Gateway Park

General Location:

Located off Kearney St. between Sims Way and Water St.

General Description:

Gateway Park is anchored around a large corkscrew willow (Salix matsudana). The willow is currently experiencing the last leg of its century long life. It has been assessed and cared to prolong its life by arborists. There have been additional trees that have been planted to ensure there will be mature trees at Gateway Park for future generations.

History:

While under threat of development, the mature corkscrew willow tree and the 0.21 acres of surrounding land were protected by a conservation easement from the Jefferson Land Trust. Then in 1990, it was purchased with private funding and deeded to the City. This little park went by many names. The Land Trust history calls it Willow Tree Park. It was also referred to by City council minutes as Triangle Mini Park 2. Eventually in 1992, to rename it Gateway Park, likely in deference to the Gateway Plan developed for the City between 1987 and 1993. Parking for the adjacent commercial area was included in the design.

Total Acreage:

0.21 acres