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Kennedy Park renovation nears completion as fundraising and event plans advance
Summary
Committee heard that Kennedy Park’s turf and irrigation are in place and that electrical hookup for lights and scoreboard will be tested this week; fundraisers and donor commitments — including a $30,000 event sponsorship — are advancing while residents raise parking and turf-wear concerns about a temporary farmers market site.
Kennedy Park’s renovation is moving toward final construction stages while fundraisers advance, but residents and committee members flagged parking and turf concerns for an anticipated temporary farmers market location.
Staff reported that fencing around both fields is nearly finished, the turf/sod and irrigation are in place, and the project is waiting on structural steel delivery. Electricity was scheduled to be activated this week so staff can test field lights and the scoreboard; staff also said they plan an on-site punch-list meeting with the contractor to address remaining items. A small irrigation leak is being monitored and staff said bathrooms remain open during construction.
Campaign representatives told the committee they are continuing donor outreach and planning events to support remaining work. Jerry Olafson, representing the campaign, said the project has received several gifts and commitments, naming a $5,000 contribution from the Merrifield Valley Parks & Rec Foundation and a $30,000 commitment from Merrill Iron and Steel for an upcoming fundraising event. Olafson described an indoor “glow games” fundraising event planned for Feb. 28 that organizers expect will include adult and youth games, raffles and sponsor packages.
During public comment, resident Lisa Beck asked how the temporary farmers market — proposed for the park’s northeast area — will affect parking on nearby streets (she identified Alderson and Gelnook as no-parking streets) and asked whether the market would damage grass in that location. Committee members and staff said the soil at that corner is sandy and that the site will be monitored next year; staff noted most turf damage historically occurs during early-spring thaw and promised to track wear and staging impacts.
Committee members also asked about lighting plans for tournaments and late games. Staff said park lights are typically programmed with only one overnight security light continually on, and other lights are activated only when groups are present; members noted some youth games can run into late evening and discussed photometrics and fixture design to reduce light scatter.
The committee did not take formal action on capital-campaign items at the meeting. Staff will continue coordination with donors and return with updates and any contract/punch-list changes.
