Board members press for facilities maintenance plan and review of master plan concepts

Parks staff told the Lawrence City Parks Board that the department has experienced a string of equipment and system failures this week, including air-conditioning and thermostat issues at the community center and failed furnace/air units. Staff said the city had dropped a previous maintenance contract earlier this year and that the department contracts out HVAC work because in-house staff lack specialist HVAC expertise.

When asked whether the city maintained a formal facilities plan, parks staff said a company that handled the city’s energy-assistance program and earlier facility improvements—identified in the meeting as Perfection Group—had performed an audit in the past; staff said, however, “as far as a set plan, no. We do not have 1.” Board members urged the parks department to add a facilities audit and maintenance scheduling into the department’s three-year strategic plan or the larger master plan.

The board also discussed an upcoming presentation by Rundell Ernstberger Associates (REA), the reuse authority’s master-plan contractor, which will present concept designs for a community park. Staff said the REA presentation is expected next Thursday and requested board members be prepared to provide input. Board members emphasized that while a concept presentation will inform priorities, final decisions on scope and funding would rest with the parks board and funding partners.

Staff noted the five-year master plan renewal is due in 2026 and that budgeting for a new master plan should be considered in 2026. Members asked staff to circulate the existing plan/audit documents and any REA materials to the full board prior to the presentation.

Outcome: Discussion and direction to staff to pursue inclusion of a formal facilities maintenance audit and to circulate REA materials to the board; no formal vote recorded on a facilities contract or master-plan funding at this meeting.