Agenda - Council - 05/12/2026 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chair Ealain; Commissioners Bennett, Arts, and Anderson. Voting No: None. Absent: Commissioners Barten and Olson. 5.02: Community Center Revisioning and Public Participation Plan Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood stated that a community center has been discussed for decades, over which time the project has been placed in, and taken out of the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) in different years. He stated that the park building proposed for the Waterfront Play area would fulfill many of the services that would be provided by a community center, but also had a high cost. He stated that it made sense to step back and solicit input from the community on what it would desire from a community center/building, as well as the appetite for funding that type of improvement. He provided additional information on the proposed revisioning and public participation plan. Commissioner Bennett agreed that this has long been discussed and recognized that there is a strong desire for a community partner, which can become increasingly challenging. He stated that over the last several years, there has been a lot of programmatic growth, both public and private. He recognized that many people envision a pool in a community center, but was unsure if that is the amenity people want most, noting the operational cost for that type of amenity. He stated that he likes the idea of the hybrid option in and around the park with the splashpad, as that space would be large enough to fit the needs of a traditional community center. He supported opening up this discussion with the community to find out the amenities they want and the level of funding they would feel comfortable supporting. Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood recognized that the decision of a community center may be outside the purview of the Commission, but stated that the program elements would reflect what they could see within a parks building, and the Commission members do represent residents of the community, which is why this is before the Commission. Commissioner Arts asked what would be received in return for the expenditure of $50,000 to $60,000. Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood provided additional information on the scope that is specified within the proposal. Commissioner Arts recognized that the cost will be an important element for any resident in the community. He noted that most residents would support a community center, but that decision would be based on the cost impact as well. Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood noted that this process will help to identify the needs versus the wants, which can then help to guide the scope of the project and ultimate cost. He noted that there may not be a desire to replicate amenities that are already available in this community or a neighboring community. Chair Ealain recognized that there will be a cost to this process, but it will help to guide them in the right direction. Park and Recreation Commission/ March 12, 2026 Page 4 of 6