Anonymous donor covers shortfall for Flag Plaza renovation; trail work to follow

The Parks and Recreation Commission said an anonymous donor gave a substantial contribution at the end of the year that covers the city—s shortfall for renovating the Flag Plaza at the riverfront.

Staff told commissioners the plaza, originally installed around 1990, needs an overhaul; the project had $75,000 budgeted but an estimated shortfall of about $25,000. The donor—s gift removes the immediate need to solicit additional donations to complete the plaza work. The plaza renovation is being coordinated with a trail-connection grant; phase 1 was described in the meeting and phase 2 — the trail installation itself — is scheduled to begin after the start of the next fiscal year (after Oct. 1).

As part of the trail work and to comply with the grant—s environmental protections for a specific bat population, staff removed two trees this winter that were reachable from pavement: a catalpa in the parking lot (noted as hollowed out) and a maple near the Waterworks Building. Staff said remaining smaller trees that need removal could not be reached because of wet ground and will be removed before the seasonal tree-removal cutoff (staff said removals must be done in winter through March under the grant conditions).

The commission also heard progress updates on a new riverfront parking lot (completed and lit), and plans for bank stabilization and a frontage tree-planting plan prepared with the city arborist and the tree board. Staff said an exhibit showing the proposed bank stabilization and planting plan will be reviewed at the next meeting.

Ending: Staff expects the trail-related phase 1 work (bathroom renovation) to proceed this spring and phase 2 (trail installation) after Oct. 1; staff will bring renderings and exhibits on the Flag Plaza and bank stabilization to the commission at a future meeting.