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Capital committee accepts $50,000 private gift for West Main park and moves funds to project

5899600 · October 7, 2025
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Summary

The capital improvements committee approved moving a $50,000 donation from the Bob John and Mary Howford Foundation into West Main park fundraising to pay early expenses; the project includes climbing boulders, six pickleball courts, a history block and parking.

The capital improvements committee voted Oct. 6 to appropriate a $50,000 donation from the Bob John and Mary Howford Foundation into the West Main park capital project to pay early project expenses.

Staff said the park will include three bouldering/climbing areas, six pickleball courts, a history block and parking spaces on city-owned land located to the left of Newark Station (as viewed from the station). The project has raised just over $600,000 to date, staff said, and officials thanked a lead fundraising volunteer, Mark Meyer, for assistance. A committee member asked about finalized designs; staff said designs were close but not yet final.

Motion by Marmee and second by Lagudas moved the donation into project funds; the committee approved the appropriation by voice vote, 5-0. No conditions or amendments were recorded at committee; staff will receive and spend the donation consistent with project fundraising and bid processes.