Background

As part of the Prairie Meadows development, a new park is proposed at the corner of Jennifer Lane and Meadow Court and a playground replacement is planned for Timber Trails Park, which is located just to the south off of Blue Heron Trail. Given the proximity of these two parks to one another, staff made the decision to engage adjacent residents regarding both parks. 

Community Engagement

Residents in the two neighborhoods were notified and engaged about the park in the following ways:

• A postcard was mailed to resident houses informing them of an online survey and an in-person open house 
• A door hanger was hung on each door informing them of the online survey and the in-person open house 
• The project webpage was updated with information about the open house and the online survey
• A large park sign was placed in the park land.
• An online survey asking residents about their preferences for the park was available and 24 residents took the survey
• An in-person open house was held July 16 and approximately 40 residents attended 
• Following the open house, concepts were drafted and a new online survey was posted to gather feedback. This survey is ongoing. 
• A virtual open house was held September 17 at 6 p.m. to discuss the designs with residents and three families from the neighborhood attended
• Residents were mailed a postcard to inform them of the online survey and the open house
• An email blast was sent by communications to the Jennifer Lane/Timber Trails Listserve 
• Residents were mailed a flyer informing them of the concept which was selected

A copy of the surveys and comment forms, as well as a document outlining the engagement and concepts is attached to this report. 

Concepts

From the community engagement, we heard that there was a desire for play at the park but that neighbors different between wanting the park to be passive and quiet or very active. From that Confluence designed two concepts, one which was more active and traditional and another which was more passive and garden like. At Timber Trails two concepts were given, a traditional play structure and a large iconic climbing structure which has a tree house like feature at the top. Residents were asked via online survey which designs they preferred. 

In the second online survey residents selected concept 1, the play focused park, and a majority of residents indicated they wanted basketball with more respondents saying that would like bankshot. Residents also indicated that they preferred a traditional park for Timber Trails but did like the climbing element shown in one of the playground concepts. Staff modified the park design to have traditional elements but to also include a larger climbing structure to offer variety between the two parks. 

Next Steps 

Staff would like the City Council's approval of the concept plans for the park at Jennifer Lane and the playground at Timber Trails. Public Works will manage the projects through construction and completion in Spring 2021. 

The proposed budget for Jennifer Lane Park is $275,000 which includes landscape architecture fees of $25,000 and is budgeted for in the 2021 Capital Improvements Plan to be paid from the Park Development Fund. The proposed budget for Timber Trails Park is $115,000 for playground equipment replacement and is budgeted for in the 2021 Capital Improvements Plan to be paid from the Park Assets Fund. 

Cost estimates for the park and playground are attached and staff does note that the cost estimate for Jennifer Lane Park is currently over budget, however Confluence Design has indicated that this is likely due to receiving a high estimate for sidewalk construction from the playground vendor. Engineering is working to verify cost estimates and ensure the project stays in budget.