City parks staff provided construction and project updates at the July 7 Parks, Natural Resources and Cultural Affairs Board meeting, reporting recent work at Bryce Davis Park dog park, progress on Underwood and Walker Park projects, and other improvements citywide.

Dog park and Bryce Davis: staff said a temporary fence has been installed to create an interim dog‑park area of approximately 0.65 acres (about half of the larger dog‑park side). Work has begun to remove a concrete step along the previous dividing line so the new fence can be realigned and create two more equal dog‑park sides. Planned next steps include forming the dog‑park landing pad, installing a dog‑wash station, widening and repairing the sidewalk connection from the cul‑de‑sac to the dog park, and installing a temporary gravel path while final concrete work is pending.

Underwood and Walker parks: staff reported that the Underwood Park project has been bid and is scheduled for City Council consideration on July 30 and that Walker Park should be advertised for construction bids soon. Staff encouraged optimism about competitive bids for Walker and said much of the Walker design work has moved to interior phases, such as multipurpose rooms and kitchen spaces in the new facility plan.

Lake Fayetteville and volunteers/donors: staff reported progress on Lake Fayetteville projects, noting that donors and volunteer groups contributed funds and that a contractor was hired to complete a recent trail or boardwalk element. Staff also discussed a planned expansion or restoration of the Butterfly House at the botanical gardens and said they would coordinate donors and architects for that work.

Other projects: staff said stream restoration, parking, and step‑repair work are underway in various parks and that some construction may have temporary impacts on trails (staff cautioned that trails would remain passable but may be altered during pours or equipment staging). Staff asked board members for suggestions on park naming for a yet‑unnamed project and said additional public outreach will follow as projects progress.

Actions and next steps: Underwood is scheduled for Council review July 30; Walker will move to advertising for bids; dog‑park interim improvements are in construction and will be completed in phases; staff will coordinate donor contact for the Butterfly House restoration. Board members were asked to provide name suggestions for an unnamed park project and to continue monitoring construction impacts to trails.

Discussion versus decision: these items were operational updates and status reports; there were no formal votes recorded on construction awards or naming during the meeting.