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Ayers lays out two-concept master plan for Prairie Springs Park; $35M'$40M estimate
Summary
Consultant Ayers Associates presented two concept plans for Prairie Springs and Ingram parks, including options to relocate the beer garden, add a community plaza, accessible kayak launches and turf-field improvements; high-level cost estimates ranged from $35 million to $40 million with near-term priorities on ball-field upgrades and access improvements.
Ayers Associates presented two concept plans for Ingram Park and Prairie Springs Park after a public-engagement phase that included roughly 140 survey responses. Consultant Melissa Hunt walked commissioners through two alternatives: one that relocates the beer garden to free space for a larger community plaza and one that keeps the beer garden in its existing footprint while adding targeted improvements.
Key recommendations included improving trails and accessibility, adding an accessible kayak/canoe launch and fishing piers, investing in turf infields and upgraded lighting for baseball fields, and creating a year-round community plaza that could host markets and performances. Hunt said concept costs at the master-plan level were large: "We're looking at between 35 and $40,000,000 in enhancements," she told the commission, and emphasized the plan is a 20-year vision that can be implemented in prioritized phases.
Commission discussion focused on parking, sled-hill relocation (a $500,000 earthwork estimate if moved), restroom and concession sizing, and the timing of investments. Commissioners and staff suggested ball-field improvements and beer-garden siting as near-term priorities; staff recommended not making permanent site investments until master-plan locations and funding are clarified.
