Commission backs recommendation to council to allow limited motorized-cart tours at Ada Hayden Park
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Summary
The commission voted to recommend that city council waive the park rule prohibiting motorized vehicles so Friends of Ada Hayden can operate assisted golf-cart tours Sept. 10–11; staff noted the Upland Trail tour focus and a council/commission preview on the evening of Sept. 10.
The Parks and Recreation Commission on July 17 voted to recommend that the City Council waive the park prohibition on motorized vehicles to allow Friends of Ada Hayden to operate mobility-assist golf-cart tours Sept. 10–11.
Staff said the Friends group rents golf carts and supplies trained drivers to help residents with mobility impairments access Ada Hayden Heritage Park. The group requested a council waiver because the commission lacks the authority to waive the city ordinance that prohibits motorized vehicles in the park.
Staff recommended “alternative 1,” which sets the requested hours (staff corrected an item in the packet that listed 08:03 p.m. and confirmed the intended 8:00 p.m. closing time). The Friends plan to emphasize the park’s Upland Trail and to highlight recent land purchases and restoration work on the park’s west side in cooperation with the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. Staff noted the city’s ongoing path-replacement project may be underway during the event.
A commission member moved “to recommend alternative 1” and a second followed; commissioners approved the recommendation by voice vote.
What happens next: the commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to City Council for action on the waiver request. Staff also offered a pre-event preview tour for commission and council members at 6 p.m. on Sept. 10, if members wish to attend.