Board schedules July 12 park tour; staff reports progress on Holford, Bob Day tennis center, Surf & Swim and other CIP projects

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board confirmed July 12 as the date for the annual park tour and directed staff to prepare a route emphasizing major capital projects. Staff recommended stops at Bob Day Tennis Center, Surf & Swim (Lazy River), John Paul Jones (renderings), Harbor Point (corridor concepts) and, time permitting, the new library near Holford.

Staff gave status updates across the capital program. Holford Recreation Center staff have started moving in, fitness equipment was scheduled for delivery in April, the construction fence has been removed and park maintenance is assuming ongoing site upkeep in advance of public events. Surf & Swim is mid‑excavation with buildings and pump rooms planned to go up before July. Bob Day Tennis Center is under construction: driveways poured, foundations set, and structural steel rising; tennis courts are being installed and the building framing should be visible on a July visit.

Other projects in design or review: Win Joyce Park and Lou Huff Park are awaiting final plan sets; Rick Oden splash pad’s final plan set is under city review; Kingsley Park design is at 60% review; Jack Coleman Tennis Center will remain open until Bob Day opens, after which Jack Coleman will close temporarily for updates and one court at the site will be converted for a splash pad as part of coordination. Trails and greenbelt work reported included adjustments to the Forest Connection Trail to avoid homeowner fences, a Central Park walking trail with a contractor selected and construction to commence within about a week, and Meadow Creek drainage work reassigned to engineering with a pre‑bid meeting held on 03/02/2025.

Staff also noted coordination needs with railroad owner CPKC (Central Pacific/Kansas City lines) is delaying the Duck Creek underpass/trail schedule; Garland Avenue Underpass design was complete and will be prepared for bid. Board members asked for route maps, project photos for their packets and reminders of when capital items will go to council. Staff said they will email route documents and construction schedules and prepare a packets of renderings and photos for board members.

Staff announced recent honors for park operations: Donald Spencer placed first in the state nail‑driving competition; Lamar (team/member) placed fourth in plant identification; Jack Sparks won an individual outstanding service award for volunteer stewardship; and an arts and humanities installation (“Momentous”) won both regional and state awards.

Votes at a glance: At the meeting’s opening the board approved the minutes by motion of David Parish with a second from Jason Aguirre; the chair called the voice vote in favor and no opposition was recorded.

Ending

Staff will bring a proposed July 12 tour route and packet of maps, renderings and project photos to the board in May; board members requested follow‑up on Lou Huff timing, skate park fence status and a CIP placeholder for lighting/security items.