Harrisville budgets for playground repairs, eyes park impact fee increase and restroom camera systems
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Summary
City staff presented a parks budget that includes new equipment, playground repairs and a proposed increase in the parks impact fee. Staff also recommended installing cameras before opening new park restrooms and will present an impact‑fee analysis after required state noticing and hearings.
Harrisville staff presented the parks and recreation portion of the FY2026 budget at a Jan. work session and said playground wear at two main parks will require staged repairs in coming years.
“Playgrounds are starting to see some wear,” a parks presenter said, identifying Harrisville West and Harrisville East as priorities. Staff provided a three-part prioritization for replacements or repairs with rough costings: one section at about $10,000, another at $6,000 and a third at $4,000. Staff said none of those specific playground replacements are budgeted this year, but they wanted council awareness for future budgeting.
Staff requested smaller, near-term allocations: $5,000 for extra recreation equipment to meet participation growth, funds for port‑a‑potties at events, and modest line-item increases for irrigation and park maintenance. The presenter said the annual irrigation line had been about $65,100 and proposed an increase to $140,00 (staff asked the finance director to explain details).
On impact fees, staff said they have completed a parks facilities plan and an impact‑fee analysis that identifies a projected increase in the parks impact fee. State law changes require specific noticing and hearing processes; staff said the legal team is reviewing the required steps and the impact‑fee ordinance will be presented to council after required notices and public hearings.
Staff also suggested installing a camera system at parks before opening new restrooms for security reasons. The presenter said cameras could be installed before restrooms at Millennium Park are unlocked and that staff will obtain bids (ProEdge was mentioned as a potential vendor).
No formal vote was taken. Staff said they will present the impact-fee ordinance and cost details for playground projects at future meetings.
