Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council held a study session to discuss long-term strategic planning for the city's parks and community resources. The discussion centered on a previously commissioned, but not adopted, master plan, staffing and maintenance concerns, and options for moving the system forward. No action was taken, but the session aimed to provide direction to staff.
Financial Matters
Allocation for Parks Maintenance Tracking
Money moved from Public Works to the Parks and Community Resources department to better track maintenance expenses within parks and facilities.
Couch Park Pool Repairs (Minimum)
Estimated minimum cost to get Couch Park Pool to meet legal requirements and be operational, without addressing all underlying structural issues.
Couch Park Pool Repairs (Comprehensive)
Estimated cost for comprehensive repairs to the large pool at Couch Park to address all safety and structural concerns.
Couch Park Kiddie Pool Repairs
Estimated cost for comprehensive repairs to the kiddie pool at Couch Park.
Draft Master Plan Estimated Improvements
The draft master plan estimated over $8 million for high priority improvements, $7 million for medium priority, and $2 million for low priority, totaling approximately $17 million for operations and maintenance.
Estimated Cost for New Sports Complex
Estimated cost for a new sports complex, not included in the master plan's operations and maintenance estimates.
Estimated Cost for New Aquatic Facility
Estimated cost for a new aquatic facility, not included in the master plan's operations and maintenance estimates.
Estimated Cost for New Senior Park/Major Center
Estimated cost for a new senior park/major center, not included in the master plan's operations and maintenance estimates.
Public Comments
Public comments highlighted the historical neglect of parks and recreation facilities, the need for continued study and investment, and concerns about the transparency of decisions regarding facilities like the Couch Park pool. There was also a strong desire for increased volunteer opportunities and a call for accessibility considerations in future planning.
Coming Up
Watch For
- Hiring of Block 34 programmer
- Review of operations, facilities, and services offered by Parks and Community Resources
- Further discussions and potential partnership with the YMCA regarding a community pool
- Decision on the future of Arrowhead Park based on community survey results
- Evaluation of Myers Park for turf replacement and other needs
- Council recommendations for high-priority actions from the subcommittee
- Development of a comprehensive community input plan for park system visioning
- Potential for new funding from the data center project to be dedicated to community spaces
Announcements
- The Parks and Community Resources department has reorganized staff, with Jim Scott managing parks and maintenance and Stephanie Kider overseeing programming, the senior center, Block 34, and the community center.
- Two part-time, year-round employees will be hired to assist with parks maintenance.
- A Block 34 programmer position will be posted soon.
- Conversations are ongoing with the YMCA regarding a potential partnership for a community pool model.
Agenda Summary
Long-Term Strategic Planning for Parks and Community Resources
Discussion, consideration, and possible direction to staff on long-term strategic planning for the parks and community resources of the City of Stillwater, including the previously commissioned master plan, staffing and maintenance concerns, inventory of properties, and options for moving the system forward.