City Park master project advances: site-plan variances, stormwater review and timeline for bids and council approval

Staff updated the Corcoran City Parks and Trails Commission on May 15 about the City Park master project, saying the project has moved through planning reviews and watershed checks and that the construction bid package is open until May 28. City Council is scheduled to consider contract authorization for the project on June 12.

Staff reported the Planning Commission reviewed the site plan on May 1 and "recommended approval of the site plan with variances to allow a 0-foot building side setback" and to waive standard buffer-yard requirements where the Diamond Lake Regional Trail runs adjacent to the western parcel. A parks staff member said the waiver is necessary because the trail alignment reduces the available buffer between the park building and nearby residences.

The watershed reviewer presented the park enhancement plan to the watershed board; staff reported the stormwater ponds were sized conservatively and the watershed indicated the design would not increase off-site peak flow or pollutant loads. "They had to present it with two different options — full parking lot pavement and half parking lot pavement — and both were within pond capacity," a commissioner summarized.

Staff also described donor engagement and design refinements. The Wacker Espiceff family has committed funds toward park features; staff are coordinating a "legacy" web page to document the gift and are exploring an added play element — a net beneath two bridges in the playground — at the donor's request. Staff said the playground vendor is willing to explore a net feature but that final feasibility will depend on vendor design and structural constraints.

Trail planning was a recurring theme: commissioners noted a Larkin Road subdivision concept plan is scheduled for a June 12 meeting and that several new planning items on the projects list could affect the Diamond Lake Regional Trail alignment. Staff said they will coordinate with trail planners as subdivisions and site plans advance and will notify the commission when trail-related items come forward.

On grants and funding, staff said they were still awaiting a response from T-Mobile on a grant application (staff reported the typical 30–60 day window and that they were near 45 days). Staff also reported they are pursuing Diamond Lake Regional Trail reimbursement for portions of trail work where applicable.

Bids for the project remain scheduled to open May 28; staff asked commissioners to expect a bid-report update following that date and noted City Council will take final action a few weeks later. No final construction contract was approved at the May 15 meeting; commissioners received updates and provided feedback to staff.