A new community turf area opened outside Stanley Marketplace in June (shaded green). The purple- shaded area is expected to open late fall. Aerial photo courtesy of Stanley Marketplace

After more than a year of construction along Westerly Creek, a long-awaited new gathering space next to Stanley Marketplace in the Central Park neighborhood officially opened to the public on June 19. The grassy turf areas are expected to become a community hub this summer, hosting picnics, outdoor movies, concerts, and other family activities.

Two grassy field areas were added to the outdoor marketplace area in June. Front Porch photo by Christie Gosch

The grassy outdoor space is slated to expand again in late August or September, barring any additional construction delays. The larger footprint will help accommodate bigger crowds as Stanley Marketplace prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary with a series of special events.

A new rock seating area opened near the playground. Front Porch photo by Christie Gosch

Meanwhile, work on 75 additional parking spaces just west of the existing parking lot likely won’t be completed until late fall. That’s also when the entire Westerly Creek water improvement project is expected to be finished, spanning the area along the creek from Montview Boulevard to 26th Avenue.