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Parks board weighs splash-pad repairs, lacrosse needs and how to spend a $50,000 discretionary budget
Summary
The Parks Board discussed prioritizing a $50,000 discretionary fund for splash pad repairs, lacrosse equipment and small facility projects, clarified procurement rules (three bids for purchases over $3,000), and set earlier internal planning to meet finance deadlines; no formal project approvals were made.
The Parks and Recreation Board spent the meeting reviewing near-term park maintenance priorities and how to use a $50,000 discretionary allocation for the coming fiscal year.
"I think the splash pad is a great resource that needs to be updated for sure," said Speaker 2, urging the board to address safety and usability issues for younger children who cannot use the pool. Board members repeatedly emphasized a phased approach to repairs. "Definitely need to take small bites," Speaker 3 said, noting routine maintenance and safety concerns such as declining slip resistance.
Staff explained how purchases would be procured. "Anything over 3,000, we need to get 3 bids," Speaker 4 said, describing the city’s practice of soliciting multiple bidders and the practical response rate for small capital purchases. Board members flagged that $50,000 will cover only a limited set of improvements; "50,000 doesn't go a long way," Speaker 3 said while sketching possible line-item costs.
The board discussed timing for planning and execution. Speaker 4 recommended moving the board’s internal planning from January to October or November so that projects can be identified early; finance staff told the board they generally try to have projects completed by August and that the absolute book-closing deadline is Sept. 30. "Preferably, finance will tell you probably August," Speaker 4 said.
Operational details for the splash pad were clarified: staff confirmed the splash pad is scheduled to open April 1, with year-round restroom access and facility checks ahead of opening. "April 1, we're ready to go," Speaker 4 said when asked about opening.
The board also discussed the park master plan and how a lacrosse wall and possible field expansion fit into it. Speaker 2 asked whether a lacrosse wall location would become a lacrosse field; Speaker 4 said staff considered expanding a field for interchangeable soccer and lacrosse use but that expansion was constrained by safety concerns where a walking trail comes close to hard surfaces. Staff reported there have been no formal complaints from lacrosse organizers about scheduling to date.
No formal approvals were made for specific projects during the meeting. Members asked staff to return cost estimates and vendor quotes—using the city's procurement rules—so the board can prioritize limited funds at the February meeting.
The board listed future related agenda items including follow-up on the Texas Parks and Wildlife grant, splash pad and lacrosse-net quotes, and master-plan updates.
