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Department of Parks and Recreation
Reference: Review of Master Plan for Downtown Plaza Park
To: Mayor Richard N. McLean and Members of City Council
Through: Clint Blackhurst, Acting City Manager
Chontel Trujillo, Assistant City Manager Operations
Prepared By: Gary Wardle, Director Parks and Recreation
Date Prepared: August 14, 2017
PURPOSE
Review of the proposed Master Plan for the Construction of the Downtown Plaza Park.
BACKGROUND
In 2016 the City purchase 0.13 Acres of land on the Southwest corner of Main and Bridge to construct a Downtown Plaza Park. The property was purchase with Park and Recreation Capital funds.
Staff is currently investigating the methods and cost to demolish the building on the property. The existing building has a common wall with the bank and portions of the south basement wall will need to remain and be stabilized as part of the demolition. Terracon Engineering is completing the final plans for the demolition. These plans will be brought back to City Council for review and funding of the demolition.
There have been two public meeting held to solicit input from the community concerning the Master Plan for the Park. During the first public meeting many options were considered, from developing a parking lot for downtown to creating a public event space. At the first meeting few attendees supported the parking lot idea. Most felt there was adequate parking downtown. The Master Plan does suggest turning First Avenue into a one-way going south. This will allow additional head-in parking along 1st Ave. The City has hired a firm to complete a parking study for Downtown. This plan may be modified if needed.
The Current Master plan includes a public event space with xeric plantings, raised planters, seat walls, seating tables, art displays, public restroom, a splash pad and an ice-skating rink for the winter. Attached is the proposed Master Plan for the Downtown Plaza Park. The estimated cost of the Downtown Plaz...
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