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City Council members reviewed improvement options for Squire Park during the September 16 study session, discussing amenities that would cost nearly twice the allocated budget.
Park Planner Tara Bradley presented a list of potential improvements totaling approximately $1.975 million for the 1.43-acre neighborhood park. The city has allocated $1 million for the project.
The proposed amenities were developed from community input gathered through 149 online surveys and meetings with 99 participants earlier this year. Options include a $200,000 walking trail, $200,000 splash pad, $500,000 in playground updates, pavilion improvements, lighting, basketball court and artificial turf soccer field.
Council members spent considerable time discussing a proposed splash pad, which ranked among the most requested amenities in community surveys. In online responses, 14.6% of participants requested a splash pad, while 14.4% wanted a walking path.
Council member Omar Roman, who requested the agenda item, said he wanted to ensure the council thoroughly examined concerns about the splash pad before making decisions.
"I don't know that we actually had a very thorough discussion about those items," Roman said.
Park Superintendent Mark Moffeit said a splash pad would require complete winterization from mid-November through March or early April to prevent freeze damage.
"We totally disassemble, de gut everything because it becomes very pricey fixing those items because they freeze up," Moffett said.
Council member Elizabeth Villafranca cited maintenance costs for other city water features as a concern. She noted the city recently cemented over a fountain at city hall due to high maintenance costs and shut down a fountain at Mustang Station.
Several council members emphasized the need for parking, noting the neighborhood's narrow streets. The parking proposal would add approximately 12 spaces at a cost of $100,000.
"If we don't provide parking, it's going to create a bit of a nuisance for the neighbors," said council member David Reid.
Required costs for design, engineering, demolition, utilities and contingency funds total $425,000, consuming nearly half the available budget before any amenities are installed.
Council member Roman suggested the city may need to allocate additional funding to accomplish meaningful improvements.
"We can't just say we're going to do everything plus parking, the necessary things of design, demo, and contingency plus parking and lighting and then say that's all you're going to get," Roman said.
The mayor asked staff to research the possibility of acquiring adjacent property through eminent domain to expand the park. Moffeit said the property owner had been approached within the past six months but wanted more than $1 million for the land.
City staff will consult with attorneys about the legal aspects of eminent domain acquisition and provide a memo to council.
The council took no action on the item. Staff will return with refined recommendations based on the discussion.
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