A Neighborhood Park: From Vision to Reality

During his tenure as the Capitol View Neighborhood Association president in the ‘90s, Lenardo Smith had a vision to turn a vacant lot into a gathering place for residents and community members. He took action by brokering a deal with Trinity Baptist Church in Pauls Valley who agreed to donate the land.

Today, Gina Blalock and the Capitol View Neighborhood Association continue to carry the torch, working tirelessly to reimagine this once vacant lot with help from the Oklahoma City Community Foundation and Parks & Public Space Initiative

This has been a great partnership, and Brian’s expertise has been very helpful getting this park up and running.

“Even with new benches, walking paths and signage, the park continues to be a work in progress,” said Brian. “With each new addition, the vision grows, and we are excited to see it as they complete the project with a new butterfly garden."

Photo Credit: Brandon Snider

Caption: Gina Blalock and Brian Dougherty visit the new Community Garden & Monarch Butterfly Waystation funded by the Community Foundation.