Wheeler advances park improvements and reviews $147,000 estimate for waterfront restrooms

City staff told the Wheeler City Council on Aug. 20 that recent park improvements at Upper Park — paid with CIS insurance grant funds — included the installation of engineered wood chips and repainting of playground equipment to improve safety and aesthetics.

Public Works presented a proposed replacement restroom at Waterfront Park sized at about 18 feet by 9 feet and designed to include an ADA‑paved access, maintenance closet, water fountain and community bulletin board. Staff provided a pre‑bid cost estimate of about $147,000. Funding identified at the meeting included $75,000 pledged from Visit Tillamook Coast and an Oregon Parks and Recreation Department grant that staff said would contribute about 34% (roughly $50,000). That left an estimated funding gap of about $22,000, which staff proposed to close by exploring cost savings in design and asking whether additional grant match would be available if the city could supply in‑kind labor.

Councilors asked whether the estimate included tree removal and rock‑wall excavation; staff confirmed these items were included and noted staff would work with the engineer (Kern McLeod) to identify cost‑saving options. Members also discussed restroom interior finishes (staff said drywall is proposed but that FRP panels could be used to allow hose‑down cleaning) and maintenance funding (metered boat‑trailer parking generates revenue tied to upkeep of the waterfront facilities).

Next steps: staff said they would follow up with the consulting engineer to refine cost estimates, pursue additional OPRD or Visit Tillamook Coast funds where possible, and return with a more detailed pre‑bid package and options to reduce the local share.