Woodland Park staff presents Bergstrom Park master plan to DDA; design bids to be sought before implementation

City parks staff presented the reimagined Bergstrom Park master plan to the Downtown Development Authority, summarizing community engagement results and proposed park amenities.

Cindy (parks and recreation director) told the board the master plan process began in May and included two community meetings and an online comment period; she said community meetings drew over 90 attendees and the online platform received roughly 700 views and 60 comments. The plan adopted by city council in September shows a new entrance sign, shade structure, updated picnic area, restroom shelter with ADA access to the Midland Depot, small play areas, a Pikes Peak viewing area and roughly 72 proposed parking spaces, including ADA, RV and EV charging stalls.

When asked about timing, Cindy said staff will seek design bids, likely beginning the bid process in February, and will return with cost estimates and a timeline. She said the city intends to move as quickly as feasible but gave no firm dates; timeline depends on design bids and funding. The staff presentation noted that future partnership or funding requests to the DDA are possible once design and cost estimates are developed.

Board members asked about the current park entrance and when it would be closed; city staff said closure is tied to interior street paving and storm sewer work and that Tava will be responsible for reconfiguring that access as part of the development. Staff estimated the closure could occur within weeks once paving and related interior work is completed.

The DDA received the presentation; no formal DDA action on park funding was taken during the meeting.