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Carbondale commission presses for master-plan solutions on Nature Park, Staircase Park repairs and wayfinding
Summary
Commissioners discussed master planning and immediate maintenance needs: Staircase Parks rotted staircase needs replacement and Nature Park faces low-pond levels and dog disturbance; members prioritized integrating these issues into the 10-year parks master plan rather than making unilateral fixes.
Commissioners used the April 8 meeting to press for long-term planning and immediate safety responses at several town parks, emphasizing that design and community input should guide fixes.
"The stringers on what pulled up that 48 foot staircase is evrotted out. And so it is gonna need to be replaced," Parks Director Eric Brenlinger told the commission, describing options that include metal prefabrication, concrete or reengineering the trail to add landings. Staircase Park is closed to the public, staff said, and the commission emphasized safety and code compliance in replacement decisions.
Members also discussed recurring concerns at Nature Park: low water levels in the pond and dogs entering nesting and wetlands areas. One commissioner said frequent dog access and muddy conditions upset citizens who expect a nature preserve; the group agreed that a fence or other mitigation should be considered through master-plan and trustee processes, not as an ad-hoc measure.
"We can't do parts in our 10 year master plan without it being in there," a commissioner said, arguing for a dedicated, implementable chapter or consultant scope for the Nature Park within the larger parks master plan so staff and community can pursue a specific path forward. Commissioners debated whether the 10-year planning process should include a stand-alone or integrated Nature Park plan and how to sequence RFPs and surveys to secure community input without duplicating outreach efforts.
Separately, staff updated the commission on wayfinding and signage efforts tied to a townwide rebranding; the sign program is awaiting artist guidance and may take up to a year before widespread signage appears. Chaco's Park work continues with artist selections and tree-board review of landscape plans.
No formal votes were taken on park capital projects at the meeting; commissioners directed staff to include the Nature Park scope in upcoming master-plan RFP discussions and to continue research and budgeting for Staircase Park repairs.
