Hundreds of residents turned out Saturday morning for the long-awaited ribbon cutting at Founders’ Park, the green space formerly known to most of Pawnee as “the Pit.”
Deputy Director Leslie Knope, who has overseen the project since its earliest and most chaotic stages, called it “the proudest day of my professional life, and also Tuesday was pretty good too.” Director Ron Swanson kept his remarks brief, noting only that the new bandstand was built from reclaimed oak and would outlast “every one of us, and most forms of government.”
The park features a walking path, a footbridge, and an open lawn already booked for three separate community events before the end of the month. City officials say routine maintenance will begin next week, with Parks & Recreation staff on-site daily.
Residents with questions about park hours or reservations can contact the Parks & Recreation department directly.