Klamath Falls budgets Moore Park playground and restrooms; city pursues pump track grant and Elarecki Pool geothermal work

The budget committee heard that the Moore Park playground, installed recently at a cost of about $1 million, is popular and that the city has budgeted $250,000 to build year-round restrooms nearby and $218,000 to replace restrooms at Veterans Memorial Park.

Committee members discussed a planned bicycle pump track project (budgeted at $775,000) and said the city is working to acquire land from ODOT since the planned parking and trail improvements currently sit within the state right-of-way. Staff said Healthy Klamath has raised more than $350,000 toward the pump track and that the city expects to combine fundraising and grant funds for the remainder. Capital outlay in the current biennium includes a small $25,000 initial design allocation for the parking lot tied to the project.

Elarecki Pool was also discussed: staff listed a geothermal reinjection project and other pool infrastructure needs (slide, pump house, plaza) and noted ongoing contracts for lifeguards and staffing. “We have a geothermal reinjection project that we're working on,” staff said, noting previous biennial budget items tied to the pool.

Why it matters: Park amenities and the pool are community recreation assets; securing grants and right-of-way transfers will determine whether the pump track and parking improvements can proceed without large local expenditures.

Next steps: Staff will continue fundraising and apply for grants for the pump track, pursue ODOT land transfer for the site, and advance geothermal reinjection engineering and pool improvements as budgeted.