Council signals support to fund Squire Park upgrades; staff to pursue design and community outreach

Deputy City Manager Mike Mashburn reviewed the multi‑year history of Squire Park planning at the July 11 budget workshop and presented updated designs and cost options. The neighborhood and several council members told staff they want an improved park amenity rather than an immediate, full‑scale rebuild of every element.

Mashburn said the original concept included an ambitious $1.8 million plan with a custom playground, sports court, splash pad, expanded trails and parking, but acknowledged that recent capital pressures and staff workload make a scaled or phased project more practical. "If we can allow our crews to have some time to work on that, we should be able to get all of that within that number," Mashburn said when discussing a reduced package emphasizing splash pad, parking, and a refreshed court.

Council discussion focused on community need, design priorities and cost. Multiple council members emphasized the neighborhood’s feeling of being "lost and forgotten" and supported moving forward with an initial investment. Council gave staff direction to begin planning and community engagement around a roughly $985,000 budget for an initial phase that would focus on parking and a splash pad and leave more expensive playground components for a later phase. Several council members said they would consider larger funding later if additional resources become available.

Mashburn said staff will return with revised designs, cost estimates and a phased implementation schedule and will engage nearby residents before coming back to the council for final approval and contract actions.