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Kennedy Park campaign moves forward with phased plan; trustees press for clearer timeline
Summary
Friends of Kennedy Park reported Phase 1 design at 90% and several grant applications submitted; trustees urged a focused fundraising strategy (field-by-field phasing) and clearer monthly reporting.
Friends of Kennedy Park and staff updated the board on progress for the proposed $14–15 million Kennedy Park renovation and capital campaign.
Jamie, speaking for the Friends group, told trustees the group has held recent strategic meetings to define mission and vision and to revise the campaign "ask" materials. "The mission revolves around our primary objectives, helping us understand the main goals," Jamie read from the group's written update. Staff said REI has submitted 90% plans for Phase 1 and is working toward 60% for other elements; stormwater management has been approved by the DNR.
Campaign organizers reported grant applications have been submitted (including an Impact 100 request) and that initial community fundraising has produced seed dollars (a $24,200 contribution from local youth baseball activity and $766,000 in ARPA funds earmarked for the project as of Dec. 31, 2024). Trustees repeatedly questioned the timeline and urged the friends group to prioritize a concrete, near-term deliverable to build momentum; staff recommended focusing on Field 2 (estimated $800,000–$850,000) as a fundraising target to demonstrate progress.
Trustees agreed the parks committee should continue leading development work and that the board should receive succinct monthly or quarterly updates rather than detailed monthly agenda items unless the board must act. Staff and the friends group said they would prepare a written strategic plan and clearer monthly reporting.
