Cason Family Park West Lafayette, Indiana

Services Provided

Landscape Architecture
Park Design
Construction Documentation

People Involved

Eric Lucas
Kelly Murphy
Jacob Deason

Creating a community park filled with amenities that celebrate the history of the site

Situated along Cumberland Avenue near US 231 in West Lafayette, Cason Family Park will encompass nearly 30 acres. As the newest community park in over two decades, its existence is owed in part to the generosity of Lynn Cason, a community member who donated 14 acres of retired farmland to help preserve the historic Morris Schoolhouse.

Built in 1879, the Morris Schoolhouse is a historic relic, originally one of over 100 schoolhouses that dotted the regional landscape. Thanks to the hard work of passionate volunteers, this schoolhouse has been lovingly restored on the Cason Family Park grounds, and is a focal point within the community. Beyond its front doors, an outdoor classroom and learning garden will enrich the park’s educational programming.

The journey of the Cason Family Park design began in 2019 when the City of West Lafayette, along with key stakeholders, community members, and Mr. Cason, partnered with MKSK to craft a comprehensive park Master Plan. Over time, this plan evolved to encompass a wide array of amenities. Visitors will be able to enjoy a boathouse, complete with an accessible kayak launch and fishing pier surrounding a 4-acre stormwater pond. Nearly 3 miles of trails meander through a native prairie and expanded woodland preserve. The park’s flexible lawn spaces lead to a seating area and an event pavilion designed to accommodate both everyday and special event programming. Along the park paths and undulating topography, visitors will happen upon inclusive, nature-themed play experiences for all ages including Coneflower Corner, the Birds’ Nest and Tree Top Tower.

MKSK led a team of consultants to provide final design and engineering. Currently under construction, Cason Family Park is slated to open to the public in 2025, promising to be a cherished destination for both residents and visitors alike.