The Estacada Parks and Recreation Commission discussed maintenance and improvement projects across city parks, focusing on completing the dog park, replacing ground cover, reinstalling a memorial plaque and resolving security and splash-pad issues.

Commissioners reported the dog park’s waste-disposal issue has been addressed by staff, but they said the park needs a more heat-resistant or softer ground cover — such as wood chips or grass — because the current surface gets hot and uncomfortable. Commissioners said the project is not currently in the parks budget and discussed raising funds or adding the work to a future budget to complete the surface improvements.

Members confirmed a plaque dedicating the dog park in memory of Chris Nelson has been installed and discussed plans to relocate a large statue that had been near the splash pad; staff said the statue is in public works storage and the commission discussed potential new locations, including near the community room or by the mural to increase visibility.

Security and amenities were also covered. Commissioners said a security camera that had been monitoring the dog park was removed after failing and has not been reinstalled; they recommended adding nighttime lighting and restoring camera coverage. The commission also noted concrete walkways in the new park are under construction and that splash-pad service has been turned off for the season; commissioners asked staff to post clearer signage to indicate the splash pad is off for the season.

Ending: Commissioners directed staff to explore funding options for ground cover at the dog park, to locate and reinstall the statue and to restore or replace security measures and signage at park facilities.