Parks and Rec moves ahead on story walk, splash pad, goats for invasive species and approves $91,501 playground purchase

The council heard a Parks and Recreation report on April 8 outlining several 2025 projects and approved staff recommendations including a $91,501.20 purchase of a modular play structure for Central Park.

During the report, the parks chair said staff plan a library story walk in Billings Park, completion of plumbed bathrooms at Central and Webster Dream Park, construction of phase one of a skate park at Heritage, and a splash pad at Wade Bull expected to be finished this fall. New playground equipment is slated for Central Park. For invasive-vegetation control, park staff plan to use goats in Billings Park for the first time as a management tool.

The council considered two action items from the Parks and Rec Commission: Recreation and Special Event grants and a capital purchase from the park CIP fund for Central Park playground upgrades. Councilor LaDeen moved to divide the Rotary Club-related grants (Dragon Boat Festival), Grandma's Marathon and Superior Trails and refer those three to the Tourism Development Commission for eligibility review; the motion, seconded by Councilor Grama, carried. The council then approved the remaining grant recommendations from the Parks and Rec Commission by voice vote.

The council approved purchasing a Burke Nucleus modular play structure for Central Park from Lee Restoration LLC for $91,501.20. Motion to approve the purchase was made by Councilor Fennessey and seconded by Councilor LaDeen and carried on a voice vote.

Parks staff and the commission emphasized the busy project year and said the referral of larger festival grants to the Tourism Development Commission will better align grant eligibility and accounting.

Councilors did not alter project scopes at the meeting; follow-up on installation schedules and grant administration was assigned to staff.