Residents Weigh in on the Future of Krug Park
By: Melinda Barrett
Updated: December 12, 2012
(ST. JOSEPH, Mo.) Krug Park has been part of St. Joseph's history for more than 100 years.
And now, the idea of revitalizing the park and expanding the amphitheater has sparked local interest.
"I believe that if improved appropriate to the size of the city of St. Joe, it can be a community events destination," said Shea Armstrong, Friends of Krug Park.
"I would love to see Krug Park renovated, the waterfall fixed, all the things that need to be fixed, fixed up for the people and then bring in community arts so that we can enjoy this park," said Terry Turbak, Friends of Krug Park.
Heir's to the Krug family started Krug Development in hopes to revamp the park.
They've proposed the idea of turning the current amphitheater into an event space, seating 25,000 people.
"The purpose being to bring large touring acts to the community and develop a large enough venue that it would draw patrons from as much as two hours away," said Bruce Woody, City Manager of St. Joseph.
It would be the only one of its kind in the region.
And when news broke about the possibility of redevelopment, a public group was formed, Friends of Krug Park.
"We want to see improvements, we would love to see it be a center for community arts. And since I live in the neighborhood, I am definitely concerned about having a concert venue of this size in a residential neighborhood," said Armstrong.
While others feel the larger scale event center would boost St. Joseph's economic engine.
"It's a win for us, it's going to mean jobs, construction jobs, employment jobs and it's also going to pay tax revenues," said Joe Houts, St. Joseph.
Though nothing more than ideas have been brought to the table, it's a matter of working together to face concerns.
"I mean look what we've done with the casino riverfront development, look what we've done after being wiped out by floods and ice storms, look what we did with the Chiefs camp. Come on, we can do this," said Houts.
"I just don't want to lose the park to the public," said Turbak.
The next steps will involve city work sessions and public hearings.
Some of the main concerns involve parking, noise and interference to those living in the Krug Park neighborhood.
But in order to move forward with any plan, Krug Development must get permission from the city who has already shown commitment to the public's input.
And now, the idea of revitalizing the park and expanding the amphitheater has sparked local interest.
"I believe that if improved appropriate to the size of the city of St. Joe, it can be a community events destination," said Shea Armstrong, Friends of Krug Park.
"I would love to see Krug Park renovated, the waterfall fixed, all the things that need to be fixed, fixed up for the people and then bring in community arts so that we can enjoy this park," said Terry Turbak, Friends of Krug Park.
Heir's to the Krug family started Krug Development in hopes to revamp the park.
They've proposed the idea of turning the current amphitheater into an event space, seating 25,000 people.
"The purpose being to bring large touring acts to the community and develop a large enough venue that it would draw patrons from as much as two hours away," said Bruce Woody, City Manager of St. Joseph.
It would be the only one of its kind in the region.
And when news broke about the possibility of redevelopment, a public group was formed, Friends of Krug Park.
"We want to see improvements, we would love to see it be a center for community arts. And since I live in the neighborhood, I am definitely concerned about having a concert venue of this size in a residential neighborhood," said Armstrong.
While others feel the larger scale event center would boost St. Joseph's economic engine.
"It's a win for us, it's going to mean jobs, construction jobs, employment jobs and it's also going to pay tax revenues," said Joe Houts, St. Joseph.
Though nothing more than ideas have been brought to the table, it's a matter of working together to face concerns.
"I mean look what we've done with the casino riverfront development, look what we've done after being wiped out by floods and ice storms, look what we did with the Chiefs camp. Come on, we can do this," said Houts.
"I just don't want to lose the park to the public," said Turbak.
The next steps will involve city work sessions and public hearings.
Some of the main concerns involve parking, noise and interference to those living in the Krug Park neighborhood.
But in order to move forward with any plan, Krug Development must get permission from the city who has already shown commitment to the public's input.
