Council hears plans for $500K in park upgrades, splash pad and $7M multiuse fields in CIP
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Summary
Parks staff described a proposed $500,000 allocation for park repairs and amenities in FY26, projects such as dugout and fence repairs, shade structures and updated drinking fountains; a splash pad is included in the CIP for FY27 and the CIP lists $7 million for multiuse fields in FY30 subject to grant-seeking.
Parks staff described a package of park repairs and amenity upgrades May 15 that city leaders said would be funded with a proposed $500,000 supplemental for FY 2025–26, and the five‑year capital improvement plan lists a $7 million line for multiuse ball fields in FY2030.
“Some of the things that came up … were portable pitching mounds — they’re about $15,000 — purchasing more,” Parks Director Vera told council during the work session. She listed dugout repairs at Rotary and Sarah parks, fence replacements on several ballfields, improved shade structures for playgrounds and swings, updated drinking fountains, and general beautification work on Main Street.
Council and staff said a larger multiuse fields project appears in the CIP later in the decade. “For parks, we added an additional $7,000,000 in fiscal year ’30 for the multiuse fields,” Finance Director Jill Olson said, and noted the city will seek grant funds for that project. Staff said the splash pad at Rotary Park is currently scheduled in the FY27 portion of the CIP.
Public comments at the hearing echoed support for the park upgrades. Kristen Biceline, who leads a local mothers’ group, told council she and other parents welcome shade at swings and a splash pad: “we are very happy to hear that the swings at Rotary will get a new shade structure and … we would love a new splash pad — preferably in Rotary Park.” Another resident urged quicker improvements to dugouts and benches used by youth baseball teams.
Staff said the $500,000 proposed in FY26 is intended for remedial, safety and amenity work — playground and dugout repairs, replacement of rusted ramadas, new water-fill stations better suited for children and adults, new shade at popular playgrounds such as Jack Hardy and Rotary, and improvements at specific sites identified by park maintenance staff.
Ending: Parks staff said they will bring more specific project lists and cost estimates as the budget process continues and as the parks master plan is refined; council retains discretion to reallocate funds or accelerate CIP projects if grants or additional revenues are secured.