Agenda Packets - Parks Commission - Special Meeting 9/9/2025

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AGENDA ITEM Date: September 9, 2025 Title: Hackberry Park Revitalization Project Design Update Presenter: Joe Ruthenberg, Superintendent - Parks, Facilities Section: Staff Report Item: 2 Purpose: The purpose of this item is to update the commission on the Hackberry Park revitalization project design. The City Engineer will provide a briefing on work to -date and the way forward. 2. Background: Improving Hackberry Park has been a city focus for over a decade. The design work is a continuation from the park planning completed in 2023 (report attached). In 2016 the city entered into a life estate agreement to gain possession of 140 Hackberry Hill, which was a residential parcel in the middle of the park. The city took possession of the parcel in 2023, and subsequently completed the demolition of the structures on the parcel. This project includes drainage improvements for the park and surrounding neighborhood, much needed infrastructure repairs, reorienting the playing fields, improved parking and would provide potential improvements such a ADA accessible paths and support facilities. At the May 27 meeting, the City Council approved funding for the design phase of improvements at Hackberry Park and directed staff to conduct community engagement on the site layout prior to proceeding to detailed design. To do so a design committee was formed with members of the park commission, city staff, and the landscape architect consultant. The committee reviewed work to date, established three concept layouts that were used to solicit input via online and in person public engagement. The community engagement efforts largely confirmed the stakeholder feed back received during the master planning process of 2023. Feed back largely fell in to the following groups: • Field configuration: ball fields quantity and location, Multi use field size quantity and location • Parking: location and size • Amenities: preserve existing playgrounds, sports court, and sledding hill, consider shelter and restroom facility • Landscaping: preserve healthy trees, add Trees, use native plantings Using the feedback the committee developed an updated layout focused on maximizing open space while providing safer parking and youth sports options. (attached) 3. Cost: The project costs will be refined during the design process. The estimate from the masterplan process is $1,117,000 if all contemplated design elements are completed. The CIP estimated $895,000 for select elements from the masterplan. 4. Funding: Funding for the improvements will include expenditures from Parks and Stormwater budgets, as