Council approves Phase 1 of neighborhood park project; pickleball courts and inclusive play area planned

The Vancouver City Council on Jan. 27 approved awarding the contract and moving forward with phase 1 construction of a neighborhood park that will include an inclusive play area, pickleball courts and a Portland Loo restroom.

Dave Perlick, director of parks, recreation and cultural services, introduced the project and said Roman Gutierrez, the park developer, presented the site master plan on the council chamber screen. Perlick described the full master plan as including an inclusive play area, pickleball courts, a full basketball court, nature play and several picnic shelters. He said phase 1 is reduced from the full master plan and will include the inclusive play area, Portland Loo restroom and pickleball courts; the nature play area was completed in summer of the prior year.

Councilor Kelsey (last name unspecified in transcript) requested to see the site plan before awarding the contract; staff displayed and discussed the plan in the meeting. Staff said they expect construction to start in mid‑February and that signage to notify the neighborhood would be posted within a week or two. Perlick said staff had been in "pretty constant communication" with nearby residents as the plan developed.

A councilor moved to approve item 3; the motion was seconded by Councilor Paulson, and the council voted in favor. Staff will post neighborhood signage ahead of construction and proceed with contract award and preconstruction work.