Parks commission prioritizes expanded Libby Park planning, Sarasota playground RFP and walking-path workout stations

The Parks and Recreation Commission voted on several Capital Improvement Program recommendations after a lengthy review of current and proposed projects.

Commissioners unanimously recommended that the city expand the scope of planning for the Libby Park restroom project after staff and commissioners highlighted a persistent sewage problem and concerns about access and ticket‑booth queuing. One commissioner urged a broader planning approach rather than a limited restroom remodel to address circulation and long-term maintenance issues; the commission approved the recommendation on a roll-call vote.

On the Sarasota playground, staff said a $750,000 grant is available for upgrades. Commissioners recommended issuing a design‑build RFP to accelerate work and to incorporate a perimeter walking path and outdoor workout stations into the playground project where feasible. The commission voted to recommend the RFP and to move the project forward as a year‑one CIP priority.

Commissioners also approved a motion to reallocate funds previously set aside for a pickleball sound wall to the walking-path workout stations project and asked staff to check council-level appropriation steps necessary to effect the change.

Other agenda items included discussion of a half‑court basketball project currently shown in a later CIP year and staffing capacity for additional RFP work; commissioners asked staff to revisit those items later in the year. Staff reported they will apply for an extension on a playground grant timeline and will pursue necessary RFP work to keep projects on schedule.