Structure removal underway at Andrews Park

Removal expected to be completed within two weeks, pending weather

In making way for plans of a revitalized and upgraded Andrews Park through the recently approved Andrews Park Master Plan, a structure toward the south end of the park will be removed over the next two weeks. The park is located between N. Park Avenue and James Garner Avenue.

"This structure contained two small restrooms, a storage space, a kitchenette, and a covered area," said Wade Thompson, Parks Manager for the Norman Parks and Recreation Department. "Infrastructure issues - due to its age and vandalism occurrences in the past several years - have made facets of the building incredibly hard to maintain and protect."

Additionally, components of the nearly 100-year-old structure presented ADA-related challenges that concerned staff, Thompson explained.

Though the park was established in the 1930s, City of Norman records confirm this particular structure is not part of the National Register of Historical Places. It underwent upgrades in the 1970s and has been considered modern in nature. However, some original stones from the building material will be kept in hopes of opportunities to reincorporate them into future park structures.

For more than six months, parkgoers have been directed to use public restrooms at the adjacent Norman Police Department or Norman City Hall. These restrooms will remain available moving forward.

Construction fencing was set up at the site on April 20. Individuals in the area should avoid the construction zone and are advised of large equipment in the area.

The Andrews Park Master Plan is a strategic vision on paper, approved by the Norman Parks Commission and the Norman City Council in 2024, and created with community input at the forefront. In addition to new public restrooms, the plan outlines a food truck court, a boardwalk and pier at a large park pond with recreational amenities, a new park stage and large event lawn, an amphitheater botanical garden, and more.

"This is a multi-year plan that we will be chipping away at as funds become available," said Jason Olsen, Norman Parks and Recreation Director. "With recent approval of the Guest Tax rate change at the polls, various parts of the plan could come to life sooner as more funding has been made available for the recreation system."

Relevant updates concerning this project or other updates at Andrews Park will continue to be shared to Normanok.gov for the community.

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