Board sets public meeting for Lower Sellmeier Park; $140,000 bond funds earmarked for neighborhood improvements

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board voted Aug. 18 to set a public meeting on Lower Sellmeier Park improvements for Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 (10 a.m., rain location noted), with staff to canvass the neighborhood and present options for the park’s $140,000 allocation.

Why it matters: The budget line of roughly $140,000 was identified in prior certificate-of-obligation (CO) funding as available for park improvements. Staff told the board the amount is sufficient in most circumstances to replace playground equipment and make limited enhancements, but is not intended for large-scale projects. The meeting aims to solicit neighborhood preferences on whether to refresh the existing playground, repurpose the site for alternate amenities (for example, improved open space or field uses), or spend funds elsewhere within the bond’s park program.

Staff outlined the park’s features and challenges: Lower Sellmeier is a small, neighborhood-access park with limited parking (a gravel space across the street that is narrow to head-in parking), a shaded playground, bench and picnic area, green space and creek access. Staff said the park sees very low daily use and is located close to two other neighborhood parks. Staff and board members suggested a neighborhood meeting to determine whether the community wants upgraded playground equipment, different amenities, improved parking or to reallocate funds to other nearby parks.

Board action: Kevin Pearson made the motion to set the public meeting for Nov. 1; Dave Rush seconded the motion and the board approved it unanimously. Staff noted alternate dates and locations would be available if needed; members discussed moving the meeting earlier than Nov. 1 if conflicts (Halloween/deer season) reduced attendance.

Legal/funding background: Staff referenced a November 2021 council authorization tied to issuance of 2021 COs that identified park projects and an initial estimated design and construction pool of approximately $6.4 million for multiple projects; the $140,000 amount was discussed as an allocation within that program. Staff said the $140,000 can be repurposed to other bond park initiatives if the board and council determine a different project is a higher priority.

Next steps: Staff will canvas the neighborhood, prepare display boards showing existing features and budgets, and hold the public meeting to collect community input and return the results to the board for a later recommendation to council.

Ending: The board approved scheduling the meeting, directing staff to maximize neighborhood outreach and to present findings at a future meeting.