Council includes recreation upgrades on SPET list; splash pad and rec-center pool decks prioritized

Councilors and staff flagged immediate maintenance needs at the Laramie Community Recreation Center and recommended a $2,000,000 allocation in the SPET priority list. Parks and recreation staff said the pool decks are aging and may require the bulk of that allocation. "It may quite honestly the pool deck's may take the entire $2,000,000," Parks/rec staff told the council about pool-deck work. The council also agreed to $1,000,000 for Washington Park splash-pad upgrades and conversion of the wading pool to a splash pad to reduce staffing and chemical costs. The community sports facility item — a $5,000,000 allocation intended to begin work from a community sports study — drew debate; several councilors recommended moving it lower on the list until the study’s recommendations are final and suggested a possible future narrow levy (a 7¢ option) if the community supports a larger facility. Public comments from Pilot Hill advocates and residents reinforced support for park investments; several speakers urged moving Pilot Hill ahead of the splash-pad upgrades on the priority list. Why it matters: Recreation facilities and parks are visible projects that influence voter sentiment on ballot measures and require ongoing operations funds; pool and splash-pad maintenance affects staffing, water use and chemical costs. Council action: The council adopted the recreation center and splash-pad items and left the community sports facility item on the list at $5,000,000 while discussing potential alternatives. Ending: Staff will refine cost breakdowns for rec-center repairs and splash-pad upgrades and return recommendations during negotiations and final ballot preparation.