Parks staff updated the board on capital projects and recent surplus allocations, describing near-term design and construction steps. Speaker 4 said the city council approved design services for Squire (Spark) Park, held a design kickoff and added $300,000 from the city’s surplus to that project. Staff said the prior Squire Park allocation had been $1,000,000 and the new $300,000 is additional funding from surplus balances.

Staff also said Mercer Park received an additional $1,000,000 from surplus, which will allow work on the south portion in addition to the north portion previously approved. Dutch Village playground components are installed and a pavilion and canopy are expected in December; a ribbon cutting is planned for Feb. 16. Oakbrook median hardscape and irrigation are in place and staff described planned plantings and lighting work to follow.

Board members asked whether surplus funds were also being allocated to other projects (one member inquired about the animal shelter but staff did not confirm it was included). Staff said they would provide more detailed project budgets and updated timelines at a future meeting.