Initiate 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, toward softball fields #5 and #6.   At that point additional parking bays may be added, and the parkway would continue to the property line – joining a new (both-way) public road on a north/south alignment (Yolite Street on the grid), extending south (only at this time) to the existing 161st Avenue.

This estimated $230,000 + 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.  On August 11th, 2011, the Park and Recreation Commission recommended to City Council that up to $250,000 in Park Trust Funds be appropriated for this park improvement.

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 37.5 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 generally outlined that appear mutually favorable.  (It should be noted that there are details and interprations within the church's request that have yet to be discussed.)

The purpose of this Topic Report is to receive consensus agreement to prepare Plans and Specs for the 2011 Capital Improvement at which point they would come forward to City Council with authorization to solicit bids.  The formal Acquisition Agreement would be approved at this same time - such that the project may substantially complete before the peak park patron period in May of 2012.

Also attached is the proposed terms the church requests be addressed as part of the Acquisition Agreement.  This agreement when complete and approved by both parties would clarify the terms, specify responsibilities and further identify Park Dedication parameters and time-lines; at which point the City Attorney would draft a recordable instrument that would 'run with the land' and accordingly bind the parties.

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 originally proposed for future years.

This Topic Report does not authorize funding but does approve the expenditure in staff time (or consultant services) to prepare the Plans and Specs, and the Acquisition Agreement which are within the General Fund budgets of Engineering and Parks.

Consensus agreement to direct staff to proceed to preparing Plans and Specifications, as well as an Acquisition Agreement with St. Kathrine Drexel Church for Central Park's Parkway and related improvements.