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Recreation Commission reviews Riverfront Park projects, master plan schedule and tree‑planting proposal
Summary
Park staff updated the Recreation Commission on multiple capital projects at Riverfront Park — a trail and bathroom renovation under DNR review, Flag Plaza redesign supported by an anonymous donor, amphitheater roof progress, playground and pool upgrades, and a proposed bank stabilization/tree planting project.
Park staff briefed the Recreation Commission on capital projects and the park master plan timetable, outlining near‑term work at Riverfront Park and other sites.
Wayne (parks staff) said the parks department sent an RFQ for design of the old pool house/bath house and received five submissions. "We sent out an RFQ for design for the old pool house, the old bath house, and we received 5 packets back," Wayne said, adding he plans to take the top‑scoring proposal to City Council in April.
Wayne gave status updates across Riverfront Park: the trail connection bathroom renovation (phase 1) requires Department of Natural Resources review and a notice to proceed before the city can proceed to bid; the amphitheater roof steel is up and staff expect it to be ready for the East Central concert on May 9 though "it may not be totally finished," Wayne said; an Optimus playground and a new pool slide are due to arrive in April with the slide expected to be installed by Memorial Day weekend.
On the Flag Plaza renovation, Wayne said the city budgeted $75,000 but expected a shortfall and had planned additional fundraising. An anonymous donor offered a larger sum to cover remaining costs and allow for added beautification. "I think we're, should be in a good spot financially to do this," Wayne said.
Wayne also presented a bank stabilization and tree planting plan for the riverfront, showing about 26 trees proposed (15‑gallon stock) with a rough cost estimate of $4,000–$5,000 for the trees themselves. He said the department intends to pursue TRIM grants through MDC and may budget locally; the project is not funded in the current fiscal year and would either be granted or budgeted next year.
Commissioners raised public‑safety and vandalism concerns at Miller Post after members noted recent small fires reported in the daily police log. Wayne said he had not been contacted by the fire department and that the incidents appeared limited; he attributed at least one recent small fire to someone experiencing homelessness building a fire in park areas.
On planning, Wayne said the master plan consultant will present a draft on April 2, and commissioners and council will be invited to that meeting to give consolidated input before the consultant finalizes the plan. Wayne said the consultant asked that the commission refrain from sending multiple pre‑meeting edits so subcontractor teams can coordinate changes after the April 2 meeting.
Wayne also gave an operational note that the senior center’s move into the Knights of Columbus Hall is set to begin April 14 as a moving date for staff and equipment; he said that date does not mean full operations will start on that day and that the senior center is coordinating staffing transitions.
Commissioners did not take formal action on these project updates beyond scheduling and direction to staff to continue coordinating with state reviewers and consultants.
