Unity Park, located in the heart of downtown Ellensburg, will be enjoyed throughout the year as an informal gathering space, a venue for cultural arts and recreational events, and much needed open space to serve the influx of residential development in the downtown area. Proposed design elements for the park include a performance stage, a children’s play area consisting of natural elements such as logs and boulders, a water features, shade structure, public restrooms all within an open and flexible space that can also accommodate large, organized events. The City will begin construction in 2024.
Unity Park Master Planning Process
Through the park master planning process, our elected officials are provided with the necessary information to make decisions about park design that reflects the community's wishes and desires. The City started the initial park planning work on the park in October 2018 resulting in the development of two park concept plans and ultimately a preferred concept plan. Fast forward to today. With the COVID delays and a long delay in park planning, the City has reinitiated the planning process to confirm the wishes and desires of the community for Unity Park.
The City Council designated $1.8 million from federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to complete design and construction of the nearly half-acre park. Previously planned demolition of the former bank drive-thru will not take place in advance of park construction. Due to the poor condition and location of the building, demolition of the full structure will instead take place in conjunction with construction of the park.
Unity Park Design Principles
The following design principles will help provide the framework for final park design:
Unity Park will:
- Be the central space for Ellensburg's daily gatherings and special events
- Feel open, inclusive, and welcoming to residents and visitors alike
- Support a flexible range of event types and sizes
- Extend the draw of downtown Ellensburg to visitors and across four seasons
- Be 'of Ellensburg'
Unity Park Timeline
May 7, 2018 — City Council Adopted Resolution No. 2018-13 authorizing the City to pursue acquisition of the Unity Park property
August 10, 2018 — City Council approved Concept Design Agreement with Walker|Macy
October 3, 2018 — Stakeholder Meeting #1
November 15, 2018 — Community Open House
August 19, 2019 — City Purchased the Unity Park Property
April 19, 2021 — Council Approved the Name Unity Park
February 22, 2022 — Council approved Concept Confirmation Proposal Agreement with Walker|Macy
May 6, 2022 — Unity Park Stakeholders Meeting #2
June 8, 2022 — Unity Park Community Open House
July 29, 2022 — Unity Park Stakeholders Meeting #3
September 19, 2022 — Unity Park Concept Confirmation
February 22, 2024 — Unity Park Construction begins. Find alternate parking.
Unity Park, located in the heart of downtown Ellensburg, will be enjoyed throughout the year as an informal gathering space, a venue for cultural arts and recreational events, and much needed open space to serve the influx of residential development in the downtown area. Proposed design elements for the park include a performance stage, a children’s play area consisting of natural elements such as logs and boulders, a water features, shade structure, public restrooms all within an open and flexible space that can also accommodate large, organized events. The City will begin construction in 2024.
Unity Park Master Planning Process
Through the park master planning process, our elected officials are provided with the necessary information to make decisions about park design that reflects the community's wishes and desires. The City started the initial park planning work on the park in October 2018 resulting in the development of two park concept plans and ultimately a preferred concept plan. Fast forward to today. With the COVID delays and a long delay in park planning, the City has reinitiated the planning process to confirm the wishes and desires of the community for Unity Park.
The City Council designated $1.8 million from federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to complete design and construction of the nearly half-acre park. Previously planned demolition of the former bank drive-thru will not take place in advance of park construction. Due to the poor condition and location of the building, demolition of the full structure will instead take place in conjunction with construction of the park.
Unity Park Design Principles
The following design principles will help provide the framework for final park design:
Unity Park will:
- Be the central space for Ellensburg's daily gatherings and special events
- Feel open, inclusive, and welcoming to residents and visitors alike
- Support a flexible range of event types and sizes
- Extend the draw of downtown Ellensburg to visitors and across four seasons
- Be 'of Ellensburg'
Unity Park Timeline
May 7, 2018 — City Council Adopted Resolution No. 2018-13 authorizing the City to pursue acquisition of the Unity Park property
August 10, 2018 — City Council approved Concept Design Agreement with Walker|Macy
October 3, 2018 — Stakeholder Meeting #1
November 15, 2018 — Community Open House
August 19, 2019 — City Purchased the Unity Park Property
April 19, 2021 — Council Approved the Name Unity Park
February 22, 2022 — Council approved Concept Confirmation Proposal Agreement with Walker|Macy
May 6, 2022 — Unity Park Stakeholders Meeting #2
June 8, 2022 — Unity Park Community Open House
July 29, 2022 — Unity Park Stakeholders Meeting #3
September 19, 2022 — Unity Park Concept Confirmation
February 22, 2024 — Unity Park Construction begins. Find alternate parking.