Video: The Rebirth of Edmond’s Stephenson Park
Stephenson Park, a historic treasure near downtown Edmond, Oklahoma, has been a cherished community space since 1892. To give the city’s oldest park its first major renovation since the 1930s, the City of Edmond partnered with Freese and Nichols on a comprehensive master plan that includes upgrades preserving historic elements. The project created a versatile community gathering space capable of hosting diverse social events, performances and recreational activities.
Watch the VIDEO below for a better look at the Stephenson Park upgrades.
A Community Gathering Space
The renovation effort aimed to engage the community, and the design incorporated public input to meet the needs of Edmond’s residents and visitors. One standout feature is the new arched pavilion and stage, surrounded by café tables, seating, a boardwalk and a large grassy area. This multipurpose structure serves as a performance venue, hosting everything from intimate concerts to large events with vendors and food trucks.
Other improvements include the redeveloped perimeter streetscape at 4th Street, sitting areas, wider sidewalks, new lighting, an upgraded basketball court and a water feature with natural stone and boulders. More than 50 new parking spaces were added on 4th Street, and improvements were made along 3rd and 5th Streets.
The playground was updated with standard equipment, such as swings, plus unique elements including a musical-themed play area and a space-themed climbing structure.
Freese and Nichols Project Manager Brandon Huxford, who lives in Edmond, worked on the park. He said his three young daughters enjoy visiting often.
“Prior to the grand opening, my family had already visited the park numerous times due to the playground area being open,” he said. “My daughters enjoy the new elements of the park. Stephenson Park is now a huge draw for families in Edmond. I’m especially proud that the improvements are a direct result of the community’s input.”
Edmond’s Director of Community Quality Ryan Ochsner said: “In planning the park renovation, we thought about the surrounding area. We realize that people will come into this area because we have attractive restaurants and businesses. Then, they can walk across the street to the park and enjoy the amenities that it has to offer.”
Underground Rainwater Detention
One of the hidden but crucial features of the park is the underground rainwater detention system, which conserved valuable land space by eliminating the need for above-ground retention ponds. It also effectively addressed upstream stormwater flooding issues on the north side of 4th Street, improving overall flood management and reducing risk for surrounding properties. This system allows the park to feature a lawn area where visitors can play football and enjoy other activities.
Preserving History
Great care was taken to preserve Stephenson Park’s historic character during the renovation. Built in the 1930s, the pedestrian rock bridges were preserved, along with the park’s original rock sign. The iconic rocket ship playground slide has been transformed into a park monument feature, preserving the traditional branding of Stephenson Park as Rocket Ship Park.
The renovations also enhanced the park’s cultural significance and community identity by establishing better connections with surrounding historical contexts, such as the Edmond Historical Museum, VFW building and Rodkey House. In the Centennial Plaza area, the design incorporates a walkway with engraved bricks from donors that leads to a peace memorial for Edmond residents who served in the military.
The park’s oldest living trees were preserved, and new trees were planted to provide additional shade for visitors.
“Preservation of the historic elements of this park was a significant and guiding factor from the beginning,” Ryan said. “An interesting part of this project has been blending the historic and nostalgic with the current and future needs that we’re experiencing.”
The Future
Stephenson Park’s renovation has transformed it into a vibrant, multiuse facility that continues to serve as a beloved community gathering space with a blend of historic charm and modern amenities.
“In the future, I see this park being used as a community space as it has been for many decades,” Ryan said. “But with the new infrastructure in place, it can now better support events, celebrations and family-related activities.”
