Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 06/13/2024

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5.01:Park and Trail Related Project Informational Updates Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood stated that earlier this year the Commission suggested that two playgrounds be selected for improvement this year, Alpine and River’s Bend. He stated that the play structure at River’s Bend was in great shape but needed refurbishment. He stated that all the decking was replaced, the play equipment was pressure washed, and the wood fiber was freshened as well. Motion by Commissioner Sis, seconded by Commissioner Arts, to briefly recess the meeting to complete a ribbon cutting. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chair Barten; Commissioners Sis, Bennett, Arts, Ealain, Leistico, and Olson. Voting No: None. Absent: None. The meeting was recessed at 6:34 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 6:50 p.m. Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood provided an update on the status of the Hollow park project, Central Park landscaping, River’s Bend prairie improvements, St. Francis Boulevard trail segment, boardwalk replacement, and Waterfront improvements. He also provided an update on recent development projects including the Take5 Oil Change business and Skyline Apartments noting that those projects will contribute park dedication and trail fees. Commissioner Arts asked for more information on the Waterfront project. Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood commented that an opportunity was brought forward to the City Council, to use the park trust fund to develop schematic designs and the Council chose not to move forward with schematic design at this time for the community building and water play area. Commissioner Sis asked if there was a reason from the Council as to why it should not move forward. Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood commented that part of the concern was spending $200,000 on the design seemed like a big ask. He stated that for a project of that scope and scale, the estimated cost was $20,000,000. He stated that perhaps the schematic design could move forward for the water feature as that would have a lower cost with perhaps a design light option for the community building. Councilmember Musgrove commented that the community center is on the 2033 CIP and therefore did not want to spend money on the design now as it may not be current when the feature is actually constructed. She believed that there was support for moving forward with the water play area, but also recognized that they did not want to construct the water play area only to shut it down shortly after for construction of the community building. Park and Recreation Commission/ June 13, 2024 Page 2 of 4