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Park board to ask neighbors to OK repurposing two small neighborhood parks
Summary
The Jasper Park Board voted to send letters to surrounding property owners asking whether two small, platted parks—Hoen Park and Sang Park—may be repurposed or should remain city-maintained. Legal staff said both parcels are restricted by plat language or fractional interests that require neighbor approval.
The Jasper Park Board voted unanimously to send neighborhood letters seeking approval to change how two small parks are used, after staff laid out legal and title constraints that limit the city’s options.
Legal intern Ella Ho told the board that Hoen Park was deeded to the city in 1948 and the plat requires the lot be used for recreational purposes; changing that use would require approval by a majority of 43 surrounding lot owners. For Sang Park, Ella said the situation is more complex: although the city is the listed owner, 41 surrounding property owners each hold fractional interests, and the city would need many of those owners to sign quick-claim deeds before it could proceed with redevelopment.
Ella said the recommended first step is to mail a simple two-option form and, if needed, hold a neighborhood meeting so residents can ask questions. City attorney Renee (Cry) and other board members discussed alternatives if owners do not agree — including ceasing active maintenance and notifying owners that they would be responsible for upkeep unless they convey their interests to the city.
Board members authorized staff to draft and send letters asking owners to indicate approval or rejection of a proposed change in use. The board directed staff to return with results and next steps at a future meeting.
The discussion emphasized legal limits: Hoen’s plat language and Sang’s clouded title both constrain unilateral city action. The board did not set a sale price or timetable; members said that would follow only if a majority of owners approved a change. The motion to send the letters passed on a voice vote.
Next steps: staff will mail the letters, consider a neighborhood meeting to explain options, and report back to the board with owner responses and recommended follow-up actions.
