The Parks, Recreation and Open Space Commission reviewed 90% plans for Olsen Park on Wednesday and discussed several design decisions that affect budget, safety and public-art ambitions.

Land Culture’s Anne Baker and Christy Jarvis said the design responds to community visioning and noted the project’s current cost range of about $415,000–$430,000. Key outstanding items included playground surfacing and whether to include a mural on a textured wall, which would require removing and relocating several ash trees along the property line.

Baker presented a cost comparison for surfacing: engineered wood fiber (the budgeted option) carries a cost opinion of roughly $17,000; poured-in-place rubber surfacing was estimated near $62,000; a hybrid approach would fall between the two. Commissioners expressed preference for durability and accessibility while balancing budget constraints. "If we're looking at the long-term big picture, it is superior," one commissioner said of rubberized surfacing; another suggested rubber be used selectively around high-impact areas such as slides and swings.

Staff said the city could include surfacing as a bid alternate or pursue a budget amendment, explaining that the project budget was included in the adopted CIP and that any increase would require council-level action. Staff recommended working with the ad hoc and preparing 100% bid documents now while modeling alternatives so the project can go to bid in a favorable market.

Baker also described a proposed mural concept and noted that a few ash trees in poor condition might be removed and replaced to frame the artwork and improve public safety. Commissioners discussed surfacing combinations (rubber plus engineered fiber) to meet accessibility and fall-protection standards while limiting additional project cost.

Why it matters: This is the city’s most substantial park renovation in years. Decisions about surfacing and public art affect long-term maintenance costs, accessibility, safety and the project budget.

What's next: Staff will work with the ad hoc group and consultants to model surfacing options as bid alternatives, coordinate a call for artists if the mural is approved, and prepare 100% bid documents with options for the commission and council to review.