Parks board discusses Community Park master plan, sewer work and planned paving; timeline and funding remain uncertain

Members of the St. Lawrence Board of Parks and Recreation discussed multiple Community Park items including a pending master plan, updated construction estimates and utility work that will affect access and timing for renovations. Staff said the master plan consultant will provide preliminary numbers by the end of the month and that the board will meet again in September to review costs and options. An estimator from Milestone Construction is redoing a 2022 quote to include current conditions and ADA elements so the board can assess updated costs. Citizens Energy Group — which owns and operates many main sewer lines in the city — will redirect a portion of a force main that runs around the hill at Community Park. Staff said crews plan to install an approximately 18-inch pipe that will be above ground and cross the road and walking path for a period of time; the existing buried pipe will later be rehabilitated and sealed with added manholes. Staff cautioned this work could last several months. Board members also discussed planned paving for a parking lot tied to stormwater infrastructure; staff said paving cannot proceed until stormwater improvements and underdrains are installed. The stormwater board has approved the project, and parks staff said they hope the new controller and current coordination will allow the project to move forward. Members emphasized budget uncertainty: staff noted the city’s newly announced wheel tax could create additional revenue next year, while the parks department has submitted its preliminary budget and requested some additional personnel funding.