Parks commission forwards six project priorities to city council, including covered courts and a kayak launch

The Live Oak Parks and Recreation Commission on May 20 voted to forward a prioritized list of park master-plan projects to the City Council for consideration during the budget process.

Commissioners discussed a slate of improvements drawn from the 2024 parks and trail master plan and the commission’s workshop, then approved a motion to send six broad project priorities to council. The items the commission asked staff to present to council were: a multi-use open space at the pool complex that includes covered picnic shelters, a sand volleyball court, a covered basketball court with lighting, a kayak launch, wildflower meadows in selected parks and increased maintenance/landscaping including an erosion-control study.

Mark, a city staff member overseeing parks and public works, told the commission the timing was linked to the city’s budget cycle. “We are about to get into the budget season for city council and so we want the parks commission to be able to make some recommendations,” he said, urging commissioners to prioritize items given limited resources.

The motion was presented and seconded during the meeting; the second was identified in the record as Commissioner Elizabeth (Liz). The meeting record does not list a specific named mover for the formal motion. The commission adopted the motion by voice vote; staff said the next step is to prepare cost estimates and present the request to both the City Council and the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) for funding consideration.

Commissioners who spoke during the project discussion emphasized two themes: protect and maintain existing park infrastructure (shade, signage, erosion control, restroom and parking improvements) and selectively add lower-cost, high-value amenities (covered seating, sand volleyball, kayak access and wildflower plantings). Several commissioners urged staging projects so the city can push items into the upcoming budget or plan them as multi-year efforts.

Staff said they will produce cost estimates and timelines and will coordinate with the EDC where appropriate, then return to the council with a budget package for council consideration during the summer budget cycle.

Ending: The commission’s referral will be included in staff materials for council and EDC review; specific funding decisions will be made through the council’s budget process.