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Urbandale parks plan moves splash pad forward and outlines neighborhood connections
Summary
Parks staff proposed several near-term projects — including a splash pad at Walnut Creek Regional Park, new neighborhood trails, and concept planning for Bentley Ridge and Highland Meadows — and said a $125,000 ICON grant application could accelerate an out-year splash pad into 2026–2027.
Urbandale parks staff walked council through a series of parks and trails projects in the proposed 2026–2031 CIP and said a $125,000 grant application could move some out-year projects into sooner timeframes.
Jan, parks staff, said an 800-foot Sylvan Ridge–Northview connector and other trail repairs are proposed to address safety and deterioration. Jan said Bentley Ridge Park and Highland Meadows Park would receive site concept plans and neighborhood input in 2026, with Bentley Ridge construction proposed in 2027 using roughly $600,000 in parkland funds.
On regional amenities, staff moved the Walnut Creek Regional Park splash pad up and said it could be constructed by 2026 if grant funding and CIP prioritization align. Jan said the city has submitted a $125,000 ICON grant application and will pursue other funding to accelerate work. Council members urged staff to identify projects that can be advanced with available grant leverage.
Staff also outlined a proposal at Walker Johnson to repurpose one garage bay into indoor community and recreation space (a smaller, rentable venue for classes and summer camps). Staff said the work would be phased to limit cost pressure and that a future phase could address a second bay if finances allow.
What’s next: staff will seek community input on park concept plans and monitor grant awards that could move projects forward from out years.
