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Parks staff report grant applications, Mingus Park restroom order and boardwalk repairs
Summary
Staff updated the commission on grant applications (wildfire risk, SRTS, TGM), a pre-engineered restroom order for Mingus Park, rewilding plantings with Coos Watershed Association and planned boardwalk repairs funded by urban renewal dollars.
City parks staff reported a slate of grant applications and capital updates, including a submitted CIS wildfire risk management grant application, an executed contract and ordered pre-engineered restroom for Mingus Park, and planned repairs to the Coos Bay Boardwalk.
Staff said a CIS wildfire risk management grant was submitted July 31 requesting $10,000 to support defensible-space creation and vegetation management; "application status is expected by November 3," staff said. For Mingus Park, the commission previously authorized purchase of a pre-engineered CMU restroom and site work not to exceed $352,000; staff said the restroom has been ordered, permits submitted, the site cleared and utility work is underway prior to delivery.
Staff described a rewilding effort at Mingus Park that pairs site work with a planting partnership with the Coos Watershed Association; staff anticipate work to be complete by December 2026. The boardwalk will undergo glass removal, pavilion roof repair, handrail replacement and retaining-wall installation; staff are preparing requests for quotes with construction targeted for spring/summer 2026 and funding identified from urban renewal dollars.
On transportation-related grants, staff said the city will apply in January 2026 for an ODOT Safe Routes to School (SRTS) construction grant (projected $2–3 million) and noted a Transportation Growth Management (TGM) planning application filed July 8 to support bicycle and pedestrian planning. Staff also reported that ODOT told city staff an enhanced crossing at Market and northbound Highway 101 will be funded; staff described the improvement as a "continental crosswalk with rapid flashing beacons and signage" and said schedule details are pending ODOT coordination.
Operations and maintenance updates included replacement of poles and nets at Mingus Park Upper South Tennis Court, ongoing Choshi Gardens upkeep, completion of lower lake access road repairs at John Tapitz Park and handrail painting on the Coos Bay Boardwalk. Commissioners raised a standing drainage issue at the northwest corner of the Mingus Park tennis court; staff described multiple hydrologic factors and said a longer-term plan is needed and likely to require funding beyond the current year.
Staff said they will continue monthly updates to the commission on grant-funded projects, capital improvements and operations to maintain transparency and track projects from award through completion.
