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Community foundation outlines phased plan to develop Polaris Plaza; council supports pre‑planning
Summary
The Fernley Community Foundation presented a phased Polaris Plaza plan—fencing, turf, engraved bricks and landscaping—for a compact downtown plaza with a $62,000 Phase 1 budget and pledged Lowe’s volunteer support; council asked staff to schedule a pre‑planning meeting and favored expedited early plantings.
The Fernley Community Foundation and Main Street Fernley presented a phased plan to transform Polaris Plaza into a small downtown gathering place, seeking council permission to proceed with Phase 1 preparatory work and a pre‑planning meeting with city staff.
The foundation described a history of fundraising and donor support, including a $100,000 restricted Polaris donation and a $32,871 brick/dedication fund. Project lead Cody Wagner (Fernley Community Foundation) outlined Phase 1 elements: about 2,100 square feet of artificial turf, 200 feet of 44‑inch fencing, custom engraved bricks (estimated $40 per brick; roughly 150 bricks planned) and landscaping and irrigation. The foundation estimated a Phase 1 budget near $62,000, leaving restricted funds for later phases. Lowe’s pledged up to $2,500 in materials and a volunteer workday planned for October 21 to assist planting and landscaping.
Main Street Fernley’s vice president, Shannon Sarasola, said the plaza would tie into a broader Main Street beautification effort, including new benches and pathways, and stressed the plaza’s value for small downtown events and walkability improvements.
Council members generally supported moving to a pre‑planning meeting with staff and asked staff to consider timing—particularly planting before winter—and local vendor participation. City Attorney Aaron Mortonson advised that the presentation required no council action tonight and recommended scheduling a pre‑planning meeting and addressing property arrangement through a land lease or other formal agreement at a later date.
Next steps: Staff will schedule a pre‑planning meeting with the foundation and planning staff; later council consideration will address land‑use approvals, leases and any cost or maintenance responsibilities.
