Recommend Approval of 2011 Park’s Capital Improvement – Central Park’s Parkway

The 2011 Parks Capital Improvement Program proposes the conversion of the existing park drive up to the Park Center Building in Central park to a ‘one-way,’ with the extension of this to the east, towards softball fields #5 and #6.   At that point additional park bays may be added, and the parkway would continue to the property line – joining a new public road on a north/south alignment (Yolite Street on the grid), extending down to the existing 161st Avenue.

This estimated $200,000 capital improvement is in the CIP as a solution to the need for additional parking during peak periods, and to reduce pedestrian/vehicle conflicts on the driveway leading up to the Park Center Building.

Attached is a schematic design illustrating the proposed parkway and parking improvements.

An opportunity for developing the improvements discussed, exists as the St. Katherine Drexel Church owns the 33 acres east of the park, and under any development scenario, Park Dedication is due, resulting in the ROW needed for the aforementioned parkway and future street.

In 2010, City Council identified the Central Park 'parkway' as a Strategic Goal, and authorized staff to enter into discussions with the church to see if the land could be acquired in advance of development, such that the parkway could be constructed in 2011.  After a lengthy period of negotiation, the church and city staff have terms outlined that appear mutually favorable.  A draft Acquisition Agreement is anticipated to be before Council later this month, together with the cost estimate for the cost of the roadway and parking improvements.

The purpose of this case is to recommend that City Council move forward with this proposed Capital Improvement, such that the project may substantially complete before the peak park patron period in May of 2012.

This project is shown within the 2011 - 2015 CIP as funded by the Park Trust Fund at $135,000 for 2011.  Staff recommends that the new improvements include concrete curb and gutter, and therefore the project cost and scope may include monies and elements that were proposed for future years.

Upon City Council approval to proceed, plans and spec would be developed, and let for bid - wherein the precise cost of the project may be known.

Motion to recommend City Council direct staff to proceed to preparing plans and specifications for Central Park's Parkway and related improvements.