Cloverdale releases Plaza Park survey; council discusses seating, shade, stage upgrades

City staff presented results of a Plaza Park survey at the March 12 Cloverdale City Council meeting showing 292 responses and broad interest in improving the downtown park’s event amenities.

“About 300 folks filled it out, about 292 to be exact,” the staff presenter said, summarizing demographic and program preferences from the five- to six-month survey. The results showed the park’s primary use is events — Friday Night Live, the farmers market and parades — and respondents most commonly requested additional seating, improved shading, better landscaping and stage improvements.

Council members discussed a range of options, including “stadium” concrete seating, picnic-style grass seating and recreational investments such as ping-pong or checker tables that could attract visitors. Councilor Velasquez noted previous discussion of a shade structure and “maybe the misters also, because it’s…” citing heat concerns during summer events.

City staff said incremental improvements to the stage are already under way after a recent budget amendment: a cover to block sun and rain, new fans, stage lights and speakers that can be made available for community use. Councilors generally supported sending the survey results to the infrastructure subcommittee for more detailed cost estimates and prioritization before returning proposals to the full council.

No ordinance or budget appropriation was adopted in this meeting; staff will return with itemized options and cost estimates following subcommittee review.