The Waterford City Council approved resolution 2025‑44 authorizing the city manager to submit a Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant application for the Summers Park Development Project and amended the application to include a small, inclusive piece of playground equipment.

City manager Pickock presented the Summers Park concept: a triangular park bounded by La Galena, Summer and D streets. Staff said two public meetings produced several recurring ideas — a community garden, a splash pad and a grassy quiet area with a gazebo. “Staff does not recommend pursuing the community garden proposal at this time…we currently do not have the resources to do that,” Pickock said, adding concerns about maintenance, disputes between plot users, weeds and staffing.

Pickock also advised caution on a splash pad, citing potable water use that flows to sewer, limited parking and a lack of public restrooms at the site; he suggested splash pads may be better located at parks with restroom infrastructure. Instead, staff recommended a grassy area with a gazebo for the Summers Park site because it is easier to maintain and suits the residential setting.

Council member Talbot spoke in favor of the grassy park concept and suggested adding minimal playground equipment, possibly freestanding or inclusive equipment so children with disabilities could use it. “Maybe adding … some minimal playground equipment … inclusive playground equipment so that children with disabilities could use our public parks,” Talbot said. Council member Gutierrez supported adding one or two small, inclusive pieces of equipment.

Council amended the resolution to reflect staff’s recommendation with the addition of small inclusive playground equipment and adopted the resolution by a 4‑0 vote. Staff said the amended direction will be incorporated into the grant application scope of work and that the city manager will execute the application once the scope language is finalized.