FALLS CITY – The Falls City Creative District is changing course in the current grant application period with a new city park proposed near the Falls City Library & Art Center on Stone Street.

Falls City Administrator Anthony Nussbaum told the city council Monday that the state Historical Preservation Office put a red flag on  an earlier proposal to transform Prichard Auditorium into a recreation and wellness center. Nussbaum said the proposed $13 million project would be ineligible for 2024 creative district construction funds because the work would not maintain Prichard Auditorium’s historical purpose.

The creative district’s strategic plan also includes a new park for an outdoor amphitheater and meeting space for farmers markets and art exhibits.

City Councilwoman and Chamber Director Amber Holle said the park was a popular idea at community discussions. She said the chamber and the Richardson County Arts and Humanities have long visioned development for the lot.

Holle: “That would be a great spot to develop, you know right next to the library. It would be great to have a space, kind of like Auburn does, where you can have a stage and have musical performances.”

The city council voted to send a new letter of intent to make application for the park idea.