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Council OKs park project payments, appoints parks board member and youth council leaders
Summary
Council announced Harrisburg Park closure for renovations, accepted a $350,000 grant for the project, approved a memorandum to accept roughly $240,000 from a developer to construct two multi‑purpose fields at Hulen Woods, and appointed a Parks Advisory Board member and two youth council officers.
At the Sept. 4 meeting council and staff provided several updates and approvals on parks and recreation matters.
Harrisburg Park: Staff notified the public that Harrisburg Park will close Sept. 16 for an approximately 12‑month renovation and expansion. Staff said the Harrisburg library branch and Harris Depot Park will remain open during construction. The town reported it received a $350,000 PART F grant to apply to the Harrisburg Park project.
Hulen Woods soccer fields: Council approved a memorandum of understanding with the Hulen Woods developer under which the developer will provide funds (staff cited a payment of approximately $240,000 in meeting materials) for the town to contract a professional field builder to construct two multi‑purpose turf fields, parking and associated amenities. Under the plan the developer will complete site infrastructure (entrance, curb, gutter and parking) to town standards; the town will oversee field construction to meet agreed standards. Staff said this approach addresses prior quality concerns and will allow the town to deliver field amenities to regional standards.
Appointments: Council appointed George Wise to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board to fill a vacancy through 2021. The mayor also introduced the youth council chair Philip Brown and vice chair Carly Keller and said the first youth council meeting will be Sept. 24.
Veterans Plaza wall: Staff reported that an intended knee wall at Veterans Plaza requires engineered design because of the steep slope and shallow utilities; staff estimated an engineered wall could cost roughly $125,000–$150,000 and recommended exploring alternatives, including denser landscaping, larger trees and bollards, before committing to an engineered wall.
Next steps: Park construction schedules and contractor procurement will proceed per staff timelines; staff will return to council with engineered designs and cost estimates for Veterans Plaza if council directs proceeding.
