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Cowlitz County plans Legacy Park pump track, offers students a vote on playground design
Summary
Cowlitz County public‑works staff said funding for the Legacy Park pump track is in place from RCO and dredge‑spoil revenues, with rural development funds as a backup; construction is projected at just over $1,000,000 and designers and community meetings will shape the final layout.
Savannah Clement, public works, told the commissioners that the county has secured multiple funding sources for the Legacy Park project and is beginning design work for a pump track and adjacent playground.
"It's gonna be probably, a little over $1,000,000 is what we're projecting," Clement said, describing funds from the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) and revenues from dredge‑spoil sales, with Rural Development funds as a possible backstop.
The project team will meet with designers this week to kick off the pump‑track design and will hold community meetings so neighbors can weigh in on features. A parks presenter described the pump track as an asphalt course made of rollers rather than jumps that is usable year‑round by bicycles, scooters and skateboards: "It's made out of asphalt, so you can use it year round," the presenter said.
County staff said the pump track will be sited in a central open area of the park near existing bathrooms and that the play structure will be placed north of the track. Parking and separate bathroom access will be added so the amenities do not overload a single part of the park. The county also plans an outreach approach for the play structure: grade‑school students will be shown two playground design options and the option with the most student votes will be selected.
Clement said RCO requirements mean the county must complete cultural‑resources surveys and present materials to the state historical society before construction. Staff estimated construction could begin in May with completion by the following summer; the county noted it can seek a state extension for matching dollars if scheduling requires it.
Parks staff also highlighted recent events that demonstrate local demand for park amenities: a July 4 car show drew about 150 cars to Riverside Park, and the park served as a rest stop for a large ride that included roughly 6,000 participants. Harry Gardner Park camping revenues rose in the most recent quarter, staff said.
Next steps: staff will meet with designers, continue community outreach, finalize grant‑required surveys and return to the board as needed for project approvals and any budget adjustments.
