Driving past the future site of North Village Park, you wouldn’t think much of it. It looks more like a vacant lot rather than the blank canvas of the newest downtown park. Consisting of 2.3 acres on the corner of Orr Street and Park Avenue, this property was previously owned by Ameren UE and was cleared of EPA-designated contamination in 2014.
“It will bring a much-needed green space for the area, for people to visit, relax, and enjoy nature, as well as being an opportunity for small events and contributing to First Fridays,” said Tootie Burns, treasurer for the North Village Arts District. Burns is also an artist at Orr Street Studios.
Before the Columbia Parks and Recreation Department purchased the land in 2022, the property was two adjoining lots — about half an acre at 209 St. James Street and 1.5 acres at 210 Orr Street. The city finalized the purchase in 2021 for $950,000, funded by the voter-approved park sales tax and American Rescue Plan Act funds.
Currently, the park is referred to as North Village Park, but it’s unclear if that will be its official name. Final naming decisions are pending.
When will the park be ready for public use?
Engineering and construction planning are underway and are expected to be finalized by the end of this summer. Construction is scheduled to begin in the fall, and completion is expected by late next summer or early fall 2026. The project involves a full renovation of a city block, including the installation of underground utilities and new sidewalks around the perimeter. Planned features include a playground, shaded seating areas, an open lawn, and a concrete performance space.
The next phase will focus on incorporating art and music into the park’s design. Plans include a call for artists to design five to seven art sculptures, along with artistic elements to be integrated into tables, benches, and trash receptacles. The performance area is designed to support temporary stages for concerts, dance, and theatrical performances.
How is the project being funded?
There are two main sources of funding:
The city’s voter-approved dedicated parks sales tax.
A Community Revitalization Grant from the Missouri Department of Economic Development, funded through ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) allocations distributed to municipalities across the state.
There is a misconception in the community that park development takes funding away from public safety services like the Columbia Police Department. However, parks funding is typically restricted to dedicated sources and cannot be reallocated for other city departments.
What about environmental concerns from the site’s past?
The former Ameren gas manufacturing site has been deemed suitable for public use. Plans focus on creating a vibrant two-acre green space that reflects the area’s cultural character — especially its proximity to Rose Music Hall and the First Fridays art walk. The park is expected to play a key role in community events like PrideFest, Easter egg hunts, and the Family Fun Fest, which will feature art and music-themed programming.
A primary goal of the park is to help attract tourists and residents with the unique artistic appeal and art installations that will offer “Instagrammable” photo opportunities. While some spaces may initially be left open, the vision is to install public art as funding becomes available. The city’s Office of Cultural Affairs will lead the artist selection process, with a call for artists expected in spring 2026.
How will Orr Street Park be different from other city parks?
Unlike heavily developed parks, the space will remain largely open, with grass fields and shade trees. The design places a special emphasis on outdoor art, music, and performance, setting it apart from other parks in Columbia.
Parks and Rec Director Gabe Huffington has high praise for the new park.
“This project is a unique collaboration, involving seven different city departments,” he said, noting that the Public Works Department will install a new crosswalk and stop sign at Orr Street and Park Avenue. Huffington said the project also includes coordination with Columbia Fire and Police departments to ensure the safety of the community.
Meanwhile, Huffington explained that a new Parks and Recreation Master Plan was approved in 2023. (Find the details on the como.gov website under the Parks and Recreation section for North Village Park or Orr Street.) The Master Plan process began with community engagement. The city holds public input sessions where residents can explain their needs and give feedback. After collecting and incorporating public input, the Parks and Recreation Commission makes a recommendation to the City Council. The council then holds a public hearing and ultimately approves or disapproves the master plan and any associated construction.
Columbia currently has seventy-five parks scattered in various parts of the city, all ranging in location, condition, and amenities. Out of those parks, only five are located in the downtown area, which includes the new North Village Park. Columbia’s downtown parks are:
Douglass Park and Aquatic Center
- Dedicated in 2007
- 7 acres (5.1 acres park property)
- Located on the corner of Rogers Street and Providence Road
- 2 full size basketball courts
- Playground
- Skate park
- 3 picnic shelters
- Douglass Family Aquatic Center
- Douglass spraygrounds
- Tapp-Elbert Amphitheater
- ADA drinking fountain and restrooms
Field Park
- Dedicated in 2001
- .8 acres
- Located on the corner of Wilkes Boulevard and Rangeline Street
- Outdoor classroom
- 9 benches
- 2 picnic tables
Flat Branch Park
- Dedicated in 2001
- 2.8 acres
- Located in the 400 block of Fourth Street in downtown Columbia
- Demonstration rain garden
- Flat Branch spraygrounds
- Playgrounds
- Amphitheater
- 7 bike racks
- Historical plaques
- Art sculpture “Marathoners” by Larry Young
- Wireless internet
- Flat Branch gazebo
- Picnic table and chairs
- MKT trailhead
- 2 ADA drinking fountains
Paquin Park
- Dedicated in 1978
- 1 acre
- Located between Lee Elementary school and Paquin Towers
- Basketball court
- Game tables (ping pong, checkers, chess)
- Raised garden beds (reserved for Paquin Tower residents)
- Shuffleboard courts
- Paquin Shelter
