Politics & Government

Ice Rink, Concert Area, Farmers Market Possible for Market Square & Crocker Commons

City approves conceptual plan for civic area in Crocker Park.

Crocker Park got the go-ahead to add more “play space” to the area, when the city’s Planning Commission approved a conceptual plan for Market Square & Crocker Commons.

Jack Bialosky of Bialosky + Partners presented a PowerPoint presentation to Planning Commission members that when completed, shows a J-shaped area that is flexible enough to build an outdoor concert area, ice-skating rink, farmers market or even an outdoor gallery in the space between Market and Vine streets.

Half of the space would have a flexible-use hardscape while the other half would be green space for those looking to relax or simply throw a Frisbee.

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“You could imagine perhaps food trucks in this space, perhaps a carnival,” Bialosky said. “And plenty of room on the lawn for tossing a Frisbee.”

The area’s use could be season-dependent from summer concerts to winter skating or a winter festival. 

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The hardscape space could accommodate:

  • 156-booth outdoor gallery
  • 88 stall farmers market
  • 120 x 80 ice skating rink
  • Concert area with seating for 1,340
  • Shade pavilion        
  • Festivals
  • Banquet/dance floor facility, able to seat 1,000

“This is a very flexible space able to be used in a multitude of ways,” Bialosky said.

“Provisions for all these types of uses are being made here.”

The project has been in the works since 2007-08. The city had an ad hoc committee then and in 2009 approved a conceptual concept of what the public would want in a civic space.

Completion of the area, which is expected to start in 2014, depends on how low the construction bids come in. Parry said it would be

 “If there’s enough money, we’ll build all of it,” Bialosky said. “If not we’ll build pieces of it one at a time.”

The first phase is hardscaping and green area as well as the southern portion of the loggia, roof and lighting.

“Phase 3 is probably a future development,” Director of Planning Bob Parry said.

Parry said the city wanted  “durable but low maintenance and within budget.”

Changes have been made since the plan was first introduced, including scrapping plans for a large glass conservatory.

“It was just way too expensive,” Parry said.

Also amended: the addition of a parking garage that would have restroom facilities at the north end. That would allow or more civic space.


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