The city of Norman will remove a building at Andrews Park over the next two weeks, weather permitting, as part of the Andrews Park Master Plan.
The structure, located near the south end of the park, contains two small restrooms, a storage space, a kitchenette and a covered area, according to a Tuesday press release.
Parks Manager Wade Thompson wrote in the release that parts of the building have become hard to maintain due to vandalism and the building’s age. City staff also raised concerns that the building was not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, according to the release.
“For more than six months, parkgoers have been directed to use public restrooms at the adjacent Norman Police Department or Norman City Hall,” the release reads. “These restrooms will remain available moving forward.”
Andrews Park, at 201 W. Daws St., was established in the 1930s and underwent upgrades in the 1970s. Some original stones from the building will be kept in the hopes of reincorporating them into future park structures, according to the release. Construction fencing was set up at the site Monday.
What is the Andrews Park Master Plan?
According to the release, the Andrews Park Master Plan, approved by the Norman City Council in January 2024, outlines a food truck court, boardwalk and pier at a large pond with recreational amenities, a new stage and large event lawn, and an amphitheater botanical garden.
The $26,253,831 redesign was approved to occur in five two-to-three-year-long phases.
Norman Parks and Recreation Director Jason Olsen wrote in the release that the project is a multi-year plan and various parts of it will be completed as funds become available.
On April 7, Norman voters approved a proposition that will increase the city’s guest tax from 8% to 10% and expand it to include overnight stays in recreational vehicle rental spaces starting July 1. With the approval, 25% of the guest tax revenue will go to Norman Parks and Recreation.
This story was edited by Audrey McClour.
