Park Master Plan and Capital Improvements | Gary, Indiana

After completing the Lakefront East Master Plan to guide the revitalization of historic Marquette Park, Hitchcock Design Group served as program manager and lead consultant to collaborate with the project team and construction manager on the capital improvements for the park. The improvements included the restoration of the three historic structures within the park: the Father Marquette Monument, the Recreation Pavilion, and the Gary Bathing Beach Aquatorium. Significant improvements were made to the beach areas which included a new festival space, new picnic facilities, playground improvements, the refurbishment of an existing concession building and the development of a beach front promenade. Parking facilities were upgraded and decorative lighting, new gatehouses and a boat ramp were added. Portions of over 200-acres of the natural areas were also restored and green infrastructure was incorporated throughout the park. Recreational access to natural areas throughout the park was improved with the construction of new trail systems as well as the refurbishment of the pedestrian bridges.