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Neosho staff lay out phased parks master plan; Benton Park to remain green space
Summary
Parks staff and consultants presented a phased plan for parks after Proposition A failed, proposing to keep Benton Park as a green space because of floodplain constraints, move forward with accessible picnic tables and pursue inclusive-playground funding and phased infrastructure work.
Parks and Recreation staff and consultants presented a multi-phase approach to improving Neosho’s park system, emphasizing practical steps that can move forward despite the recent failure of Proposition A.
Mr. Ball (parks staff) described Benton Park, near Park Street, as largely in the floodplain and reported that recent stormwater work removed part of the park. He said the city will remove outdated and potentially hazardous playground equipment and keep Benton Park primarily as green space, adding a limited number of accessible picnic tables and possibly a small pavilion subject to FEMA approval. On Benton Park, staff said: “It’s kind of a V type shaped park…we’re looking into redesigning…we’d like to keep it as a green space.”
Staff told council that the city ordered three new rubberized accessible picnic tables through a grant and has additional metal tables that can be retrofitted for accessibility. Scenic Park’s recent Harry S. Truman Grant application was denied; staff reported a budgeted match of $112,500 that would allow work on accessible sidewalks and two parking lots this year and said the pavilion and restrooms would be considered in a future budget or grant application.
Representatives from SAP Engineering outlined how a master plan could be phased to avoid later rework, recommending that phase 1 include vehicle parking and utilities so future amenities (pools, inclusive playgrounds, community center additions) can be added without tearing out new work. Staff also described potential fundraising and partnership opportunities for an all-inclusive playground, saying a supplier-trained nonprofit (Unlimited Play) and the supplier All Inclusive Playgrounds had discussed a one-time fee waiver of about $10,000 to help a local project.
Council discussed financing alternatives (certificates of participation and other multi-year options), operational costs for water parks vs. lower-maintenance amenities like pickleball courts, and the potential benefits to local schools and economic development. Staff said they will continue working with SAP and expect to return with an amended engineering contract in early May to proceed with phased design work.
The presentation closed with staff noting available budgeted funds and the need to sequence projects so limited city personnel and funds are used efficiently.
