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Dayton parks commission outlines 2024 accomplishments, irrigation and trail projects for 2025
Summary
Commissioners reviewed 2024 park work — including an Adopt‑a‑Park program and irrigation projects — and outlined 2025 plans for wells, bridges, a North Diamond Lake Road trail and temporary event tents.
Carrie, a presenter for the parks group, said the commission implemented an Adopt‑a‑Park program in 2024 and “4 parks have been adopted so far.”
The commission updated commissioners on irrigation and well work at several parks and set target dates for upcoming construction and contracting. Bids for multiple park projects went out March 3; bids are due March 27 and contracting awards were expected by April 8, with substantial completion targeted for November 2025.
The commission described project status by site: at Hayden Hills a well has been drilled and crews are waiting for power and frost‑free soil to begin irrigation installation; at River Hills Park a well had not been drilled because of road restrictions until late April or early May and power coordination remained pending; at L.C. Stevens an existing well was upgraded and staff were confirming whether electricity upgrades were also needed; at Sundance Woods crews plan to extend irrigation once soil conditions allow; and another site will be tied into an existing water line rather than a new well.
Trail work is proceeding more slowly where street reconstruction has overlapped. Commissioners said the remaining link on North Diamond Lake Road is the last portion needed to connect to Elm Creek Park; engineers were preparing documents so bidding can go out in spring and work can be completed in 2025.
The commission also reviewed smaller amenity plans for 2025. Members discussed a freestanding shelter and portable event tents rather than a permanent band shelter, citing cost uncertainty (estimates for a permanent structure ranged widely and could reach into the hundreds of thousands). The group favored a rental tent option to provide event flexibility while avoiding a large capital commitment. They also discussed small, tripod-style fire pits near a proposed shelter area on the east side of the river and expanding parking on the park’s north side.
Commissioners said Leathers Park will be reseeded at no additional charge after an initial seeding failed because of dry conditions, and bridge footing work at L.C. Stevens was scheduled to be installed in early May.
The commission identified next steps: proceed with the March bid schedule, coordinate power and road access for wells, and pursue trail bidding in spring. No formal vote or ordinance was recorded on these items during the discussion.
Substantive scheduling and procurement details provided by staff: - Bids issued: March 3; bids due: March 27; anticipated contract awards: by April 8; target for substantial completion: November 2025. - Bridge footing work at L.C. Stevens: expected early May 2025.
The commission asked staff to continue outreach to contractors and to share bid results with commissioners when available.
