Sutton Bus Loop to Become Green Space

Once fall arrives, the Sutton Bus Loop will look like an empty field nestled between Hazel and Maple avenues.

The City of Maplewood hired a contractor, Concrete Design, for roughly $213,00 to remove most of the pavement so the area can become a green space. The restroom facility and pavilion will not be demolished.

The space will likely host a park in a couple years, but it probably won't be a "plasticy park," said Anthony Traxler, public works director in Maplewood. and are only a few blocks away.

Instead, residents will probably see a park filled with natural structures; something similar to Turtle Playground in Forest Park, he said. The final decision will be made by Maplewood City Council, but that's a couple years away. Right now, the city has to prepare the site by growing grass and adding a few parking spaces.

Concrete Design will also add 15 parking spaces: a nine-space lot off of Hazel and a six-space lot off of Maple.

Hazel will become a two-way road until it meets the alley behind the bus loop, then it becomes one-way. The alley will stay one-way and Maple will be one-way to the alley.

Demolition is expected to start this week but it shouldn't disrupt traffic on Sutton. The project is slated to be completed by September.