Board reviews park master-plan priorities: playgrounds, Liberty Field repairs, Route 66 sign placement and camper policy

The Park Board devoted the latter half of its March 10 meeting to reviewing items from the city’s park master plan and several budget priorities: playground replacement, Liberty Field maintenance and camper policy, parking-lot and trail repairs, volleyball-sand quality, and placement of a planned Route 66 sign.

Playgrounds and Liberty Field: Park staff and members discussed replacing aging playground equipment and potential sites. Park Superintendent Chris Fowler said modern, accessible equipment can range widely in price; a smaller, condensed replacement can be about $35,000–$60,000, while larger installations can cost well over $100,000 excluding installation, surfacing and accessibility work. Members discussed whether to prioritize City Park, the pool-adjacent playground, or a new playground at Liberty Field; members agreed to include playground funding requests in the FY2025–26 budget and to treat Liberty Field improvements (including plaques and trail repair) as high priorities. Fowler noted a $5,200 line item this year for Blackburn Park parking-lot reseal and said he is still soliciting bids.

Trails, surfacing and volleyball sand: The board discussed repairing an asphalt walking trail at Liberty Field and whether to contract out or perform crack-seal maintenance in-house. For sand-based volleyball courts, staff reported past deliveries included construction debris; staff said they are in discussions with a supplier (US Silica) but remain cautious about accepting sand that might contain trash or large debris and noted ongoing maintenance burdens for sand pits (glass, discarded items). The board discussed alternatives such as grass-based play areas or higher-quality sand if costs and maintenance allow.

Liberty Field camping policy: Parks staff described a draft policy approach limiting camping at Liberty Field to a small number of reserved spaces—estimated at 8–10—tied to permitted events (for example, scout groups or rodeo participants) and without sewer, water, or electrical hookups. Staff emphasized the need for a permit and vehicle placard system so police can verify authorized campers. No final policy was adopted; staff will complete a draft for future meetings.

Route 66 sign placement: The board un-tabled discussion of a planned Route 66 sign and reviewed updated placement plans. Staff reported that the tourism department will cover roughly $4,200 of the cost and that a Saint Louis County grant was part of the project funding. After untabling, members supported placing the sign between the Parks Building and Red Cedar (near the parks complex) rather than at Jensen’s Point; staff said the placement better fits city property and would not require Park Board funding.

Superintendent report and other items: Fowler reported two “binocular” viewfinders were installed (Blackburn and Jensen Point) and said the Jensen Point bathroom had a recent interior fire/soot incident tied to an unauthorized occupant; staff said the restroom has been cleaned and is operational. The board also discussed continuing to review the park master plan and pushing playgrounds higher on its priority list given new housing growth in Westlake and other subdivisions.

Ending: Staff will continue refining cost estimates and draft policies for review during upcoming meetings and include priority items in the FY2025–26 budget request.