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Heath Park Board reactivates Terry Park all‑abilities dedication, sends resolution to city council
Summary
The Heath Park Board voted unanimously Dec. 15 to reactivate a previously adopted resolution to dedicate land at Terry Park for an all‑abilities play facility and forward the recommendation to the city council in January, citing renewed private donor interest and about $93,000 already in a project fund.
The Heath Park Board voted unanimously Dec. 15 to reactivate a prior resolution dedicating a portion of Terry Park for an all‑abilities playground and to forward that recommendation to the city council at its first meeting in 2026.
Chelsea Gordon, assistant city manager, told the board the project began in 2019 and that the city council adopted a supporting resolution in February 2020 that allowed the city to accept private donations; the resolution included a three‑year window that lapsed during the COVID period. "Currently, we have a balance of about $93,000 in that specialized fund for that project," Gordon said, and staff reported renewed interest from a large donor likely to cover most of the project's cost. Gordon said the 2019 estimate was "closer to $1,200,000," and that the design work and schematic plans are already in the packet provided to board members.
Board members discussed operational concerns before voting. Tom, a park board member, cautioned that "a park like this is gonna be a real attraction for the city" and said the board should plan how to manage increased nonresident use so Heath taxpayers retain priority access. Chair and staff members acknowledged that operational management and gating strategies would be part of future implementation planning.
Resident Jenny Seeley spoke in support of the project, noted local history and the architect's experience, and described site features including fenced play areas, a service‑dog area and seating for caregivers. Seeley said the proposed all‑abilities footprint is about 0.54 acres and that surrounding park lands would remain open.
On a motion made by Bill and seconded by Ben, the board approved the recommendation and directed staff to present the reactivated resolution to the city council in January. The motion passed unanimously.
Next steps: staff will prepare the reactivation resolution and materials for city council consideration in January and continue discussions with the potential private donor and the board about access controls and operational oversight.
