Council explores ambitious plan to revitalize local park

During a recent council meeting, officials discussed a proposal from Greenworks, a landscape architecture firm, to update Jane Heinrich Park, highlighting the need for an updated parks master plan, which has not been revised in over 20 years. The proposal, while not currently within budget, emphasizes the potential for economic development through the addition of softball fields to accommodate increasing regional demand for weekend tournaments.

Council members noted that the proposal includes plans for expanded parking and facilities for food trucks, aimed at attracting visitors to the community during these events. The estimated cost for the initial planning phase is $137,000, which will primarily rely on grant funding. The council acknowledged that securing grants is essential for moving forward with park upgrades, and several potential sources were identified, including Oregon State Parks and the Ford Family Foundation.

A significant advantage of the proposal is that updating the parks master plan is eligible for System Development Charge (SDC) funding, which the city currently has in surplus. This could cover the estimated $25,000 needed for the master plan update. However, council members expressed concerns regarding the initial nature of the proposal, which does not include detailed engineering assessments or address water supply issues necessary for maintaining new fields.

Despite these challenges, the council is considering initiating the planning process concurrently with ongoing water projects, allowing for a comprehensive approach to enhancing community recreational facilities and economic opportunities.