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Council discusses phased investments for parks, rail trail and a future recreation center feasibility study
Summary
The recreation director outlined phased park and pool work, a shovel‑ready riverfront project and a placeholder for a recreation‑center improvement in 2031; councilors urged earlier feasibility work and suggested exploring partnerships and funding streams while staff recommended starting programming and concept studies sooner rather than waiting to fund construction.
Mark Price, recreation director, reviewed a five‑year vision that balances maintenance and larger projects — Memorial Park design, Riverfront Park readiness, a Wilk Street walkway, splash pads, and a placeholder for pool and recreation‑center improvements. He described the Riverfront project as shovel‑ready with community input and called for a phased approach to design and construction so that smaller elements can be completed incrementally.
Council members asked about starting feasibility studies earlier and suggested adding a study line to operating budgets rather than capital. Several council members urged the administration to pursue partnerships, consider library visioning outcomes and ensure any new facility is matched with operational staffing and sustainable funding. Staff suggested feasibility and early concept work could begin during the budget process and that community outreach should shape programming requirements.
