Council hears plan for pocket parks and neighborhood playgrounds using city-owned lots

Council members Jennifer Mendez and Rob presented a proposal to convert underused city-owned parcels into small neighborhood parks and playgrounds (described in the meeting as “satellite playgrounds” or pocket parks).

Presenters identified several candidate sites the city already owns: Beech Grove (referred to in multiple slides), a 35-acre parcel behind the sewer plant suitable for trail, flood mitigation and bike paths, a site on Floyd’s Fork for picnic/fishing access, an industrial-park parcel that could connect Park Loop to Omega Parkway and provide space for food trucks, and a large parcel on Seventh Avenue that could support a larger playground and splash pad. Presenters said initial work would use existing city-owned land (no land purchase) and could reuse playground equipment from Public Works for early projects; the work would require construction funding for equipment, benches, and site improvements.

City staff noted some parcels are FEMA-purchased and cannot be developed but can be used as parkland; presenters said Sam (city staff) will be the project point person and will coordinate with Arthur and Scott (Public Works/parks staff) and with neighbors where residences are nearby. Council members described a staged implementation over two to four years and mentioned exploring sponsorships (for example, corporate sponsorships, local organizations such as the Boyd County Women’s Club) to offset costs. The council emphasized sidewalk connectivity and drainage improvements in neighborhood planning and said Beech Grove may be the first pilot site.

Council members requested community outreach and coordination with affected residents; staff will inventory properties (Sam) and return with prioritized site plans and cost estimates. Ending: Staff will return with a formal plan and timeline for council consideration.