A Park That Holds Everyone
When the City of Woodbury embarked on the $42.3 million renovation of Central Park, the vision extended far beyond updating a building. The goal was to create a vibrant, welcoming destination where every member of the community, from children and families to seniors, library visitors, and event guests could gather, connect, and belong.
Working alongside Alternative Business Furniture, project designer Laurie Leonard, and architecture firm HGA, the City of Woodbury thoughtfully reimagined the indoor community hub around its signature climate-controlled garden atrium. Every design decision was guided by a single objective: creating spaces that feel inviting, functional, and enduring for generations to come.
From the earliest planning stages, the interior palette was carefully developed to complement the architecture while allowing the natural beauty of the atrium to remain the focal point. Furniture selections were equally intentional, balancing timeless aesthetics with the durability required for a civic space expected to serve the community for decades.
"We wanted seating that works for everybody because it's multifunctional. The Central Park team preferred that the right pieces were selected to work for the space instead of just placing furniture solutions without detailed thought, especially because they're not going to get to do this again for another twenty years."
Throughout the facility, each space was designed to support a variety of experiences. Flexible community rooms transition effortlessly from children's celebrations to neighborhood meetings. The relocated senior center now offers abundant natural light, comfortable lounge seating, and gathering spaces that encourage connection and engagement. Around the atrium, a thoughtful mix of dining tables, lounge settings, high-top seating, and collaborative spaces allows visitors to work, relax, or socialize in whatever way best suits their needs.
Source International's Everwood, Celebrate, and Cache seating collections were selected to support these diverse environments. Designed with understated elegance and lasting performance, each collection complements the surrounding architecture while providing comfort, versatility, and durability for everyday use.
"There was no doubt that we picked the right pieces to not only highlight the inherent beauty of the facility but also support the occupants of the space."
The completed renovation has become a destination for the Woodbury community and was recognized with the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association (MRPA) Award of Excellence and the Tommy Johnson Award, honoring a project that successfully redefined what a modern, multigenerational civic space can be.
At Source, we believe the most successful spaces are those that bring people together. Central Park is a reflection of that philosophy, a place where thoughtful design, enduring quality, and community intersect to create experiences that will serve generations to come.
The finish selection meetings were with myself and the end user. They did an awesome job, it was a lot to select, a lot to think about.
