The purpose of this case, is to reaffirm the plan and corresponding budget for the renovation of Rabbit Park and Pelzer Park, following the resident and Commission input that occurred at the February and March meetings.  The original focus in February was Rabbit Park, however there was a general consensus that if Peltzer Park could be 'moved-up' to 2022 also, that would be in the community's interest given the condition of Peltzer's play structure.

Prior to the March meeting, invitations to provide the Commission input were sent to the larger neighborhood around Peltzer Park.
 

!27 households were sent an invitation to comment on Peltzer Park. (A similar invitation occurred in January relative to Rabbit Park.)

Observations:
Rabbit Park:  Following the written comment from the neighborhood and the family that spoke to the Commission, there was solid consensus on how to move forward with respect to Rabbit Park—which can be summarized by:
~ Adding back a swing to the park
~ Keep large slide
~ keep 2 - 5 year-old play structure with climber 
~ Convert the approximate 3.5 acres of poor turf and sandburrs to a natural ground cover
~ Add trees near the play equipment for shade

Petlzer Park:  During the February meeting, the Commission expressed an interest in the refurbished playground presented to replace the decaying wood play structure at Peltzer.  In Addition, pursuant to Commission direction, a mailer was sent to 127 households around the park inviting comment—with only three persons initially responding, however considerable comment was received from residents at the regular March Commission meeting.

Based upon all the discussion, input and ideas presented, it appeared the most feasible solution to addressing both park's playgrounds is to move ahead with the improvements specified above, and also add another play element like soccer goals to Peltzer Park at the same time.  In accordance with this, staff brought an itemized budget for the March Commission meeting that coincided and included both the requests residents submitted before the meeting, and also the feedback that occurred at the regular March meeting.  Following the public comment, the Commission approved the work plan and budget for both parks.  However, due to the inability to present the all improvements visually (technical issues in Council chambers), the consensus of the Commission was to bring the topic back April regular meeting as an informational item, with the understanding that it would be before City Council for their consideration on April 26th, 2022.

 

The funding source identified within the Capital Improvement Plan is the Lawful Gambling Fund.

There is no recommendation offered herein—and staff would note that the Commission approved Budget and Work Plan that was developed over the last three months for both Rabbit and Peltzer Parks is the second attachment.

No action required—the Commission motioned (in March) to recommend City Council appropriate $100,700 from the Lawful Gambling Fund for playground replacement(s) and associated park rejuvenation at Rabbit and Peltzer Parks, corresponding with the attached Draft Budget and Work Plan, for implementation in 2022.