Dayton City park commission prioritizes restrooms and parking over splash pad in LC Stevens Phase 3

At a Feb. 4 meeting, the Dayton City Park Commission debated Phase 3 of the LC Stevens Park master plan and urged staff to prioritize restrooms, parking and an amphitheater cover over installing a splash pad until permitting and detailed pricing are resolved.

Commission members and staff said the project currently sits at a concept stage with high-level pricing and a roughly $1.5 million planning figure cited; commissioners described the estimates as imprecise and asked staff to return with contractor bids and clarified budget numbers. "We did work with MSA to come up with some alternatives and some alternative costs," a staff member said, noting a 15% contingency on the current estimates.

Why it matters: The commission framed the decision as one of long-term durability and cost efficiency. Several commissioners argued that fundamental infrastructure — adequate parking and proper restroom facilities with reliable water and sewer solutions — should come first so the park is usable and avoids repeat repairs. "Build the foundation right," one commissioner said, arguing that basic amenities will make the park a reliable destination for years.

What was discussed and decided: Staff described two splash-pad technical options: a single-use flow-through system that discharges to stormwater or a recirculating system that requires chemical treatment and more complex plumbing permits. Staff also said permitting responsibilities for one-use splash pads are shifting away from MDH to the Department of Labor and Industry, creating regulatory uncertainty. Because water and sewer choices affect restroom design, staff recommended evaluating well water versus municipal hookups before finalizing restroom plans. Commissioners repeatedly emphasized that parking tied to a splash pad scenario would likely need to be included for safe access.

Budget and timing: Commissioners and staff discussed multiple figures during the meeting. Staff referenced a $1,500,000 planning figure for Phase 3 and later noted cost estimates that could reach $2.2 million; members characterized those early numbers as a rough "dartboard" and requested firm contractor pricing. Staff said the canoe/kayak launch bidding opens this Friday and that, if permitting and pricing fall into place, some foundational work could be completed this year; otherwise, elements such as the splash pad might be deferred to 2027 or later.

Other project updates: Staff reported Dayton Farms Park is about 80% complete with remaining playground surfacing and irrigation hook-ups; the city purchased standardized park trash receptacles and received a $12,000 youth-sports grant for on-site equipment trunks. Staff also said the DNR-funded boat landing redesign is about 90% planned but likely will not be built this year, and that a Territorial Road/Rush Creek Parkway trail connection is moving toward design and planned for bidding later this year.

Next steps: The commission asked staff to obtain contractor pricing, clarify which fund sources will pay for specific elements (park dedication vs. park development funds), and return with refined project costs and phasing recommendations at the March meeting. The commission set its next meeting for March 3 and agreed to prepare items for a March/April council presentation.

Quotes captured from the meeting: "Council did not approve the park study," Councilman Slodek said, reporting the council voted 3-2 against the study. "There's a lot of moving parts" to the splash pad and permitting, staff said, noting changes in permitting authority and system options. "Build the foundation right," one commissioner urged, arguing that parking and bathrooms should come before amenity features.

Ending: Staff will seek contractor bids and return with updated cost estimates and a recommended phasing plan; the commission will review those materials at its March 3 meeting and finalize items to present to city council in April.