Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks Recreation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council reviews Linden Park playground purchase; member raises privacy question about vendor data
Summary
Councilmember Morris presented a proposed purchase of playground equipment for Linden Park (DWA Recreation, up to $224,324.12) and flagged that the vendor's demonstration-site package would provide demographic cellphone-based data — she called that potentially 'big brother' and asked for clarification on what data would be provided.
Councilmember Christina Morris presented an ordinance authorizing the City to purchase playground equipment for Linden Park from DWA Recreation Inc. at a cost not to exceed $224,324.12. She described the installation timeline (early to mid-fall) and noted the City will handle excavation while the vendor installs equipment.
Data and privacy concern: Morris said the national demonstration-site option includes access to historical GIS and cellphone-based data that reports where visitors come from and their ages. “It’s a bit ‘big brother,’” she said, adding she did not know the full set of data the vendor would provide. The mayor clarified the City would not be collecting the data directly but would receive vendor-provided reports.
Why it matters: the data could help the City understand park usage patterns and evaluate whether features attract local residents or visitors from outside the neighborhood, which could inform future investments. Director Snyder noted that baseline data and follow-up usage comparisons can help justify investment and evaluate which features drive attendance.
Other details: Morris said she believes Linden Park currently lacks a bike rack. The playground purchase is on second reading; no final vote occurred at this meeting.
