Council directs staff to study front‑park option at Oppenlander and prepare bond options for November 2026

Council received a staff update and developer (ICON) presentation on the Oppenlander property and the results of a community survey, then gave staff direction to pursue cost estimates for a front‑park option and to prepare bond options for consideration. Staff emphasized the survey’s finding that the highest‑ranked amenity on the site was its grove of large trees and noted the tradeoffs between a smaller neighborhood park (lower costs and passive use) and a larger multi‑use athletic field (higher acquisition and maintenance costs).

“Grove of trees scored the highest,” staff told the council when summarizing the community input; staff said just shy of 60% of respondents answered yes to moving forward even if there could be a cost to taxpayers. ICON’s representative said due diligence and geotechnical work were underway and that the developer would pursue a 30‑lot option that keeps the park decision flexible. After discussion about timing and ballot windows, the council moved and approved a motion directing staff to work with ICON to develop cost estimates and a timeline for an approximately 1.5‑acre park frontage along Rosemont Road and to prepare bond options for a ballot as soon as November 2026 (with the option to shift to a later election).