** Updated December 12, 2009
Recap
On Thursday, December 4, I had the opportunity to meet with the KC Parks & Rec Development Committee regarding the Highland View Park project. This was simply an opportunity for Mike Herron to present the work we've done to date to his peers before looking to get final approval from the Board of Parks Commissioners.
All-in-all, the meeting was very positive. Mike provided a bit of background on the project, and Scott Overbay presented the updated Master Plan documents (as discussed and agreed upon during our November 6 community meeting). The committee members asked various questions regarding the plans, and worked to familiarize themselves with the overall project.
Mike also discussed the funding opportunities, the tremendous amount of participation from neighborhood residents, and the quickness with which this project is progressing. In the end, the Development Committee seems to fully support the direction of this project, and has asked that we present to the Board of Parks Commissioners for final review. This will occur in two parts:
- January 13, 2009 - Pre-Board Session
- January 27, 2009 - Formal Board Session (for formal approval)
** Added December 12, 2009
Impact of Economy on Project Funding
Also of note, Mike mentioned that due to the economic conditions we are all facing, the anticipated bond issue from the City Council has been put on hold for as long as 18 months. What this means is that the playground package he had been hoping to put out for bid in early 2009 is also on hold. While this doesn't impact the availability of funds for our project, it has a potential impact on what we will pay for the construction of a new play area.
That said, Mike is planning to bundle our project with work being done at Bud Park so that a smaller package can be put out for bid. He is hopeful that the result of this bid process will provide us with favorable costs without delaying progress.
In the end, we are still hoping for a spring or early summer 2009 time frame for construction of the new playground. The capital funding (PIAC) request for the paved walking trails is still outstanding, and planning on this phase of the project will not move forward until funding is available.
Walking Trail Update
After our last meeting, Scott Overbay visited the park to map out any existing natural trail structures. Though I haven't walked the area myself, Scott said that he marked the trails with orange spray paint. So, if you're looking for something to do outdoors this weekend, you might head down to the park area to do a little exploring!
