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Aldermen weigh sidewalk options to connect Lad Park neighborhoods to upcoming Pearl Park
Summary
Aldermen discussed four options for new pedestrian connectivity to the forthcoming Pearl Park, ranging from a permanent additional lane with multi‑use trail ($1.8–2.1M) to lower‑cost temporary trail options; board members signaled support for a mid‑range asphalt trail solution while asking staff about timeline and funding implications.
Aldermen reviewed pedestrian‑safety options to connect Lad Park and adjacent subdivisions to the upcoming Pearl Park, where officials said they expect large event and athletics attendance once the park opens in about 18–24 months.
Paul and city engineers presented four alternatives: (1) a permanent additional northbound lane with a full‑depth multi‑use trail (estimated $1.8–2.1 million); (2) an 8‑foot paved pedestrian trail built to a 10–15 year standard (estimated ~$800,000); (3) a 5‑foot concrete sidewalk (transcript figure requires clarification; staff characterized the concrete option as the more expensive approach); and (4) a partial extension to Truman Road (~$550,000) that would serve a subset of residents but leave others without direct access.
Staff said CIP capacity includes some unprogrammed dollars labeled for opportunities and that options two through four could be accommodated within the existing funding model. Several aldermen favored option two as a cost‑effective, near‑term safety improvement that could serve park users and remain serviceable for a decade while larger widening projects remain a longer‑term capital priority.
Aldermen stressed setting realistic expectations with residents: the city will need time for design, procurement and construction; staff said the road right‑of‑way is pregraded and the item could be turned over to the street department and completed relatively quickly once prioritized. Board members also discussed possible HOA partnerships for cost sharing and coordination with the Pearl Park opening schedule.
The board did not vote on a specific alternative but directed staff to refine cost, funding and timeline estimates and report back so elected officials can set priorities within the capital improvement program.
