Mercer Park plans reach 60% as council weighs courts, playground and budget

Robert Diaz told council that Mercer Park designs are about 60% complete and include a northern court area (tennis/pickleball), a southern playground and pavilion, plazas and connections to the existing trail system. Diaz noted the project’s biggest cost drivers are court lighting, electrical infrastructure and alternates such as additional courts or shade structures.

“...the base of the project is the playground pavilion, pickle ball court, and then the plazas on each side,” Diaz said. He told council the project team is refining the budget and aims to keep the package under a $1.74 million figure by prioritizing elements and reducing electrical/court costs where possible.

Council members raised questions about noise and proximity to nearby townhomes from outdoor courts, possible use of the site as dawn‑to‑dusk versus lit evening courts, and whether removing the tennis court in favor of open buffer space might better balance neighborhood impacts. Diaz and council members discussed alternate phasing options and the potential to add courts or larger pavilions later if funding allows.

Diaz also reviewed event planning, highlighting four major seasonal community events and noting sponsorships and vendor partnerships can offset costs; staff said they will provide cost breakdowns for events as requested by council during upcoming budget discussions.

Staff did not request action at the study session; the council asked staff to continue refining designs, budget estimates and to return with event cost breakdowns during the budget process.