Agenda

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City Council Regular Meeting

Meeting Date:

09/28/2021

BACKGROUND

Phase 1 Renovations:
In FY18-19 the city-funded $160,000 in Phase 1 renovations at Ashley Park. Due to the limited amount of funding available and the long list of deferred maintenance projects, the city had to divide up the improvements over the course of 3 years. First up, the failing asphalt basketball court was demolished and a new concrete court with acrylic coating was constructed. The existing playscape feature was past its useful life and was replaced with a new double-pyramid net climbing structure, a new swing set with expression swing, and a gaga ball pit. A cosmetic update was completed at the restroom facility, an accessible water fountain with a dog bowl was added, new trash cans and benches were added, and a new accessible route from the street to the playscape was added.
Phase 2 Renovations:
In FY19-20 the city-funded an additional $79,000 for Phase 2 of improvements at Ashley Park for the new fully accessible concrete loop trail. The existing asphalt trail was failing and there were some sections where the cross slope did not meet accessibility requirements. There was also no accessible route to the toddler playscape structure nor to any of the picnic tables. The concrete loop trail included an extension to the toddler playground as well as one of the picnic tables. Due to scheduling issues and delays from the COVID-19 pandemic, the work wasn't completed until March of 2021.
Phase 3 Renovations:
In FY20-21, Phase 3 improvements include an additional playscape feature and picnic pavilion at a cost of $110,917.19 to complete the renovations at Ashley Park. The picnic pavilion will be available for reservations for birthday parties and will meet some of the demand for additional park pavilions in the city. The playscape feature was added in Phase 3 due to the feedback we received from residents after Phase 1 improvements were completed, where it was noted that a slide was an important component of the old structure and residents wanted to see a slide back in the new features. A postcard was sent out to area residents directing them to an online poll to choose the new playscape feature from 4 different options, and Option 3 was the winner - the Beacon's Bay unit with an integrated shade structure.

GOAL

The goal is to construct an additional picnic pavilion that is available for reservation for birthday parties and other gatherings and fill some of the need for additional picnic pavilions in the city. Additionally, city staff is responding to resident feedback by bringing back a slide feature in the playscape.

COMMUNITY BENEFIT

The community will benefit from the additional picnic pavilion as we get more requests for rental availability than we have the capability for. Additionally, the surrounding neighborhoods will benefit from the enhanced park with new features and full accessibility.

SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDED ACTION

Approve Resolution 21-R-99.

FISCAL IMPACT

The cost of Phase III improvements to Ashley Park are $110,917.19 and are funded out of Park & Recreation's regular FY 20-21 budget.

RECOMMENDATION

Approve Resolution 21-R-99.

Attachments
Resolution No. 21-R-99
9-23-2021 Proposal
Picnic Shelter Rendering
Playscape Rendering - Beacon's Bay