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Lewiston council hears public support for Pioneer Park ADA playground upgrades funded by CARES grant
Summary
The Lewiston City Council heard public testimony and staff presentations on a Pioneer Park playground and ADA parking project funded largely by CARES block-grant money; no final council vote was recorded at the hearing.
The Lewiston City Council held a public hearing Feb. 24 on planned playground and accessibility upgrades at Pioneer Park, where staff described a reimbursable CARES-funded grant of roughly $244,000 to replace equipment, add an ADA drinking fountain and create ADA parking stalls.
Community development director Shannon Grow, who is also interim parks director, told the council the city “was able to get CARES funding for this $250,000, and it's on a reimbursable basis.” Grow said the work will replace aging play equipment, improve ground surfacing for safety and install two ADA parking spaces; site preparation and equipment removal were already done in December and the vendor Northwest Playground is anticipated to begin installation in early March with parking finished by May and project wrap-up in June 2025.
The upgrades were framed as part of broader park revitalization. Grow said the removed playground equipment will be relocated to Hillary Peace Park and that members of the Rotary Club are supporting the project; she identified Melinda Rose as the project manager who secured the funds and called parts of the new play elements “inclusive play” components.
Public speakers praised the project during the hearing. “The children are very excited,” said Megan, who identified herself as the tenant leasing person at the Carnegie Library in Pioneer Park, and urged the council to address remaining tree stumps. Resident Michael Yolencott asked whether the new drinking fountain would include a water bottle filler; Grow confirmed it would. Several speakers noted the park’s importance as a central community space and urged continued attention to cleanliness and safety.
Councilors asked staff clarifying questions about staging, the Rotary’s role and the timeline for addressing tree stumps left from site preparation. Grow said the city would install the equipment and the Rotary would pay for additional installation materials. Councilor Claiborne pressed for a follow-up timeline on stump removal; Grow said she did not have a schedule at the hearing but will pursue one.
The hearing record shows the council received the presentation and public testimony and then closed the public hearing; the transcript does not record a final council vote to accept or authorize additional project expenditures during this meeting.
If approved through the normal administrative steps and as the reimbursable grant allows, the city will proceed with installation and concrete work this spring. Staff emphasized the project is funded on a reimbursement basis and noted the city’s responsibility for upfront costs and for following grant procurement and reporting requirements.
The council moved on to its next public hearing after the Pioneer Park testimony. Staff offered contact points for residents with further questions, including project manager Melinda Rose and Community Development Director Shannon Grow.
