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Trustees debate plaza planters, shade structures and playground accessibility in capital plan
Summary
Trustees agreed to keep plaza planter upgrades on the capital list and to defer permanent tables/umbrellas to later years; accessibility and restroom upgrades for parks were flagged as priorities for future capital requests.
During the April 22 ICIP work session, trustees reviewed several park and plaza items and debated relative timing. Moderator said the plaza planter upgrades and beautification work remain a capital priority, but several trustees recommended postponing heavier plaza tables and umbrella installations to 2028–2029 to avoid rework if planter and brick repairs proceed first.
A trustee called the plaza brick coping a trip hazard and urged accelerating sidewalk and brick-edge repairs; the Moderator agreed, proposing moving sidewalk refurbishment into 2027 because of safety concerns. "We're going to move that to 27th," the Moderator said of sidewalk repairs, citing recent loose brick and trip hazards.
Playground and restroom accessibility were also central to discussion. Trustees noted that many parks currently lack wheelchair-accessible play equipment and public restrooms and that installing accessible playground components and permanent restroom upgrades would be more expensive but would significantly improve usability during events. Moderator said money for playground equipment exists now and that restroom upgrades might be programmed in phases, possibly paired with parking improvements to enhance accessibility.
On recreation amenities, trustees favored acquiring separate land for destination-style pickleball courts rather than converting existing green space; staff suggested looking at river-levy parcels or other off-core lots in 2028–2029 as the most viable option.
Why it matters: plaza condition, shade and restroom availability directly affect visitor experience and local business foot traffic; trustees instructed staff to coordinate planning and to bring updated cost estimates for prioritized park and plaza improvements.
No formal votes were taken.
