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Assistant Director of Recreation Crose presented the site attributes that make all-abilities playgrounds the most desirable which include a playground size of 1 to 1.5 acres, ample parking, varied grades, restrooms with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) access, ample shade, a centralized location, easy access to transportation/schools, additional park amenities, a safe environment, sufficient play area, and no conflicting uses. She presented photos of the site and reported the restrooms would need to be upgraded to meet ADA requirements, but otherwise the site has many of the desired site attributes. However, given it is a very busy and popular park, she noted there can be conflicting uses. Assistant Director of Recreation Crose reported one of the pros of the site is that it already has most of the necessary infrastructure which would mean a shorter design and construction process as well as less expense to construct. She noted some of the cons are limited parking and the sports park is heavily utilized with current functions. Assistant Director of Recreation Crose reported the next steps, if approved by City Council, include advertising a Request for Quote (RFQ), hiring a consultant, conducting public outreach, and working with the consultant to research funding opportunities. In response to Councilmember Brown's inquiries, Assistant Director of Recreation Crose reported there are grants available for all-abilities playgrounds and noted there is a Per Capita Grant that can also be used for the project. She also reported the project estimate is from $4 - $6 million. She explained all the major parks were considered by the Parks and Recreation Commission, but Bernal Community Park was ultimately not considered an option since parking and conflicting use would be an issue. She also clarified transportation to and from schools and homes made Ken Mercer Park more desirable. Lastly, she explained Staples Ranch was considered because of the allure of designing a new park in a new area but agreed it required much more work. In response to Councilmember Narum's inquiries, Assistant Director of Recreation Crose clarified staff would be looking to the consultant to provide feedback as to what is considered the correct bathroom for the playground. She also advised an additional allotment of handicap parking spots would be reviewed. She clarified that staff would tour Mia's Dream Come True Park with the consultant and benchmark on grant opportunities. In response to Councilmember Pentin's inquiry, Assistant Director of Recreation Crose advised staff will investigate rescreening of the sports facility to mitigate any overthrown sports equipment, such as baseballs, with the consultant. Councilmember Testa expressed her support for the item but expressed concern that a park is being replaced instead of creating a new park. Mayor Thorne opened the public hearing. Valerie Arkin expressed her support for the item and encouraged staff to mitigate possible safety hazards from the adjacent baseball fields, limit crowds, and address noise issues as all these items may be unsettling to potential park users. The public hearing was paused due to a technical issue with a speaker. In response to Councilmember Brown's inquiry, Assistant Director of Recreation Crose clarified there is no amplification from the baseball fields other than the player's voices. Landscape Architect Matt Gruber advised landscaping can be used to alleviate the sound issues for the playground. In response to Councilmember Brown's inquiry, Assistant Director of Recreation Crose confirmed the City is not losing a playground but gaining a much bigger, all-inclusive playground. City Council Minutes Page 7 of 9 September 1, 2020