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Residents urge council to build Myrtle Grove Park amenities; say $7.3M has been set aside since 2015
Summary
Speakers at the April 9 meeting pressed the council to begin construction at Myrtle Grove Park, citing $7.3 million from a 2014 general obligation bond package that residents say has been held in city accounts since 2015.
Speakers at the April 9 meeting told the City Council that funding for Myrtle Grove Park has existed for years but the project has not broken ground. Reed Hughes, speaking as a resident, said the community has been waiting for the park’s “original rendering” that included a 6,000‑square‑foot gymnasium, walking trail, fitness stations, benches and shade.
“The general obligation bonds of $60,000,000 was voted by taxpayers in 2014,” Reed Hughes said. “The city council adopted a resolution in 2015. Myrtle Grove community, especially those with disabilities, are longing for the groundbreaking of Myrtle Grove Park, cost of $7,300,000.0, which is funded in just sitting in the GLB since 2015.”
Hughes and other residents emphasized accessibility and amenities for people with disabilities, calling those features a “fundamental human right.” They referenced a 2022 city survey that, they said, showed majority support for the park’s original design.
Council members did not vote on a revised scope or timeline at the April 9 meeting. Residents asked the council to prioritize the Myrtle Grove project, incorporate seating, shade and accessible fitness equipment along the walking trail, and set a date for a groundbreaking. City staff did not give a firm start date during the public meeting; residents said they will follow up to press for construction and site improvements.
