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Parks board endorses City Hall park concept; council accepts design and prioritizes restrooms and phased build
Summary
The Parks and Recreation Board recommended a concept plan for a new City Hall park on two parcels behind City Hall; council accepted the recommendation and emphasized restrooms and a phased approach with alternates to allow bids for specific amenities.
The City of Manville’s Parks and Recreation Board forwarded a recommended site concept for a new park behind City Hall; council accepted the recommendation and discussed phasing, restroom priorities and amenities intended for both community events and daily use.
City staff and the parks‑board liaison described the site as two parcels behind City Hall and presented a conceptual site plan with a multi‑use lawn, a playscape, a dog area, a pavilion/gazebo and a trail connection. The board’s recommended minimum package (phase 1) includes basic site work, a multi‑use lawn and public restrooms; board members and staff said restrooms should be a first‑phase priority to support markets and other events and to avoid dependence on interior building restrooms.
Design details and priorities discussed included: an enclosed, shaded playscape area (board members and several councilmembers cited safety and shade as priorities); a design that preserves significant trees and adds street trees and landscaping; infrastructure stanchions (tie‑downs and in‑ground connections) in the lawn to allow market tents and event canopies; and a commitment to a high‑quality pavilion/gazebo and trails. Staff said the final procurement will use bid alternates (additive or deductive line items) so the city can obtain firm construction prices and phase work according to available funds.
Council discussion emphasized the board’s recommendation to prioritize restrooms in phase 1, and repeated the board’s direction to consider accessible, inclusive playground equipment and shade. Council also discussed the park’s role alongside larger park projects the city has planned: this City Hall park is intended as a proximate, high‑use civic green that complements, rather than replaces, larger neighborhood or regional parks the city is planning.
Action: Council voted to accept the Parks and Recreation Board’s recommendation on the concept and proceed with design and procurement work; the acceptance passed unanimously on the regular agenda.
