Eagle Landing park progress slowed by electrical delay; commission debates movable versus anchored soccer goals

Parks staff updated the commission that construction at Eagle Landing is progressing — playground equipment and much of the sidewalk work are in place — but completion is calendar-dependent on electrical service from CenterPoint. Staff said conduit is installed in some areas but that main power and wiring remain outstanding; without power the contractor cannot complete irrigation, sodding or hydroseeding and the park will not be open or fully playable on the previously promised schedule.

Staff said the original contract projected a May completion for parts of the park; because of the electrical hold-up staff no longer expects that timeline. The city receives construction updates from the developer and contractor (identified in the discussion as D.R. Horton and its contractor); staff said the city does not directly manage the contract work and relies on those updates. Commissioners urged the city to use its contacts to press CenterPoint or otherwise help the developer resolve the issue to avoid summer delays.

Commissioners also pressed staff on whether the new park soccer goals will be movable. Staff reported the goals ordered have ground anchors and can be moved with equipment, but they are not the lightweight portable goals that staff said some soccer groups prefer. The design engineer raised liability and anchoring concerns; staff said the engineer’s liability obligations and the risk of injury informed design decisions and anchor choices. Commissioners asked staff to obtain photos or specifications of the ordered goals so the commission can confirm whether the installed units meet expectations for flexibility and community use.

Several commissioners argued that at least some fields should remain flexible to support soccer, lacrosse, lacrosse-ish activities, and other uses should soccer participation decline. Others cautioned that non‑anchored portable goals are more easily dislodged, can be a safety hazard if children hang on them, and may expose the engineer or contractor to liability claims. Staff said engineers sign and seal plans, which creates legal obligations; the city is unwilling to accept indemnity requirements that would transfer unreasonable engineer risk.

Staff committed to follow up with the developer’s engineer and provide images and specifications of the goals as ordered so commissioners can evaluate whether selected fields can be made more flexible.

No formal vote was taken during the discussion; staff requested time to report back with documentation and timeline updates.