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Parks commission recommends Centerville Park for 2026 CDBG consideration after safety review
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Summary
Director Westcott described safety deficiencies at Centerville Park and presented preliminary bids: playground replacement ~$150,000, restroom renovation ~$175,000, and picnic-table replacements. The commission unanimously recommended the project be considered for the 2026 CDBG allocation and staff will pursue the income survey and public outreach required by the grant program.
Director Westcott told the Parks and Recreation Commission that Centerville Park is the town—s highest-need park and presented inspection findings and preliminary cost estimates to support a recommendation for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) consideration.
Westcott said inspections identified deteriorated playground decking, worn paint, missing or nonclosing restroom doors and restroom fixtures that do not meet ADA standards. "It's past its prime," Westcott said of the playground, and staff provided photos showing broken pieces and wear.
She reported initial cost estimates of about $150,000 to replace playground equipment, roughly $5,000 for picnic-table replacement, and a restroom bid of $175,000 that would bring restroom facilities up to ADA standards with new sinks, toilets and a baby-changing station. Westcott said the town previously purchased a large slide (the "colossus") that could be incorporated to reduce costs and noted staff has identified other potential savings.
Westcott explained CDBG eligibility requirements: the program (administered through the Arizona Department of Housing) requires an income survey of the neighborhood for low- to moderate-income qualification, with a practical target of at least 90% response (staff aim for more; staff previously reported a 98% completion rate on a similar survey). Staff said they are beginning the survey process now because preapproval and outreach take time and that council is scheduled to review and take a final vote on projects in April; staff also intend a public meeting in February to collect resident input.
Because preliminary estimates showed the project could exceed current available funds by about $48,000, Westcott said staff added the work to the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) request to seek council funding or other grants if needed. She warned that state budget cuts could affect town funding and said staff may scale non-safety items if the project is selected for CDBG but full funding is not available.
A commissioner moved and another seconded a motion recommending Centerville Park playground replacement and restroom upgrades be considered for 2026 CDBG funds. Chairman Kessel called the question and the motion passed unanimously.
