Oxford’s newest green space, the North Lamar Pocket Park, is starting to take shape as the City planning and historical preservation commissions approved an official design this week.

The park will be located in the vacant lot that housed Oxford Fire Station No. 1 for decades, at the intersection of North Lamar Boulevard and Price Street. It’s a project that involved years of thoughtful discussion and planning, according to Mayor Robyn Tannehill.

“When we decided to tear the old fire station down, one of the biggest questions was, ‘What are we going to do with this space?'” Tannehill said. “As a board, we are very passionate about preserving green space. So, this just seemed like a natural fit.”

Plans for the pocket park include walking paths, a brick seat wall and a fountain.

Moving away from the Square, North Lamar Boulevard is increasingly seeing more changes as businesses and residential developments pop up. The pocket park, Tannehill said, will be a respite and a way to preserve the area’s charm.

It will also be a place where those who frequent nearby restaurants, like Volta, Oxford Canteen, Track 61 and Handy Andy’s, can relax before or after their meals.

“The North Lamar area is really a gateway to Oxford’s historic Downtown Square,” Tannehill said. “So we wanted to place something there that will reflect that and add to it.”