Transforming Elmer Thomas Park: New Amphitheater, Boardwalk, Pedestrian Bridge and More Coming to Lawton

Exciting changes are coming to Lawton's Elmer Thomas Park as the city moves forward with an ambitious transformation plan led by C.H. Guernsey & Company. This revitalization effort will introduce a range of new amenities, enhancing the park's east side and making it a premier destination for recreation, entertainment, and community engagement.

At the heart of this project is a new amphitheater with a covered stage, designed to accommodate up to 6,000 people and featuring a food truck plaza and nearby parking to support events of all sizes. Complementing the amphitheater will be a scenic boardwalk along Lake Helen's southern shoreline, a boathouse for kayak rentals, and an extended walking path encircles the lake. A pedestrian bridge crosses the lake giving visitors a new way to enjoy this amenity. These additions will enhance accessibility and provide breathtaking views of the city and the Wichita Mountains.

Other Park features planned include an interactive sculpture area honoring historical figures, an adventure trail, a 75-foot-tall observation tower, fishing piers, and new play areas designed to integrate seamlessly with existing attractions like the splash pad and playground. In addition, the project will dredge Lake Helen, ensuring better water quality and a deeper lake for recreation.

In addition to Guernsey’s architectural design team, our civil, structural, mechanical and electrical engineering teams as well as our interior design team are playing key roles in the park’s design. Guernsey is partnering with O’Brien Site Architecture for landscape, William White and Associates, LLC for cost estimating, and Councilman Hunsaker for aquatics.

Funded through PROPEL 2040, Lawton's Capital Improvements Program, the City’s large-scale upgrade scheduled completion is June 2027 — just in time for the Freedom Festival. The city's decision to complete the entire project at once rather than in phases aims to mitigate inflationary costs and expedite the transformation.

Building on Success: The Elmer Thomas Park Aquatics Center

This project is not the first time Guernsey has played a pivotal role in shaping Elmer Thomas Park. Another significant addition, the Elmer Thomas Park Aquatics Center, is currently under construction and set to open in July 2025. This 42,200-square-foot facility will feature a recreational pool with zero-entry access, lap pools, diving boards, water slides, a lazy river, and a 6,400-square-foot building with year-round amenities.

Designed to serve residents of all ages, the aquatics center will significantly enhance Lawton's recreational offerings.

With both projects underway, Elmer Thomas Park is on track to become a top-tier community hub—offering unparalleled leisure, fitness, and entertainment opportunities for Lawton's residents and visitors.