The city heard from more than 500 residents about what they like in their parks and what should be updated or changed. One common theme was general improvement to park equipment across the city.
“They did recognize the parks need an upgrade,” said Park and Recreation Director Kay Okey. “They are well worn, the play structures are outdated and they would like to see those structures updated to more common themes of climbing gyms and activities that are a little more up to date.”
When plans for new equipment get closer to reality, Okey says users would be asked again for input about the type of play structures they want. One simple update may be changing the wood chip surfaces to one that’s easier for wheel chairs or strollers to navigate.
At Lakeside Lions Park, the beach hasn’t been swimmable for years. But it could become more usable in other ways.
“We are looking at maybe bringing back a splash pad that we could put over there. We are looking at maybe changing that beach area into a natural play area. We’ve got the sand. We can put in some nice natural play features to utilize that area. So still enhance it, but not encourage people to swim in it because it’s just not a swimmable lake anymore,” said Okey.
Another option could be to add a kayak rental service along the shore.
There’s also a need for updating buildings. None are ADA accessible, and some may have reached the end of their usable lives.
“We can look at remodeling a building or completely taking it down and starting from scratch. We are looking at construction costs and doing either one of those options or maybe nothing at all.”
One thing that can be done right away is re-paving a popular basketball court in Able Park. Freezing and thawing has created big cracks in the playing surface. The court will be replaced this spring. But for most of these projects, the improvements are long term concepts, dependent on funding.
“This is a 5, 7, 10 year plan. The community needs might change, desires might change, dollars certainly have a play in this,” said Okey.
Another priority they heard from residents was about keeping costs down.
“That will be our challenge with the Parks and Rec commission and the City Council to develop some fundraising as far as grants and other avenues, revenue streams that we’re working on.”
Okey says any work that’s done now is paid for from a park fund the city has been building over the years.
