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Parks official details splash-pad drainage fixes and asks council to clarify $60,000 budget allocation
Summary
Parks representative Casey Green told the Camanche council that the department kept budgets steady and outlined repairs for the Central Park splash pad rainage and bench layout; council asked engineer Dan Solenberger to attend the next meeting and discussed using a CD to front repairs.
Casey Green, speaking for Parks & Recreation, told the Camanche City Council that the parks budget line items were held at recent levels and that the department had no major new capital projects currently planned beyond standard maintenance. Green reported several operational issues, including ongoing problems with the splash pad raining and siltation caused after the pad was raised to meet a sewer tie-in; benches and tables (about $4,800 previously purchased) are difficult to place because the grade around the pad now slopes as much as 3 feet.
Green described the parks esign and the proposed mitigation: extend a brick/concrete apron about 3 feet around the splash pad, install a low concrete curb and a retaining wall to contain the raised grade, place pavers under benches and tables, and add a French drain draining to two low points near the parking area. The plan would allow the city to hand paver-selling duties to Hometown Pride to offset costs. Green also raised ADA-access issues for playground swings and noted repairs for equipment that are increasingly costly when parts are obsolete.
Council members pressed on cost and timing. Staff said a city CD could be drawn down (CD matures in August) if the council wanted to front funds for spring repairs; council members asked staff to bring contractor quotes and to invite engineer Dan Solenberger to the next meeting to walk through the grading and the original design intent. No formal appropriation or transfer was approved at this meeting; council members agreed to get more precise cost estimates and options for funding.
Why it matters: The splash pad and park repairs affect usability and safety at Central Park and have implications for ADA access and annual park maintenance budgeting. Residents had raised concerns about drainage, silt and the visual impression of a temporary building where restrooms are planned.
Next steps: Staff to secure contractor quotes and to have engineer Dan Solenberger appear at the next meeting to explain design and cost responsibility; council to consider a funding transfer or CD withdrawal once quotes and options are available.
