Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks And Recreation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council backs moving Peanuts Park North concept forward to secure $150,000 state grant
Summary
Pasco staff presented a preferred concept for Peanuts Park North emphasizing safety, visibility and flexible event space. Council agreed to advance the design to the 30% level so the city can qualify for $150,000 in legislative funding, while asking staff to refine restroom, phasing and cost details.
Pasco city staff asked the City Council to accept a draft final concept for Peanuts Park North so the city can complete a 30% design and qualify for $150,000 in state legislative funds.
Parks staff summarized the project history: the south side of Peanuts Park was renovated in 2021 while the north side has remained on the city’s capital plan in a later phase. Michael Terrell Landscape Architects presented the preferred concept, which combines elements the community favored from three outreach concepts: a plaza fronting Lewis Street, a flexible large open area suitable for temporary sports or event courts, a small performance stage, art‑walk opportunities, removable shade structures and controlled fencing to support after‑hours security.
“Based on outreach the preferred option pulled the best pieces from each concept,” landscape architect Jeff Stilts said during the presentation. Staff told council that trees removed in 2024 were a visibility response and that the preferred design emphasizes Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) to keep sightlines open.
Council members asked detailed questions about access gates, gate widths (staff noted a 24‑foot sliding gate at one entry), how fencing and gates would work for events, and the feasibility and cost implications of adding a restroom. Parks staff said adding a restroom on the north parcel would require sewer and potable‑water work, create sightline concerns on the 50‑by‑100‑foot site, and likely increase up‑front costs; staff noted the existing public restroom in Peanuts Park (south) as an interim amenity but acknowledged community concerns about distance and locked facilities.
During public comment, Dave Martinez of LBA urged the council to spend the grant now and warned the city could lose access to the funding if the design is delayed. Other speakers also urged restrooms and activation amenities.
Council direction: with emphasis on securing the $150,000 legislative appropriation, council members signaled support to move the preferred concept forward to the 30% design and cost estimate phase so staff can complete required grant paperwork. Council asked staff to return with refined cost estimates, a proposed phasing approach (staff suggested the grant could fund utilities and flat work as a baseline phase), and options for restroom solutions or portable facilities.
Next step: staff will complete the 30% design and cost estimate to access the legislative grant and report back on phasing, estimated total project cost and outreach results.
