The primary agenda item addressed during the meeting was the proposed $500,000 transfer from reserve funds to facilitate phase 1A of the playground project. Participants debated the implications of such a transfer on future fundraising efforts for the park’s development, particularly concerning the pickleball courts. Some members expressed that securing the funds would demonstrate a solid foundation of support from the city, potentially encouraging additional community contributions. The sentiment was that a visible commitment from the city would foster public confidence and stimulate excitement about the park’s improvements.

In conjunction with the fund transfer discussion, there was a keen interest in applying for a DNR grant, which could contribute to the project’s financial pool. Securing the grant would necessitate a precise application outlining the use of funds, with a potential total funding amount of $850,000 once combined with the city’s contribution. However, concerns lingered about whether the $500,000 alone would suffice for the entire playground project or only a portion, prompting the need for a detailed cost assessment and strategic planning.

A deadline of March 1st was proposed for completing the necessary groundwork, including engineering and fundraising efforts, to ensure the grant application could be submitted by the end of March. There was acknowledgment of potential bottlenecks in obtaining timely engineering proposals, particularly from the firm Woods, which was involved in initial land surveying.

The discussion also encompassed the logistics of advancing engineering plans for the playground, with a clear emphasis on balancing detailed specifications with the necessity for swift action. Members debated the level of engineering required, distinguishing between the playground and other infrastructure elements, such as the hockey rink. It was suggested that the playground might not necessitate extensive architectural renderings, as much of the design work would be handled by the playground company, allowing for a more straightforward approach.

As the commission grappled with the complexities of project funding, some members raised the idea of using existing community resources, such as volunteer labor, to offset costs associated with non-equipment aspects of the project.

To facilitate the next steps, a motion was approved to request the city council consider the engineering report for the playground at the upcoming December 18th meeting, contingent on receiving a quote from the engineering firm. The intention was to place this matter on the council’s agenda.