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Trail Phase 2 delayed by wastewater dispersal needs; committee begins parks master plan work
Summary
Staff updated the committee that Trail Phase 2 alignment is ready but construction is delayed because the city must secure additional effluent dispersal acreage and perform an archaeological survey; members were asked to review the draft comprehensive plan as subcommittee work begins.
City staff told the Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee that a proposed Trail Phase 2 alignment would link Foothill and the turnback trailhead to Sunset Park and create a continuous loop, but progress is constrained by wastewater effluent dispersal requirements and regulatory approvals.
Staff (Speaker 2) said the city needs about 90 additional acres to accommodate current and near‑term effluent dispersal demands associated with an upgrade in wastewater capacity and that available options—Cedar Breaks (high dispersal capacity), the Highland Lakes golf course or a former nine‑hole golf parcel—each carry infrastructure and permitting costs. “The issue… is finding adequate ground upon which we can disperse effluents,” staff said, and noted that the archaeological survey required before construction could add months to the schedule.
Committee discussion included the scale of city water use and permit limits. Staff said current permits provide for up to 1,000,000 gallons per day and that planning scenarios account for future increases toward 1,500,000 gallons per day; dispersal site selection and pipeline costs will determine feasibility. Members asked about buying the former nine‑hole course and whether tree‑fund money could help; staff warned the tree fund has under $1 million and a parcel purchase could cost about $1 million.
Separately, staff urged committee members to read the 166‑page draft comprehensive plan and consider serving on a parks master plan subcommittee; staff described the master plan as research‑heavy work likely to produce a 60–100 page guiding document with funding recommendations and regular public reporting.
Next steps: staff will pursue archaeological survey requirements, continue work on effluent dispersal options, and present funding/infrastructure cost estimates; committee members will review the draft comprehensive plan and consider subcommittee participation.
