Tim Laurent, of the Lawrence Parks and Rec Department and Chad Towen, facilities operation supervisor for Rock Chalk Park, said the new Rock Chalk Park “engenders pride.” And then they proceeded to show their pride by presenting an impressive array of facts and figures about the new facility to Central Rotarians on November 19.
“Lawrence has needed this for a long time,” Laurent said. The project began in 2006 with a study, surveys, committee meetings and public meetings that extended into 2009.
In 2011 the Lawrence City Commission conducted study sessions involving the City, Kansas University and private citizens.
Rock Chalk Park opened in October of this year and includes a 10,000 seat track and field venue, women’s softball and soccer areas, eight lighted tennis courts, five miles of trails, and an 18,000 square foot recreation center. There are full-size gyms, volley ball courts, half-court gyms, an indoor turf area, fitness, dance and meeting rooms, and a weight room, among other things. Hyvee runs a small grocery market there.
Laurent said in the first month 53,000 visits were logged in to Rock Chalk Park.
“We want to encourage tournament use but we can host everything from big crowds to small birthday parties,” Towen said. “There are no fees for local residents. We want to keep local activities local.”
