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City shows concept for Nancy Nafee Park; staff estimate phases at about $600,000 and $500,000
Summary
City parks staff presented concept renderings for a new Nancy Nafee downtown park, describing a performance area, play features, under‑bridge activation and phased costs (phase 1 ~ $600,000; phase 2 ~ $500,000) with grant and foundation support sought to lower local spending.
Parks staff previewed concept designs for Nancy Nafee Park in downtown Burlington and outlined a phased approach with initial costs staff estimated at roughly $600,000 for phase 1 and about $500,000 for phase 2.
Eric Tizlon said the project, developed with Confluence, aims to convert a former Sears site into a downtown gathering place with a small raised performance stage, seating, play features, shade, string lighting, landscaping and potential hookups for food trucks or a farmer’s market. Staff showed renderings that include a playable hillside and a stage area that could support small performances or movie projections on a downtown building.
Tizlon told the council the site ties into nearby destinations (including Snake Alley and the 6th Street bridge) and noted the park would complement a proposed dog park nearby. He said the project would be phased and tied to the city’s parks master plan: ‘‘The phasing costs for phase 1 [are] over 600,000, phase 2 over 500,000,’’ he said, and added staff will pursue grants and foundation funding to reduce the burden on city capital.
A councilor expressed strong support for downtown gathering places but also voiced concern about project priorities and costs in relation to neighborhood street maintenance. One councilor said they were ‘‘really concerned about the cost when we’re not paving any streets’’ and urged staff to balance downtown investments with neighborhood needs.
Staff said the concept is preliminary and not a final design; it will be evaluated for priority within the park planning process and could be adjusted to reduce costs or change phasing.
