Commission approves placement of new table-tennis table and playing boards at Homestead Park

The Dixon City Parks and Recreation Commission voted Feb. 25 to place a precast, rebar-reinforced concrete table-tennis table and a set of heavy playing boards at Homestead Park, selecting staff-recommended location option 2 for both amenities.

Public Works Director Lauren Coteau said the purchases were funded through the Homestead community facilities district (CFD) special supplies account and that staff weighed four table-tennis locations and three playing-board locations before recommending sites away from the primary playground and picnic areas. "It sounds like for the table tennis option number 2 is the preferred option," Coteau summarized for the commission and said staff would verify underground irrigation and measurements before installation.

Commissioners favored option 2 because it sits closer to gathering areas and offers a level concrete surface. One commissioner cautioned against the decomposed-granite (DG) surface proposed for an alternate site: "I would try to stay away from the DG because over time, water and DG don't mix. It basically becomes puddles," the commissioner said, arguing a concrete pad would provide a more durable, level playing surface.

Coteau said staff would check for pipes and sprinkler lines and, if necessary, extend or reorient the concrete pad later: "If we foresee there to be a problem with the distance, we would either extend the concrete pad towards the south side of the park, or we can try turning the orientation," she said. The motion to place both amenities in the option-2 locations passed on a voice vote; Commissioners Lake, Vice Chair Butts and Chair Moses voted yes.

Implementation steps noted by staff include an on-site measurement to confirm irrigation locations, minor concrete work as needed and assignment of maintenance responsibilities to city maintenance staff.