Council pauses Stubs Park decision, asks staff for renovation and new Activity Center cost estimates

The Dublin City Council voted Aug. 15 to remove the Stubs Park item from tonight’s agenda and directed staff to produce detailed cost estimates for two alternatives: renovating the existing Stubs gym or building a new multi-purpose Activity Center with covered basketball courts and a catering kitchen.

Council members said they want more information before committing to demolition or renovation. City Manager Mr Powell outlined concept uses for a new Activity Center — voting precincts, after-school programs, community events and a catering kitchen — and said the council asked staff to price both renovation and new construction so the public can compare options.

The order to gather more information followed a period of public input and a town-hall process. Councilman Jones said the council’s pre-council consensus was to “hit the pause button” and return with cost comparisons so the public can see specific alternatives rather than a single concept.

Mr Powell described landscape alternatives the council asked staff to explore: instead of a deep pond, the plan would consider daylighting an existing creek that is currently piped beneath the nearby school so the park would retain a water feature without creating a deeper hazard. He also said placing a small splash pad near new restrooms tied to an Activity Center is under consideration. “We want to price this out to understand what’s possible and what’s not possible,” Mr Powell said.

Public comment at the meeting voiced a clear preference to retain and renovate a gym. Ray Bloodworth, who identified himself as a Ward 4 resident, told the council that a prior survey showed about 70% support for keeping the Stubs gym and asked why alternative concepts were being advanced after citizens had spoken. “They elected you — now work for them,” Bloodworth said.

Council members responded that they heard residents’ views and that staff will return with more detailed estimates and design options. Officials said the timing for nearby Okon gym renovation will affect staffing and facility availability: Mr Powell said the Okon gym will go offline for construction in October and that the city expects roughly a year of work, during which Stubs Gym would be used for free play and other activities as needed. He also said the council has approved additional funding for the Okon project (see separate actions report) and emphasized the desire to avoid hasty decisions.

Next steps: staff will provide the requested cost comparisons and concept drawings for both renovation and new construction; the council said it will schedule further public discussion before making a final decision.