A Display of National Pride

Designed as a symbol of national pride, American Heroes Park commemorates the country’s military branches and those who have served, establishing a space where the Bellevue community can gather to honor past and present service members. Located on the west bank of the Missouri River and formerly home to a power plant, the 73-acre brownfield site will be transformed into a destination park. To help revitalize the site, HDR was invited to develop a master plan for an underdeveloped portion of the area in an effort to draw in visitors and create a point of connection for community and collective pride.

Placing the Focus on Celebration

The theme of appreciation and celebration was central to the development of the master plan. Notable features and amenities include a dedicated lawn and hall for special events, an observation tower and a lakeside pavilion. The park’s inclusive design aims to create a destination where accessibility elements are fully integrated into the visitor experience so that people of all abilities can enjoy the park throughout all four seasons. The park also features:

• A maze of native grass varieties, logs to balance on, climbing boulders and an array of natural elements creates a dynamic play experience that allows all ages to create their own adventure.
• The Celebration of Service Plaza, composed of resilient materials for year-round use, includes space for yard games and celebratory integrated artwork dedicated to the various branches of service.
• An activity zone invites visitors to play and relax in an inclusive environment featuring large berms, hill slides, a zipline and a hammock grove.
• A sea wall built along the lake offers visitors views of the water.
• The 1,500-square-foot lake pavilion can host small gatherings, while the surrounding site includes a boardwalk to a bio-retention garden, plaza space, an accessible kayak launch, a renovated fishing pier and stone outcroppings that provide access to the water.

Bringing Bellevue Outdoors, Together

As a destination park interwoven with opportunities for engagement, commemoration and connection to nature, American Heroes Park will bring Bellevue together as a unified whole, generating prosperity and connection.