A private fundraising group has proposed installing shade sails over the playground at Hargan Matthews Park; city staff presented preliminary sketches and the Parks and Recreation Board discussed maintenance and long-term funding responsibilities.

Christian Hansen, grounds manager, said private individuals approached the city with an architect's sketches and that “the city is under no financial obligation to help.” Hansen described the proposed design: stainless-steel poles with a pulley-and-cable system to support triangular shade sails. He told the board that the sails will be wind- and hurricane-rated to spec and that an initial cost estimate discussed with the group ranged from roughly $30,000 to $50,000; smaller line-item contractor figures in the packet did not reflect the total project cost and Hansen cautioned the numbers were for fundraising reference only.

Board members focused on long-term maintenance: sails will degrade under UV exposure and will need periodic replacement (Hansen estimated about a five- to seven-year lifespan for the fabric), and poles and hardware will require occasional upkeep. One board member suggested purchasing spare sets of sails so the park would not be left exposed if damage occurred. Hansen emphasized that any private fundraising should include an endowment or maintenance fund because the city budget cannot absorb ongoing replacement costs. He said staff will continue to meet with the group and provide periodic updates as plans and fundraising progress.

The board did not make a decision on city involvement; members asked staff to return with more detailed cost, maintenance and funding information as the group advances its design and fundraising.