation, flexible gathering spaces, and improved circulation. The design leverages its proximity to downtown, the community center, fairgrounds, and elementary school to create a connected, highly used public space, with additions like a community garden to engage nearby residents and students.
Discovery & Site Understanding
The existing park lacked programmed activities and offered little reason for residents to visit beyond passive outdoor use. Feedback from nearby residents revealed a sense of disconnection, with limited opportunities for community interaction or shared experience.
Concept Development
To address this, the design focused on introducing a range of activities that would attract diverse user groups and encourage longer stays. Program elements such as community gardens and outdoor sports fields were selected to provide both active and passive recreation, supporting a broader mix of users.
Design Refinement
The community center anchors the park, guiding the organization of surrounding program elements. The existing outdoor pool is enhanced with the addition of a splash park to increase seasonal use and family appeal. Detention ponds to the north manage stormwater while introducing variation in topography and visual interest across the site.
Outcome & Intent
Kimball City Park is reimagined as an accessible, central hub designed to bring the community together. The park supports a wide range of activities—indoor and outdoor—including recreation, social gathering, and learning. As Kimball grows, the park is positioned to serve as a vital space for connection, activity, and everyday use.
Final Design
Site Map
North of Community Center
South of Community Center
Interior Courtyard