Agenda - Council - 07/28/2026 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Police Chief Bluml summarized the comments staff had received from residents since the opening. Most residents praised the splash pad, fishing pier, and overall appearance of the waterfront. The concerns primarily involved park rules, safety around the ponds, improper uses of the facility, and questions about what additional amenities might eventually be constructed on the remaining open property. Staff wanted to determine whether operational adjustments could address those concerns before considering permanent improvements. Fire Chief Winkel explained that some residents suggested installing fencing to prevent children from entering the water. He expressed concern that fencing could negatively affect one of the park's primary visual amenities while providing only limited additional protection. He observed that determined individuals could still climb a fence, while emergency responders might actually encounter additional obstacles during a rescue. Rather than immediately installing fencing, staff recommended a more measured approach: monitoring how the park functions before making permanent changes. The Council generally agreed that the pond contributes significantly to the park's overall appearance and that installing fencing immediately after opening may not be the best solution. Mr. Hagen indicated they would continue monitoring activity and evaluate additional safety measures if future concerns arise. The Council next reviewed the wording on the new park signage. Councilmember Buscher noted that one section addressing wheeled devices and medical equipment could be easily misunderstood due to its punctuation. As written, the sign appeared to suggest that medical equipment might not be permitted. Mr. Riverblood explained that the wording had been carefully crafted to prohibit recreational wheeled devices, such as bicycles and skateboards, while continuing to allow wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and other medically necessary equipment. Councilmember Buscher suggested separating the statements or revising the language to specifically reference "recreational wheeled devices," making the rules much clearer for park visitors. Mr. Riverblood agreed that the suggestion would improve readability and indicated they would revise the sign before permanent installation. The Council discussed activity around the newly installed fishing pier. Mr. Riverblood reported that the fishing pier had quickly become one of the park's most popular attractions, with grandparents, parents, and children using the facility throughout the day. Although staff had heard reports that a few children had jumped from the pier, they had personally observed very appropriate behavior overall. City Council Work Session / July 14, 2026 Page 12 of 14