03-05-2020 Parks_Rec Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MARCH 5, 2020 related to cost and the types of improvements. He stated that the splash pad was identified as a water feature within the master plan and noted that a few examples were provided for the Commission to review. He noted that the two large elements (splash pad and community building) could have a cost ranging from $500,000 to $2,000,000. He reviewed the proposed timeline for the process including meetings and opportunities for public input, hold a joint workshop with the Commission, and City Council and have a Council approved plan by the end of September. Chair Miller commented that it seems like an aggressive timeline but he is excited to see this moving forward. The Community Services Manager agreed that this is an aggressive timeline. He commented that the parks master plan took one year and the goal is to move forward on this while it is fresh in people’s minds. Chair Miller stated that he likes the potential funding source and suggested possibly including the organization to determine if there is interest in making donations for certain elements. Commissioner Darling stated that receiving input from the public is helpful but noted that there could be a backlash if a certain element that garners a lot of public interest does not move forward, using the example of a splash pad. The Community Services Manager noted that perhaps some of those elements can be worked out on the front end, again using the splash pad as an example. He explained that the cost could be prohibitive to that item moving forward. He referenced the parcel next to the public work facility that was previously identified as a community garden space but that space will be needed by public works for storage. Commissioner Ray asked if the intent is to begin construction in 2021. The Community Services Manager confirmed that $345,000 has been budgeted for the new playground in 2021. Commissioner Horwath asked the total cost of the Spooner playground. The Community Services Manager recalled an estimated cost of $525,000 for the playground improvements. He explained that the playground equipment had a cost of $180,000 but the City received a grant for $80,000 which brought the City’s portion down to $100,000. He advised that the site grading was the most expensive part with a cost of about $200,000, with the remainder for the trails. He noted that there will be a more in-depth discussion of the park plans at the next meeting.