Park district asks urban renewal for $1.1M toward Phase 1 infrastructure for community park; council to consider level of support

Clay Downey, superintendent for the Hale Park and Recreation District, asked the Dundee urban renewal agency and council to consider funding infrastructure related to the district’s new park project (discussed as the Safe Park / parks redevelopment project). Downey provided a memo tying the request to objectives in the urban renewal plan — public facilities, walkability, streetscape improvements and civic gathering spaces — and asked the city to partner on eligible infrastructure costs.

What was requested: Downey said Phase 1 construction costs are approximately $2.9 million and the district’s packet included a request for roughly $1.1 million of urban renewal support for infrastructure elements (streetscape, stormwater, waterline work, parking and related public components). He asked that the city consider reimbursing qualifying expenses or otherwise structuring a reimbursement agreement that could recognize expenses the district incurs while work proceeds.

Why it matters: the park is framed as a public facility that supports tourism and downtown connectivity; councilors noted urban renewal funds are limited and asked staff to report back with specific budget capacity. One councilor said a one‑third share is “a big pill” and asked staff to quantify DURA’s capacity within the current budget process before the city commits to a dollar amount.

Council discussion and next steps: councilors said they are generally supportive of partnering on infrastructure but need time to review budget constraints and to draft an agreement that would list eligible reimbursable expenses and timing. Staff advised the urban renewal agency can consider reimbursement of eligible items and emphasized the importance of phasing and tying any city commitment to clear benchmarks. The city attorney noted agreements can explicitly define eligible expenses and timing for reimbursement; staff also flagged the need to confirm urban renewal cash flow and commitments to other projects before signing a reimbursement agreement.

Ending: Downey said the district is prepared to begin work and that, historically, parks and public utilities are appropriate candidates for urban renewal investment when a public benefit and nexus are shown. Councilors asked staff to return with budget numbers and a draft legal framework for an agreement; no funding decision was made at the meeting.