Council approves $250,000 transfer to finish Lincoln Cunningham Park playgrounds

The Seaside City Council voted Jan. 15 to transfer $250,000 in short‑term rental tax (TOT) CIP funds from a Laguna Grande Park synthetic‑turf project to complete improvements at Lincoln Cunningham Park.

Assistant City Manager Dan Milas explained the reallocation: leftover Neighborhood Improvement Commission funds (around $120,000) plus the council's 15% share of TOT produced roughly $250,000 that had been budgeted for Laguna Grande synthetic turf. Milas said Laguna Grande's conversion was estimated at $13–$32 per square foot (project range roughly $530,000–$1.3M) and would remain a long‑term CIP project. Council approved redirecting $250,000 to Lincoln Cunningham so the city can contract out installation of an on‑site 5–12 playground (already purchased) and acquire and install a 2–5 playground, plus cover installation costs (Milas estimated roughly $70,000 for an outside installer to place the 5–12 equipment).

Speakers from Friends of Seaside Parks (FOSPA) and nearby residents supported the transfer, noting visible improvements at Lincoln Cunningham (new basketball court and trail) and urging timely installation so children can use the park this summer. Staff said the city would pursue a contract with a playground installer at the next council meeting and aims to install the purchased 5–12 equipment within weeks after executing a contract; ordering and lead time for the second playground will affect schedule.

The motion passed by voice vote with no recorded dissent. Laguna Grande synthetic turf remains on the CIP list for future funding and state grant coordination.

Sources: Assistant City Manager Dan Milas presentation; public comment from FOSPA and residents; council action at Jan. 15, 2026 meeting.