City parks bond projects, splash pad and water questions get update; Emerson Park nearly complete

City parks and bond projects were a major focus of the meeting, with staff briefing trustees on construction progress, schedules and water-use considerations.

Sean (staff) reported that Emerson Park is about 95% complete and that the project is awaiting a pergola expected after permitting; an open house for Clarkson Park is scheduled for June 4 at 5 p.m. He said Ritalo Park will get a new restroom in phase one, and large work at Bellevue Park remains in design. “We’re about 95% complete on Emerson,” Sean said.

Pirates Cove renovations are expected to start in August; staff said bids recently returned varied (some under budget, some slightly over) but that the department expects to proceed. Trustees asked for continued project updates as milestones are reached.

Trustees raised drought and water-use concerns about adding another splash pad. Staff replied that the planned splash pad would be a recirculating system, chlorinated and regularly tested by an operator, and that evaporation from splash pads can be lower than expected. “So the splash pad is gonna be used, and it’s a recirculating system,” Sean said, explaining staff’s approach to balancing summer recreation with water conservation.

Staff also described stormwater challenges and a roughly $120,000 projected repair cost to restore a main irrigation line that had failed under a bridge; the department is considering drought-tolerant plantings in some passive park zones to reduce irrigation needs.

Ending: Staff will continue to post updates on the city website and bring design and permitting milestones to trustees; trustees requested continued reporting as bond-funded projects proceed.