Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 07/10/2025

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Motion by Commissioner Bennett, seconded by Commissioner Barten, to approve the following Park and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes as amended: • Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes dated May 8, 2025 Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chair Ealain; Commissioners Bennett, Barten, Anderson, Arts, Olson, and Sis. Voting No: None. Absent: None. 5. COMMISSION BUSINESS 5.01: The Waterfront — Water -Play and Eastern Park Development Process Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood presented background information on the concept planning for The Waterfront and the progress that has been made in the past few years. He stated that residents are excited about the park and water play feature planned and have voiced support for the project. He stated that the City Council has taken action based on that support and recently authorized the work plan for the water play. He stated that tonight the Commission is asked to approve the same plan. Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood provided additional information on the seven community parks and features throughout the parks system, which are geographically placed around the community. He noted that The Waterfront is a community park that is meant for all residents, not just those within The COR area. He recognized the cost for the water play area and the community building, noting that because of that cost, they would plan to move forward with the water play area first and follow in a later stage with the community building. He estimated a 13-month schedule, which, although aggressive, would allow for a grand opening of July 1, 2026, for the water play. He noted that the design team has begun to meet biweekly on this project and highlighted some of the details they will be working out during that planning process. He stated that the bid documents should be prepared this winter, and the bid can include liquidated damages to ensure the project is completed prior to the July 1st deadline. He hoped that the Commission could begin to review some recommendations at the July meeting. Motion by Commissioner Bennett, seconded by Commissioner Sis, to recommend City Council approval $268,900 from the Park Trust Fund for the next steps on the Waterfront project. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chair Ealain; Commissioners Bennett, Sis, Anderson, Arts, Barten, and Olson. Voting No: None. Absent: None. Councilmember Buscher provided additional input on the information presented to the Council on this project and different elements that could potentially be added to the project, such as a wading pool. She asked that staff speak to the Council sooner rather than later, related to the community building. She noted that she has received comments in support of higher taxes in return for a community center, but realized those positions may change. She realized that the community building would not meet the same aggressive timeline as the water play, but perhaps could move forward faster than anticipated. She stated that she was not tied to the July 1st deadline and would prefer to make sure the project is completed correctly. Park and Recreation Commission/ June 12, 2025 Page 2 of 3