Parks commission forms ad hoc committee to draft rules for new splash pad and park features

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission voted to form a two-member ad hoc committee to work with staff on rules for the new splash pad and related park features and to return recommendations to the full commission and ultimately the city council.

Staff told the commission that construction bids will be released soon and that it is timely to develop specific rules for the splash pad. “This is really a time for you to decide what you'd like to do move forward,” a staff member said, noting the splash pad likely will not open until “the middle of next year.” The staff member said rules would likely be codified in “section 14.19” of the municipal code and that the signage for feature-specific rules would be added to existing park signage.

Commissioners agreed to appoint Matt and Vicky to the ad hoc group to work with staff. One commissioner asked whether new splash-pad rules would replace existing park rules; staff replied they would likely be added in addition to existing park rules and would live in the park code (section 14.19). The staff member said funding for signage was probably from the parks and recreation budget or another public-works fund and that some larger feature signage may already be in the park plans.

A motion to create the ad hoc committee naming Matt and Vicky passed with no opposed votes. The staff member said when the ad hoc and staff bring the rules back, the Parks and Recreation Commission will make a recommendation to city council for final adoption of any ordinance.