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Parks board reviews master-plan upgrades, from inclusive playground to $1.1M ballfield
Summary
The Green City Parks and Recreation Board reviewed master-plan projects April 1, including an inclusive playground at Butler Park ($219,577), trail and ADA upgrades, sport-court resurfacing and a donated-supported inclusive ballfield budgeted at $1.1 million; staff announced April community meetings and Arbor Day tree sponsorships.
The Parks and Recreation Board on April 1 reviewed a slate of master-plan projects that the administration says will improve accessibility, usability and safety across several city parks.
Mike (presenter) walked the board through Butler Park recommendations, saying the playground installed in 1997 needs replacement and is proposed to be an inclusive design with modern surfacing at an estimated cost of $219,577. He described additional ADA and trail work, including a 270-foot asphalt connector that was shown with a cost of $26,704 and plans to rebuild and widen portions of the Butler Park loop trail at an estimated $147,000 to reduce conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians.
Court and sport-surface work was also reviewed. Mike noted the city rebuilt tennis and pickleball courts in 2021, installed lighting, and last year milled and repaved a basketball court at an indicated cost of about $73,300. The board discussed multiuse court demand and the popularity of evening pickleball and similar activities.
At Kleckner Park, staff described proposed inclusive play components and a picnic shelter to be constructed this fall by students at Portage Lakes Career Center. Mike highlighted the park’s inclusive ballfield as the primary feature, with a budget line shown at $1,100,000 and considerable cash donations and partner support that staff said covered much of the cost.
The board also reviewed the Core (Center of Recreation and Education) features, including a lined turf area described as 80 by 160 feet (the full turf is described as 100 by 175 feet) and an elevated walking track (noted that 7.5 laps equals one mile). Staff announced a community focus group to review playground components set for April 6 at 4:30 p.m. and said adjusted spring–summer hours will free capacity for more rentals.
Other items covered included recently installed wayfinding and trail ID markers, proposals to add artistic bike racks through the public art committee, and the America 250 Heritage Tree Grove: staff said 25 substantial-caliper trees will be planted behind Patriot Park, sponsorships are $250, a plaque and commemorative glass gift will be provided, and an Arbor Day dedication is scheduled for April 24 at 10 a.m. Staff said sponsorship signup closes around April 15.
Board members praised steady progress on maintenance projects, suggested adding bike racks at high-traffic parks and commended staff for pavilion table rebuilds. Mike and Valerie (staff member) said the administration will continue to coordinate public communication around construction windows and outreach for project participation.
