Council approves Jackrabbit Hill Park master plan; project estimated at $8.7M

The City Council on May 26 unanimously approved Resolution 11620 adopting the Jackrabbit Hill Park Master Development Plan. Park Planning Manager Brad Nelson described the community engagement process (two workshops and surveys), two concept alternatives and the community preference for Option 1. The approved plan features a main pedestrian plaza and shaded gathering area, separate 2–5 and 5–12 playgrounds, a group picnic area, a multi‑purpose turf footprint capable of supporting a U12 soccer layout, four pickleball courts, a basketball court, a pedestrian connection to a future school site, naturalized planting areas and surface parking accessed from Rock Springs Ranch Drive.

Staff provided a high‑level cost estimate for construction of roughly $7.1 million in hard costs plus soft costs and contingency, producing a total project estimate of about $8.7 million; annual maintenance for the ~11‑acre site was estimated at about $110,000. Commission and staff recommended the project; council approved the master development plan and directed staff to proceed with design and permitting to bid in early 2027 with construction anticipated to start spring and a roughly one‑year build period. Council members asked about shade tree selection with arborist input, stamped‑concrete accessibility details, parking needs for pickleball courts, potential reciprocal use of nearby school parking, and whether dumpsters and restroom access would be included during construction and operation. Staff said they will work with the city arborist on tree selection, incorporate accessibility best practices and coordinate construction timing and maintenance plans with the neighborhood and utilities.