Parks and Recreation staff report on park refurbishments, field work and upcoming projects

Parks and Recreation Advisory members heard a series of activity and project updates from Parks and Recreation staff during a regular meeting; staff described recent refurbishments, repairs and the status of multiple park projects and asked the board whether to pursue further planning or partnership work.

The updates covered several completed and in-progress repairs and installations. Jeff, Parks and Recreation staff, said the Lady Liberty statue at Oakdale Park was refurbished and reinstalled and its previously oxidized plaque was polished. Staff replaced a playground border at Woodland Park and resurfaced and restriped basketball courts at Sunset, Pacific and Centennial parks as well as a handball court at Oakdale. Jeff added that “we had toddler time this last year … with 550 visits,” highlighting the program’s local participation.

Concrete and structural repairs were a major focus. Jeff described work at Bill Burke Park where staff installed new footings, replaced posts (treated lumber after identified termite damage) and temporary bracing while crews pour new concrete and repair asphalt. The staff plan is to reseed disturbed areas after work finishes and cure times pass. A pictured sequence showed temporary bracing and new posts as part of the structural repairs.

At Matson Field, staff reported that contractors broke ground to relevel a low area behind second base and to address turf grading; the plan is to restore a natural grass infield (bentgrass) and a fescue/bluegrass outfield mix so the field will be available next season. Staff said weather has affected scheduling but expected major work to be completed in spring.

Pestinger Family Stadium received an update: staff said Salina Baseball Enterprises is fundraising for a grandstand and an elevated seating platform; irrigation is now live on the new seeded areas and staff are planning to protect those areas during the growing season. Jeff noted staff would coordinate closures to prevent foot or vehicle traffic while the turf establishes.

Other project updates included a contracted dog park at Parker Park (staff said the build will be about a 90–190 day process depending on lead times for ordered items such as solar lights, rigid metal pavilions and dog-watering bowls), restroom remodels targeted to be advanced before Riverfest in May, and demolition of the old splash pad at Gerry Ivy Memorial Park while staff prepares an April briefing for the city commission about options and costs for a replacement splash pad.

Staff also described a small educational “observation beehive” installed inside the Lakewood Discovery Center in partnership with a local honey farm (named in materials as AJ’s Honey); the hive is viewable through glass and will be managed by the beekeeper partner. Jeff thanked volunteers and contractors who helped restore and reinstall features and said several small volunteer-supported projects were completed or underway.

On accessibility and site work, staff said Kenwood Park sidewalk work has grown into a larger project because of elevation changes and a drainage issue that traps water near the restroom; the team is adding soil, rerouting drainage and planning ADA parking while completing connecting sidewalks.

Staff highlighted continued field-house and athletic activity: adult softball and basketball leagues have expanded (Jeff said adult softball filled to 12 teams for spring; summer/fall counts were higher in the prior year), adult volleyball runs 32 teams and youth basketball about 26 teams, and indoor turf use has increased during winter. Jeff also summarized a range of tournaments hosted or planned, including homeschool tournaments and a 63-team event noted earlier in the season.

On community events, staff said they will assist with Night to Shine at Tony’s Pizza Event Center in April (Jeff said the event will be April 25) and described the recent disc-golf canned-food drive at Oakdale that supported the local emergency food bank.

Board action: the advisory voted to approve procedural items during the meeting (agenda and minutes) and later moved to adjourn; each motion carried on voice vote.

Why it matters: the updates cover capital repair work that affects park safety and access (structural supports, sidewalks, drainage and restroom upgrades), near-term event support and scheduling that affects use of athletic fields and facilities, and several projects that will require ongoing coordination with contractors, volunteers and external partners.

Looking ahead, staff said they will return with more detailed timelines and procurement updates next month for items including the dog park, Bill Burke asphalt repairs, Matson Field reseeding and the Gerry Ivy splash pad budget options.