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Cascade DDA reviews scaled-back Tassel Park redesign, plans bonding discussion in April
Summary
Designers presented a reduced-scope redesign of Tassel Park that keeps core elements but trims the water feature and plaza; staff said a bond-finance team will be assembled in April and phase 1 construction is targeted for August, with cost estimates and floodway permitting still in progress.
Designers and DDA staff outlined a pared-back plan for Tassel Park that preserves the original concept while reducing several high-cost elements and moving the project toward a bond-funded construction schedule.
At the meeting, the DDA heard that the revised scope trims the water feature and reduces the size of the sunken plaza and a cottage building to control costs, while retaining a central pavilion, a family-oriented splash pad relocated into the sunken plaza, and improved pedestrian connections under Cascade Road. A presenter said, "We submitted the initial floodway permit about a month ago," noting coordination with county reviewers and an intent to keep some features below 30 inches of elevation to avoid required railings.
The design team described the pavilion as sized to accommodate 30 to 40 people, with a gas fireplace and options to close portions of the structure for shoulder-season use. Designers emphasized native-plant restoration along the shoreline to reduce ongoing maintenance and limit fertilizer and water use, and said they will inventory and preserve onsite historical plaques and artwork while updating graphic panels where needed.
Board members pressed the team on safety and operations: several asked about kayak-launch safety at the river edge and options for signage or seasonal closures; one member urged clear public messaging about hazards near the dam. A presenter agreed signage and launch-path guidance would be appropriate and suggested an accessible bail-out point or plan-B access from a nearby river-edge location.
Staff told the board that assembling a bond finance team will be the next action item in April, with a finance adviser and additional numbers to follow. The presenters said the phase 1 bid package is targeted for release in June, with construction starting as early as August and substantial completion for phase 1 by November, while noting schedule risks tied to road-commission work and power-line coordination. On costs, the team described a line-item breakdown concentrated on the Tuffy site and riverfront infrastructure and said a 15% contingency has been included but should fall as bids are refined.
No formal bonding decision or vote was taken at the meeting. Staff said the April meeting will include greater detail on bonding options, lenders and advisors, and more precise estimates to inform a future vote or bond authorization.
The DDA indicated it will continue public outreach with FAQs and newsletter updates to explain funding sources and design choices before any final bond action.
