Background

Scenic Heights Park was originally constructed in 1991,and was planned for a new playground in 2020, but through planning for the park it was realized by staff just how much potential the park has for being a larger, community park. Just over 10 acres and serving over 800 residents, a master plan for the park is needed to create a park which serves the wide variety of residents in the area. 

Concepts

The first concept is a multi-generational design that includes an expanded playground, eight pickleball courts, an ADA-friendly bankshot course that can be used by kids as a solo or group activity and a community garden. The trails and sidewalk would be expanded to create a loop around the park with additional seating and picnicking areas, as well as fitness equipment along the trail that connects to the Vierling Greenway.

The second concept is a play-focused design that includes an expanded playground; two pumptracks that can be used by all ages for scooting, biking, rollerblading and skateboarding; and two half-court basketball hoops designed to be set at an angle to allow for more basketball users in the park. This design still incorporates a community garden area. Trails and sidewalks would be expanded to create a loop around the park with expanded seating areas and fitness equipment along the trail that connects to the Vierling Greenway.

Both concepts are included as an attachment to this item. 

Community Engagement

Over 800 residents in the neighborhood were notified and engaged about the park in the following ways:

• A postcard was mailed to resident houses, and a door hanger was hung on each door informing them of an online survey and an in-person open house. Over 60 residents attended the open house in August. 
• 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 75 residents took the survey 
• Following the open house, concepts were drafted and a new online survey was posted to gather feedback. This survey is ongoing, and so far 125 residents have taken it. 
• A virtual open house was held on November 9th at 6 p.m. to discuss the designs with residents
• Residents were mailed a letter to inform them of the new online survey and a virtual open house

At the open house on the 9th, residents noted that given the size of the park they would like to see all (ADD)

Next Steps
Tonight, staff would like the PRAB's feedback on the two concepts for Scenic Heights Park. Following the virtual open house on the 9th, and the close of the online survey at the end of the month, staff will select a final design based on all the feedback that was given and make any needed revisions. The final design will be brought back to the PRAB for review and then to the City Council over the winter. Public Works will manage the project through construction and completion over 2021 and 2022.