A Parks and Recreation staff member told the city council that the department plans to pursue a splash pad at the Civic Center, an amphitheater slated for 2027 and a sequence of playground repairs — and said some play equipment may need to be removed for safety.

The splash pad at the Civic Center is the department’s top budget priority for the next year, the staff member said, and the department is expecting a concept design from a company called Vortex to share with council at an upcoming retreat. The amphitheater is listed as a larger project likely scheduled for 2027. The staff member said the department will also pursue a parks rebrand (a distinct Parks & Recreation logo and a dedicated Facebook page) and will prioritize a Deer Meadow parking-lot expansion before building a proposed dog park there.

The item drew immediate attention on playground safety. The staff member said Chris Hakes, the department’s certified playground inspector, had reviewed equipment and that “we could probably shut them all down.” The presenter described warning tape around a swing set noted during a recent family event and said the city’s street department can remove old equipment to reduce demolition and hauling costs.

Staff described grant-seeking as part of the funding strategy and said they have researched third-party grant writers. The presenter said the department has identified consultants that might cost “upwards of $6,000” to hire, and suggested those services could help the city pursue significantly larger grant awards (the staff member said “a couple $100,000” as a sample return but did not provide firm award amounts). The presenter said she and staff are still compiling cost and timeline estimates and will bring visuals and more detail to council at the retreat.

A council member asked whether removal of the most dilapidated playground equipment could be scheduled during the off season; the staff member said the department is talking with vendors and with a company called Game Time to produce park layouts and that the department may request a supplemental appropriation this year to begin design work sooner rather than waiting for 2026.

The staff member also noted an item described as “decommissioning of DP&L Park,” saying the city currently maintains and mows that property though it is not city-owned and that the playground and lot have not been updated. That matter, she said, will be discussed with counsel and council as the department explores options.

No formal votes or motions were recorded during the presentation; staff described next steps as further design work, grant research, and presenting visuals and budget requests to council for approval.

The discussion raises near-term safety and budget decisions for parks that affect playground users, families and maintenance crews; staff said they will return with more precise costs and timelines for any removal, replacement or construction work.