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River Heights council explores pavilion build, grant use and dog‑park options
Summary
Councilors discussed using $85,000 in park grants (including a $50,000 award that must be spent this year) to install a 25x25 pavilion, options to phase concrete work later, tennis‑court scheduling rules to preserve community access, and possible off‑leash dog areas pending liability review by the city attorney.
Councilors discussed several parks and recreation topics at the June 2 meeting, chiefly how to use existing grant funds for a pavilion and whether to allow dogs in city parks.
Council member Chris Milbank said the city currently has $85,000 in park grant funding — including a $50,000 award that must be used in the current budget year — and proposed buying a prefabricated 25‑by‑25 pavilion for Stewart Hill Park now and bidding the concrete work as a separate project later. "If we don't use it this year, we lose that 50,000," Milbank said. Staff noted the city also has budgeted roughly $120,000 in local funds to complete the wider project if needed.
On facilities policy, Milbank and others recommended continuing to allow event scheduling at the tennis courts but not regular recurring rentals that could limit residents’ access. Council asked staff to keep scheduling controls (signage and reservation processes) rather than offering weekly blocks to outside groups.
The council also debated dogs in parks. Members generally favored keeping Ryan’s Park restricted because of heavy child use, allowing dogs on leash on sidewalks at Stewart Hill Park, and considering a fenced off‑leash enclosure at a less used site. Mayor Blake Wright said the city should check liability with City Attorney John before designating off‑leash areas. The council asked staff to return with legal guidance and a recommendation on signage and waste‑station placement.
Next steps: staff will confirm RAPS funding timing, refine pavilion siting and dimensions with on‑site measurements, and report back on legal liability, costs and a phased procurement plan.
