Missouri’s economic development director is excited about the new Orr street park that’s being developed near Columbia’s Orr and Park, northeast of Café Berlin.
State Department of Economic Development (DED) acting director Michelle Hataway describes the park as an amazing opportunity for downtown Columbia.
“The ability for people to truly live here, shop here, work here and come and enjoy the beautiful scenery whenever it’s finished is going to be unbelievable,” Hataway says.
Columbia has received a $1.25 million grant from DED to develop the property. Columbia’s voter-approved park sales tax will fund the rest of the $1.5 million project. Columbia Parks and Recreation says some park features may include open greenspace, a walking trail and outdoor art areas.
DED’s Hataway praises Columbia’s detailed preparation for the grant.
“We’ve worked with past grant programs whether it was Governor’s cost-share or MODOT (state Department of Transportation) and they come prepared in order to make sure that they win the awards,” says Hataway.
Hataway participated in the recent groundbreaking ceremony near Café Berlin.