Parks staff propose trail naming, mile markers and a relocated Rotary Park feature shelter tied to grant application

Parks and recreation staff told the City Council they will pursue a consistent trail‑naming policy, standard signage (including mile markers) and a proposal to relocate a large rentable shelter in Rotary Park to a higher, more accessible site.

Trail naming and signage: parks staff said community feedback and recent trail use — a walking challenge recorded more than 3,500 miles on the North Park loop in July — show residents value trails and that a consistent naming convention would create local ownership and easier wayfinding. Staff suggested names tied to history or geography and presented an initial signage concept; costs for basic trail signs were estimated at under $150 per sign but the final number depends on placement frequency.

Rotary Park shelter relocation: staff proposed amending the Rotary Park master plan to move the proposed “feature shelter” and restroom from a low‑lying floodplain location to higher ground near the aquatic‑center parking lot. Staff said the low shelter location suffers repeated flooding, creates accessibility challenges and limits rental use; the relocated shelter would be closer to existing accessible parking and playgrounds and better suited for large events. Parks staff said the Kirksville Rotary Club, Center for Human Services and Sheridan Valley Association pledged a combined $50,000 toward the project and that the city could pursue a Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant for the shelter.

Council response: the Parks, Lakes and Recreation Commission recommended the change, as did other advisory commissions; councilmembers were supportive and asked staff to develop a formal grant submittal and to continue conversations with community partners about fundraising and timing. Staff said the shelter project would likely be a multi‑year effort and would be brought forward for budget approval when design and grant timing are better defined.

Next steps: parks staff will draft a trail‑naming policy and signage standard for council consideration and will work with community partners and the LWCF schedule to pursue the Rotary Park shelter funding.