Parks department seeks grant designer for Vernon Street Park; staff outlines DCNR grant process and timelines

Parks and Recreation staff requested council approval to negotiate a professional-services agreement with Flora Teeter Landscape Architects to prepare a DCNR grant application and concept designs for Vernon Street Park at 15th and Vernon.

Kevin Sanders, Parks and Rec manager, and Sasha Rose, deputy director for parks, said the park is a small urban parcel with aging play equipment and accessibility and stormwater issues that require a more intrusive discovery process; Flora Teeter’s proposed scope includes surveying (added to reduce downstream implementation issues), community engagement as required by DCNR (at least two public meetings), ADA considerations and stormwater planning. Staff noted Flora Teeter is a woman‑owned firm with relevant urban‑park experience and that its concept-phase cost was the lowest among respondents.

Council members asked about timelines for other park projects (7th & Radnor, Reservoir Park, Wilson Park) and staff said a recent extension moved project deadlines to March 3, 2026; Reservoir Park remains the most challenging site. Members also raised on-site circulation and the alleyway/pavement condition near 15th & Vernon; staff said coordination with Public Works and grant-level stormwater work could address those issues and that they would seek to include appropriate roadwork or maintenance in grant or follow-up planning if feasible.

Council agreed to add Resolution 2 of 2026 to the next legislative agenda for a formal vote; staff will provide slides and continue community engagement required by DCNR.

What happens next: If council approves the agreement in the legislative session, Flora Teeter will produce grant-ready concept documents, engage the community per DCNR requirements and help the city apply for the grant; larger implementation will require further funding and follow-on grants.