Agenda - Council - 06/09/2026 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood commented that the grant text included a list of tree species that could be planted, along with other regulations to ensure that the City does not plant too many of one species. 5.03: Consider Park and Recreation 2026 Outdoor Meeting Schedule Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood stated that each year, the Commission identifies an outdoor meeting schedule. He explained that the outdoor meeting allows the Commission members to visit different parks and meet residents in their own neighborhoods for more casual conversations. He stated that in the staff report, he made some suggestions, including The Waterfront in July and The Draw in August. He welcomed input from the Commission on the other meeting locations. Acting Chair Barten noted the planned improvements for Riverdale Park this year and wondered if that could be a good fit for September. Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood commented that the grant application for that project was just submitted, and they will not hear back until June. He stated that the playground project may not be completed by that time and noted that the Commission also visited that park last September. He stated that in May, the Commission could visit Central Park, as that would be one year from completion of the playground project. He noted that in June, the Commission could consider Emerald Pond and noted that North Commons could be a good choice for September. He anticipated that the Commission would be discussing an additional community garden as the plots at North Commons are full, and the anticipated painting of the water tower would require the community garden at North Commons to be taken offline for a season. Commissioner Bennett stated that he also had Emerald Pond on his list, as they had not been there for a while. He also agreed that North Commons would be a good location, especially with the anticipated interruption to the community garden. Acting Chair Barten asked about the playgrounds that were next on the list for replacement. He stated that he would not recommend changing the outdoor meeting locations as discussed, but would like to visit those other locations on his own. Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood stated that Solstice and Flintwood Terrace were the other top parks for playground replacement. Motion by Commissioner Moore, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, to approve the 2026 outdoor meeting locations as follows: May 14th at Central Park, June 11th at Emerald Pond, July 9th at The Waterfront, August 13th at The Draw, and September 10th at North Commons. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Acting Chair Barten; Commissioners Moore, Anderson, Bennett, and Olson. Voting No: None. Absent: Chair Ealain and Commissioner Arts. 6. COMMISSION/STAFF INPUT Park and Recreation Commission/ April 9, 2026 Page 3 of 4