City presents three design options for Meineck Memorial Park, council raises access and tree-conservation concerns

City staff and consultants returned to the Sandy City Council with follow-up designs for Meineck Memorial Park, outlining five focus areas—No Name Creek restoration, Fantasy Forest playground replacement, pathway/ADA improvements, hillside seating, and lower parking/lighting upgrades.

Rochelle and Brian (consultant) walked the council through options and said cost estimates and funding strategies will be presented later in the process; an open house is scheduled for Sept. 5. On the playground, consultants said much of the existing wood is past its useful life and "needs to be reconstructed from the ground up," and offered three conceptual approaches ranging from a modernized traditional fort to an inclusive play design with accessible spinners and net climbers.

Council members asked for careful attention to parking, ADA routes and tree protection. Several members urged balancing seating and access so large seasonal events (concerts, movies) have capacity without driving permanent heavy clearing of trees. On pathways, staff emphasized the tradeoffs between creating ADA-compliant routes and avoiding long-term root and tree damage; consultants said accessible ramps and new connections will be added while minimizing tree removal.

Staff flagged that some elements identified in prior planning (restroom at the lower lot, embankment slide, and additional accessible routes) will be considered for inclusion. The parks board asked that trees not be removed where possible, and councilors recommended phasing the work and seeking grant and donation sources for stream restoration and other major items. Staff will present cost estimates and a phased implementation plan at a future council meeting.