City staff presented a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) neighborhood project for the area north of I Street that includes Heartland Park and the levee corridor. Key elements described were six new pickleball courts at the end of Walnut Street, conversion of an existing pickleball facility to basketball, playground upgrades that have already begun as part of the city match, and sidewalk and stormwater improvements along West Sugar Street.

Staff emphasized the project is neighborhood‑driven: the city began with blank maps at public meetings, invited residents to mark priorities and then refined options through multiple sessions. Staff said designs incorporate accessibility and handicapped parking where required and that restrooms would be connected to the new court area where feasible. They also said HUD rules prohibit work in the floodway, which affects the shape of available improvements.

The presentation noted the project would likely be packaged as multiple bid items and multiple awards to allow separate contractors for park work, street work and sanitary work. Staff said some elements — such as one sanitary improvement — might be bid as a separate third project to ease funding coordination.

Next steps: staff plan to move the park and West Sugar Street elements forward in January and coordinate timing around other utility obligations; an update on related federal funds and levee work can be provided to council if members want more detail.