Council reviews parks and recreation capital items: ballfield nets, lighting, trails and fieldhouse savings plan

Council and parks staff spent substantial time on Sept. 11 reviewing proposed 2026 parks and recreation capital projects and funding strategies.

Key projects discussed included:
- Ballfield netting and lighting: staff said the project to install protective netting and to complete lighting for fields is funded and encumbered in part; staff described the netting as more expensive than anticipated but confirmed purchase orders are ready and work will proceed. Council discussed using energy grants or NOPEC funds to offset the cost of new high-efficiency lighting.
- Longwood Park trail: construction began the week of the meeting; staff said trail installation equipment moved onto the site and work is expected to proceed in coming weeks, weather permitting.
- Pavilions and playgrounds: staff recommended a recurring annual line item to address pavilion rebuild/repair and playground regrading; council discussed increasing durability of pavilion structures.
- Manor House roof and Family Rec Center upgrades: staff proposed setting aside funds for a slate-roof replacement at the Manor House and continuing a resurfacing, HVAC and window-replacement program at the Family Rec Center; staff said energy audits are underway and windows may need replacement in the near term due to age and draftiness.
- Field house planning: council asked staff to begin setting aside annual cash toward a potential future field house; members repeatedly said no levy is being requested now and that future decisions would pass through the parks commission and council.

Grants and donations: staff clarified that grants and donations are recorded on the revenue side and the city initially pays vendor invoices; net project costs reflect grant reimbursements or donations when received. Council also discussed that special assessment and OPWC scoring can affect grant eligibility for other projects.

Next steps and funding posture: some items are encumbered (purchase orders already prepared) and other line items are being held as placeholders as staff continues design and grant applications. Council and staff agreed to return with more specific cost estimates, grant award statuses and implementation timetables for the largest items.

Ending: Parks staff asked council to continue quarterly oversight and said they will update the parks commission and return to council with more detailed project schedules and net cost estimates once grant and contract details are final.