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Renew-and-Recreate bond projects: Emerson Park moves fast, Pirates Cove timeline still tight; stormwater slows Miller Field
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Summary
Capital projects manager Gina Oberdang told the commission Emerson Park is under construction and on track for summer events, Pirates Cove has 70% drawings with a target to reopen by Memorial Day 2027, and stormwater issues remain the chief constraint for Miller Field and other sites.
Gina Oberdang, the Englewood City capital projects manager overseeing the Renew and Recreate bond program, told the Parks and Recreation Commission that multiple bond-funded park projects are progressing and that stormwater management is the main technical challenge slowing some work.
“We have 1 park that's currently under construction. That is Emerson Park…construction started January 12,” Oberdang said, describing irrigation upgrades and seat-wall and grading work that staff expect to complete well ahead of the park’s annual July Fourth gathering.
Oberdang said the city is pausing design work at nearby Clarkson Park to monitor how Emerson Park is received and used before adding complementary amenities; Clarkson design is expected to resume in June or July depending on Emerson’s opening. Rotolo Park is slated to begin construction next month and will receive a new restroom and new plantings.
On the rec center, Oberdang said project teams received 100% construction drawings and will proceed to an RFP with procurement to select a general contractor; the rec center will remain open during construction, requiring careful sequencing.
Pirates Cove recently hit 70% drawings and will replace a competitive pool with a lounge-style pool and add two multi-passenger tube slides to broaden appeal. Oberdang said the schedule is a stress point: “We are keeping our fingers crossed that we can go under construction early August and then be open again, Memorial Day weekend of 2027.”
Stormwater constraints remain a recurring challenge, Oberdang said, noting that Miller Field is especially flat and that the city is coordinating with utilities and the stormwater division to design safe drainage before adding features such as splash pads. Commissioners also discussed pedestrian crossings around parks; staff said a hawk-style pedestrian signal is planned at Cushing Park and that the city maintains an IGA with South Suburban for parking in some locations.
Tim Holt, open space manager, added that Centennial Park has 100% drawings and staff plan to go to RFP for docks and ADA access, and he said staff are applying for a 2026 Arapahoe County open space grant seeking $600,000 for a Bellevue Park playground, with the city expected to provide a local match (discussed as roughly 25%). Holt also announced the Arbor Day Tree Sale will go live online March 9 (50 trees, seven varieties, $35 each) with delivery on April 17.
Next steps include the rec center procurement process, finalizing legal easements to place a Pirates Cove slide tower on Bellevue Park property, resolving stormwater engineering questions at Miller Field and continuing public outreach as Emerson Park opens.
