Council signals support for a natural playground in Depot Park but questions location and funding

Councilmember Madeline introduced photos and asked the council for input on adding a natural playground at Depot Park that would emphasize natural elements and creative play. Several council members and residents said they liked the concept and supported locating it in Depot Park rather than adjacent to the amphitheater, citing concerns that unsupervised children could be a safety issue during large concerts. One council member suggested that if the city proceeded it should plan to close the playground area during large events or site it where adults can supervise children from the concert area. Funding timing and whether to pursue the project this year or later were left open; council comments indicated general support to explore the idea and to refine siting and funding options. No formal action or budget authorization was taken in the work session.