Park Improvement Projects
Background
Three parks have been selected for improvement or development in 2024. All of the projects are being developed by a Consultant Landscape Architect. The projects will be bid in the Spring with construction expected in the Summer and substantial completion by Fall of 2024.
Area 21 Park
**5/31/2024 Revised Park Improvement Timeline Update**
The Landscape Architect retained by the City, for the Park Improvements Project 2024, recently informed Staff that he would not be able to achieve the agreed project deadlines, and proposed a revised schedule for the project (see below). The Improvements project was already on a restricted timeline, the revised schedule means that the Park improvements would not be bid and constructed until 2025.
Staff have been working on a timeline that the Consultant had agreed to. Finding out this late in the process that the project will not be completed in 2024 is a very disappointing outcome for Staff and residents alike. The City is currently exploring which elements can be salvaged for construction in 2024. As Staff develops a confirmed timeline, and identifies what can be achieved this year, we will post updates on the City’s web site and social media accounts.
This Park is located off of 117th Avenue and is an assemblage of lots from currently 3 developments including Brayburn Trails, Brayburn East and Sundance Greens. There is a fourth quarter that has been identified, but this area has not been developed yet. Park Commission asked for a master plan for the 4 parcels of land with a plan of phasing the development as the land is deeded to the City. The Phase 1 will be the 2 lots deeded to the City to the North of the assemblage.
Cypress Cove/Ione Gardens
**5/31/2024 Revised Park Improvements 2024 Update**
The Landscape Architect retained by the City, for the Park Improvements Project 2024, recently informed Staff that he would not be able to achieve the agreed project deadlines, and proposed a revised schedule for the project (see below). The Improvements project was already on a restricted timeline, the revised schedule means that the Park improvements would not be bid and constructed until 2025.
Staff have been working on a timeline that the Consultant had agreed to. Finding out this late in the process that the project will not be completed in 2024 is a very disappointing outcome for Staff and residents alike. The City is currently exploring which elements can be salvaged for construction in 2024. As Staff develops a confirmed timeline, and identifies what can be achieved this year, we will post updates on the City’s web site and social media accounts.
This park was taken on by the City in 2023 and is being reimagined with improved landscaping and irrigation installation and possibly a shelter structure.
Elsie Stephens Park
**Revised Park Improvement 2024 Update**
The Landscape Architect retained by the City, for the Park Improvements Project 2024, recently informed Staff that he would not be able to achieve the agreed project deadlines, and proposed a revised schedule for the project (see below). The Improvements project was already on a restricted timeline, the revised schedule means that the Park improvements would not be bid and constructed until 2025.
Staff have been working on a timeline that the Consultant had agreed to. Finding out this late in the process that the project will not be completed in 2024 is a very disappointing outcome for Staff and residents alike. The City is currently exploring which elements can be salvaged for construction in 2024. As Staff develops a confirmed timeline, and identifies what can be achieved this year, we will post updates on the City’s web site and social media accounts.
A high-level concept was presented to the Park Commission. After conducting a site visit with Commissioner several comments and recommendations were made to incorporate into the design.
Water Trails
The City is waiting to confirm the award of $850,000 of Federal funding. Our original ask was $3,900,000 to install the complete project in 2024, however with the curtailed funding we are still able to construct an ADA compliant boat launch at Elsie Stephens Park. Staff are also working with the DNR to assess the feasibility of a partnership to incorporate an ADA compliant boat launch at the existing DNR landing at the confluence of the Mississippi and Crow Rivers in the Historic Village. This would allow a put in point in the Historic Village and take out at Elsie Stephens Park. Staff is working with an Consultant to develop plans and specifications for bidding in the Spring and Construction in the Summer with substantial completion by Fall of 2024.
