Springdale panel approves design plan to expand George A. Barker River Park with conditions

The Springdale Planning Commission voted Feb. 18 to approve a Design Development Review allowing the town to move forward with planned improvements to the George A. Barker River Park on Parcel S‑150‑D. Commissioner Terry Kruschke moved to approve the plan; Paul Zimmerman seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Principal Planner Niall Connolly described the scope of the current proposal as refurbishment of existing restrooms, resurfacing and reconfiguring the vehicle entry and parking area without expanding it, construction of new paved trails, creation of a central lawn using zero‑scape landscaping, grading to create a native riparian amphitheater, installation of new benches and trash and recycling receptacles, and removal of primarily non‑native trees along the parcel boundary. Connolly noted that some features shown in engineering drawings—specifically a river viewing platform, a new restroom building and a pavilion—are not part of the approved proposal.

"The proposed improvements included refurbishment of the restrooms, resurfacing and reconfiguring the vehicle entry and parking area (without expanding it), construction of new paved trails, creation of a central lawn with zero‑scape landscaping, grading for a native riparian amphitheater, installation of new benches and trash and recycling receptacles, and removal of primarily non‑native trees along the boundary to facilitate the expansion," said Niall Connolly, Principal Planner.

Commission discussion focused on technical site details. Commissioner Terry Kruschke asked about concrete stairs (answered by a project representative, Mr. Gubler, who confirmed stairs adjacent to a ramp are included) and whether there would be outdoor lighting (the representative said no lighting plan is proposed). Director of Community Development Thomas Dansie said the landscape contractor had not yet been selected and that irrigation technical details remained to be finalized; he recommended either requiring the irrigation plan be submitted for Commission approval or delegating its review to staff. Chair Jennifer McCulloch supported a condition that staff verify the irrigation plan complies with the Town's Landscape Zone Plan rather than returning the entire item to the Commission.

Kruschke also noted the existing parking area lies in the 100‑year floodplain; staff confirmed the lot is a legal nonconforming feature because it is not being expanded. The Commission also confirmed that existing and proposed tree counts meet the ordinance requirement of one tree per 1,000 square feet.

The approval includes explicit conditions: the decision does not authorize a new restroom building, river viewing platform or pavilion; and the irrigation must follow the Landscape Zone Plan and be submitted for verification (either by staff or by Commission review). The motion cited compliance with town ordinances and the Springdale General Plan (Section 6, Subgoal A).