Council hears proposals for pump-park volunteer work and a high-schooler’s fallen-officers monument

Council members discussed potential volunteer-driven improvements to the city pump park and trail features, noting the community has experience with volunteer-built trail work and that volunteers — including scouting groups — could assist with additional pump-park runs and safer intermediate features. Council members said volunteers have previously helped with cleanups and that the city could pursue a community-led approach rather than hire an engineering firm for minor trail additions.

In a separate item, a 16-year-old resident approached the police chief about creating a monument to fallen officers in the Peace Gardens. Staff said the proposed monument in initial drawings featured two pillars and a center stone and that the estimated cost could be about $15,000. Council members said they would help the student contact chiefs and the highway patrol to compile a list of fallen officers and to support fundraising; staff said they would coordinate with the student and interested law-enforcement leaders when she returns contact information.

No formal council actions were taken; council members asked staff to help coordinate volunteer opportunities and to support the student’s planning for the monument project.