As work wraps up on improvements at several neighborhood parks thanks to the 2017 Neighborhood Works program cycle, the City is finalizing the timeline for a combined 2018-2019 cycle, in which neighborhoods will compete for a total of $800,000 in combined funding with $200,000 set aside as a contingency.

“Due to time constraints, the next two years of funding have been combined into one cycle,” explains Dawne Gardner, City transportation planner and Neighborhood Works program administrator. “All projects must be under construction before the tax sunsets in spring 2019. This was a promise made to the voters when they renewed the tax in 2016.”

The Neighborhood Works program is intended to fund small-scale capital improvements within registered neighborhoods, giving residents the opportunity to identify projects they believe will offer the greatest benefit to their area. Projects are limited to $100,000 or less and must take place on city-owned property or right-of-way.

The program is funded by a $500,000 annual allocation for neighborhood initiatives from the voter-approved 1/4-cent Capital Improvements Sales Tax. The tax sunsets every three years and will be up for renewal in 2019.

Timeline

• January – Applications emailed and mailed to neighborhood associations by the City’s Planning and Development department.
• February – Two mandatory workshops (dates to be determined).
• April 1 – Applications due.
• June 1 – City cost estimates due.
• June/July – Neighborhood Advisory Council (NAC) Committee meets and scores applications.
• Aug. 1 – NAC recommendations due to City Managers’ Office.
• September – Award letters sent.

“Neighborhood associations should make sure their application is complete and the project listed includes details for the scoring committee to understand the extent of the project.” Gardner says. “Please include any helpful photos or explanations.”

2017 project updates

Tom Watkins Park Improvements: $77,930: IN PROGRESS

The project consists of improvements to increase functionality of the park including the installation of four new lights placed in the central area of the park, the installation of a new disc golf course, including new tee pads and tee signs, and drainage improvements west of the Tom Watkins Community Center.

Construction is nearing completion for the new 18-hole disc golf course. Electrical work in the park is linked to a separate grant-funded project to install restrooms at the park’s shelter. Construction on this is expected over the winter.

Lafayette Park Improvements – Woodland Heights Neighborhood: $36,500
COMPLETED

Work is complete on improvements including the addition of lighting for the tennis court and the installation of electrical outlets on the east side of the Charlie Norr Community Center, adjacent to the promenade, and additional electrical service for the pavilion.

L.A. Wise Park Improvements – Bissett Neighborhood: $95,880
IN PROGRESS

The project includes the installation of a 30’ x 40’ pavilion with picnic tables and the installation of lighting and electrical service at the pavilion.

Preliminary plans are complete and the project is currently in the bidding stage.

Washington Park Improvements – Midtown Neighborhood: $47,936
WORK TO BEGIN IN SPRING

This project includes maintenance to the existing basketball and tennis courts.  Improvements to the basketball court include the sealing of cracks, a new asphalt overlay, new striping and the installation of a new basketball goal and backboard. The tennis court will receive a new asphalt overlay with new surface and striping and new posts and net will be installed.

Permanent bench seating will also be installed on the sides of both courts.

Because asphalt work cannot be done in cold temperatures, work at Washington Park is expected to begin in the spring and be complete in summer 2018.

Birthplace of Route 66 Roadside Park Enhancements – West Central Neighborhood: $9,600
COMPLETED

This project consists of the installation of picnic tables and park benches within the Birthplace of Route 66 Roadside Park.

Grant Beach Park Improvements – Grant Beach Neighborhood: $59,800
NEARING COMPLETION

This project includes new electrical service and lighting installed at the park pavilion. In addition, new wood poles with sports lights will be installed and two existing sport light fixtures will be replaced on the sports field.

This project is packaged with lighting and electrical work at Lafayette Park and Doling Park’s Giboney Cave. Materials have been ordered, and the permitting process is underway. Work is expected to be complete by the end of the year.

Phelps Grove Park Parking Lot Improvements – Phelps Grove Neighborhood: $54,210
WORK TO BEGIN IN SPRING

This project includes improvements to and expansion of parking on the east side of Phelps Grove Park to improve traffic flow for safety of drivers and pedestrians. Cracks on the existing asphalt will be repaired and a new asphalt overlay will be provided. Improvements will include new striping and handicap parking symbols and signs. In addition, an island will be installed to separate the parking lot from Virginia Avenue.

Preliminary design work is now complete. The Park Board is collaborating with Public Works on specifications for bids. Because asphalt work cannot take place during cold temperatures, completion is expected in spring 2018.

Giboney Cave Electrical Upgrades – Doling Neighborhood: $18,500
COMPLETE

This project includes improvements within Doling Park with electrical upgrades near the Giboney Cave entrance, to accommodate a sound system and lighting for events such as Concert at the Cave.

Two additional projects were recommended as alternates to be funded if costs for the base projects are completed under budget, including the West Avenue Sidewalk Addition – Westside Neighborhood, and Pavilion Upgrades at Doling Park – Doling Neighborhood. Available funding will be determined in the spring as all base projects near completion.