The Council’s unanimous approval of the budget for skate park repairs and the inclusive playground at Bluebird Park was a key highlight of the meeting. The skate park, which has been in need of improvements for some time, will see repairs expedited, thanks to a motion that was unanimously passed to amend the budget. The conversation revealed that the skate park’s footprint is substantial, and costs associated with grading and preparing the site contribute to the overall budget. The Council expressed a desire to address these needs promptly rather than waiting for future funding cycles.

In addition to the skate park, the Council also focused on the inclusive playground project at Bluebird Park. A community member, Shaka Lee, advocated for the project, emphasizing its importance for community engagement and inclusive access. Lee shared her personal experience with her son, who uses a wheelchair and struggles to navigate the existing play areas. The proposed project aims to replace old playground equipment with new structures designed to be inclusive for all children, including those with disabilities. The total cost for the park’s equipment was estimated at $32,800, with additional costs for freight, installation, and surfacing, bringing the overall expenditure to $400,000. The Council’s approval of this project reflects a strong commitment to creating accessible recreational spaces for all residents.

The meeting also addressed the ongoing challenges with the city’s water treatment system. The Council discussed the failing onsite chlorine generation system, which has required the city to rely on a backup system that has generated numerous complaints due to water quality issues. The costs associated with continuing to use the backup system were projected at $500,000 over the next 20 years, similar to the expenses of a new microcore system expected to last the same duration. Concerns were raised about the reliability of customer service from the original manufacturers and the potential efficacy of repairs. The consensus leaned towards attempting repairs on the existing system as a temporary solution while further evaluating future options and budgeting strategies.

The Council also considered a request for proposals (RFP) regarding the interior roof of the BMX facility. Annual inspections revealed several loose and missing bolts, prompting the need for bolt tightening and replacement for safety reasons. The estimated cost for these repairs was $80,000, and the Council decided to pursue formal RFPs to ensure competitive pricing and transparency.

Additionally, the Council discussed the proposal to acquire new snow-making equipment for a popular hill, which has seen significant use despite weather challenges. The idea was to start with two or three units to minimize financial risk and evaluate their effectiveness before making a larger investment. The cost for the snow-making equipment was discussed, with suggestions that the city could utilize park dedication funds to cover the expenses. A motion to purchase five units was passed unanimously.

The meeting also included discussions on the Fairway Greens North Park concept plan. The plan involves creating a natural playground in a newly dedicated parcel of land, featuring various play structures such as tree decks, an accessible path, a gazebo, and climbing elements. The total estimated cost for the playground elements was around $35,000, with an additional $20,000 needed for accessibility features like a crosswalk. The Council expressed a preference for wood chips over sand for safety and maintenance reasons, emphasizing the importance of accessibility in the park design.