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Committee weighs FY 2026–27 parks capital priorities, playground replacement and impact‑fee limits
Summary
Staff outlined FY 2026–27 capital considerations including a citywide facilities needs RFP, possible replacement of a 2006 Central Winds playground, a pause on the Trotwood lacrosse wall project and constraints on using Park Impact Fee Fund 153, while committee members pressed for earlier project notices and stronger accessibility measures.
At its regular meeting, the Parks Advisory Committee reviewed capital‑planning considerations staff will use for fiscal year 2026–27 and asked staff for clearer advance notices and more opportunity for review of upcoming maintenance and projects.
Brian Downigan, the city’s director of administrative services and operations, said the city’s fiscal year runs Oct. 1 through Sept. 30 and described several items staff recommends the committee consider while advising the commission. Staff reported an RFP is under way for a city facility capital needs assessment to inventory and prioritize major capital work across city facilities, including parks. Downigan said the Central Winds Park master plan — adopted by the city commission in February 2025 — remains the guiding concept for big projects at the city’s centerpiece park, and highlighted proposals in the plan such as an event hall and a boardwalk along Lake Jessup.
Staff told the committee the Trotwood lacrosse rebound wall project will not be pursued this fiscal year and that the unused balance will remain in Park Impact Fee Fund 153. Downigan explained that park impact fees are restricted to projects that add or expand park capacity and cannot be used for routine operations or staff costs. A crew member asked whether impact fees could pay for a replacement playground; staff said it could qualify only if the replacement demonstrably increases capacity (i.e., is larger) to meet the fee’s statutory purpose.
Mike Criss, parks manager, described plans for a “destination” playground at Central Winds — a custom, themed play attraction intended to draw visitors citywide — and said the existing three‑story playground at Central Winds (constructed in 2006 at an original purchase price of $113,000) is aging and faces parts‑availability challenges. Staff recommended beginning planning for its replacement in a future capital cycle.
Committee members pressed staff for better communications and opportunities to provide input before projects are completed. Several members recounted discovering work had been finished at sites such as Trotwood Park without prior notice to the committee and requested that staff circulate an accessible list of current maintenance and capital projects between meetings. Staff agreed to prepare a list for the next meeting and to coordinate posts through the city’s public information officers. Members also urged that ADA connectivity issues (sidewalk gaps, curb cuts) be prioritized when small, cost‑effective fixes are possible.
Staff said they will return with periodic updates and indicated that major capital projects will be balanced against other citywide facility needs once the capital needs assessment is complete. Committee meeting dates were announced for next year and the chair adjourned the meeting.
