Log-jam cleanup and batting-cage relocation raise access and field-impact concerns at Bill Burke Park

Parks staff said clearing a log jam near the north end of Bill Burke Park will require trucks and temporary use of park access routes and could affect park operations while the work proceeds. Jeff Hammond, director of Parks and Recreation, told the advisory board crews will clear debris from the north end of Bill Burke Park and use Far E West Road for truck access to remove material. "Trucks will need to get in and out of Bill Burke using that, Far E West Road, for in and out access to Bill Burke to take, debris out and in, to take debris out and bring the trucks back," he said. Hammond said the city is waiting for a contractor notice to proceed from the governing body and that staff will meet on site with the contractor to review scope, locations and maps provided with the governing-body approval. He said barricades near the site will be maintained and noted challenges keeping the barricades in place. Board members raised concerns about potential impacts to fields and park visitors. Hammond said, assuming no more flooding, the log-jam work "wouldn't impact the fields" but acknowledged trucks and staging will occur and that staff would coordinate timing and access once a start date is set. On a related facilities matter, Hammond described plans to relocate a salvaged batting-cage/pitching-tunnel structure from Pessinger Field to Bill Burke in 2026. Staff presented five potential locations and prioritized an option they recommend because of proximity to parking, utilities and nearby field usage. Hammond said the original batting-cage footprint measured about "30 by 75" feet and staff envision a multi-use facility for both batting and pitching, with a surface that extends the life of adjacent turf fields. Advisory-board members favored the staff-recommended option 1 or an option by Field 8 near the parking lot; Hammond said staff will continue examining subsurface conditions and utility locations. Discussion — no formal board action was taken at the meeting; staff said they will coordinate with the contractor on timing and return with updates on the batting-cage placement when site investigations are complete. Ending Staff said they will schedule on-site meetings with the contractor and report back to the advisory board on timing, access plans and any required mitigation for field use.