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City updates parks and infrastructure: Zora phase 1 complete, Ewart Park rebuild planned, work on Pennsylvania Avenue viaduct to proceed
Summary
Public Works and Parks staff reported completion of Zora phase 1, a planned rebuild of Ewart Park (roughly $4 million), imminent bids for 20th Street widening and Pennsylvania Avenue viaduct public meetings about removal and replacement options; parks staff also reported lifeguard recruitment progress and an expanded park‑ranger program.
Public Works and Parks officials updated the council on multiple parks and infrastructure projects at the March 10 work session.
Mr. Johnson (Public Works) said Zora improvements phase 1 are complete and that phase 2 will be bid this spring. He summarized a project pipeline that included the 20th Street widening (utilities relocation underway), Pennsylvania Avenue viaduct public meetings to discuss removal or at‑grade replacement, and work on sanitary‑sewer and stormwater projects tied to ARPA grants. He said the ARFF building is largely complete with a ribbon cutting planned in April.
Paul Bloomberg (parks) described progress at the Dover Outdoor Recreation Area trail and pump‑track, expected park and trail openings, the Ewart Park rebuild (staff listed nearly $4 million for complete rebuild/beautification), Tin Cup Trail work and a broader park‑beautification and playground overlay program across multiple parks. Bloomberg said the park‑ranger program now has three rangers and expanded patrol hours to cover park open hours.
Bloomberg also reported strong lifeguard recruiting: he said about 40 lifeguards are certified and roughly 130 applicants are in the pipeline, giving the department confidence it can open both pools this summer. Councilors asked practical questions about striping and intersection timing for 4th & Murphy and about measures to prevent loitering or unsafe uses of low water culverts; staff said signage, lighting and 'no loitering' signs will be used and emphasized cooperation with police and parks enforcement.
Several projects are scheduled to go to bid this summer or fall, and staff said they intend to continue pursuing grant funding to help cover cost overruns and program costs.
