Kensington Park Focus Group Meeting #2
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Kensington Park/Totem Pole Focus Groups
You are invited to help guide future enhancements to Kensington Park in the “totem area.” The City will facilitate two neighborhood/community focus group opportunities:
Tuesday, March 4, 2025 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
This event will be held at the Walnut Creek Golf Preserve Clubhouse (10555 Westmoor Drive). Snacks and beverages will be provided by the City’s new vendor at the Course.
This events will include a general overview at 5:45 pm and 6:45 pm, followed by a rotation through three stations representing high-level conceptual alternatives for feedback, questions, and focus group prioritization.
Participants should plan on spending approximately one hour at the event and are encouraged to “start” at either the 5:45 pm or 6:45 pm general overviews.
This event will be identical to the Feb. 20 event and it is not necessary to attend each. Two evenings were being offered to allow for increased participation (in case interested participants have a conflict on one of the evenings).
No RSVP is necessary. If you have questions, please call 303-658-2198 or email awilliam@westminstergo.gov.
Background
One of the three totem poles at Kensington Park fell on April 7, 2024 during a strong windstorm. Due to fall risk of the remaining two totems, the City fenced the perimeter of the area to promote a safe buffer.
To promote safety and prevent additional damage to the standing totems, the City carefully took down the remaining two totems at the end of 2024. They are being carefully stored and will be assessed for structural integrity. The fencing at the site was removed to restore full access to the concrete paths in the area.
The totems are cherished community amenities. The state at Kensington Park generated questions and concerns. Staff performed research, investigation, and conceptual design on alternatives for the totems at Kensington Park and is prepared to engage the community to chart the future course.
One high-level alternative includes restoration and re-establishment of the existing totems with proper structural support and interpretive signage. Another high-level alternative includes solicitation, selection, and establishment of new public art and/or totems by indigenous artists. A third potential alternative includes solicitation, selection, and establishment of new natural play amenities. Community/neighborhood focus groups can help vet possible alternatives, guide details within those alternatives, and ultimately make a selection on a path forward.
-Aric