Parks director pushes $325K design phase to unlock East Community Park construction

Parks and Recreation Director Anelica Kodan urged council to invest in design work for the East Community Park so the city can pursue construction grants and advance the project into buildable phases.

Kodan said Phase 1 site work has advanced, and with a $325,000 design contract the city could complete Phase 2 and much of Phase 3 construction documents that are required to apply for federal and state construction grants. She provided order‑of‑magnitude figures: Phase 2 construction estimated at about $5.5–6 million (score tower, concession/restroom, lighted multi‑use fields, bleachers, batting cages, ramadas), while Phase 3 (play areas, splash pad, courts and amenities) could run about $7.8–8.5 million.

Kodan proposed a community donation and naming campaign to fund amenities (benches, tables and similar fixtures) and said her department is coordinating grant applications (Arizona State Parks & Trails Mobility Equipment, NADBank, ADOT bike/ped grants) with economic development staff. She also requested on‑call grounds coverage and part‑time program support to handle maintenance and growing event demand.

What’s next: Parks will submit competitive grant applications and start a community fundraising campaign if the council approves the design funding. Staff said design documents are prerequisite to many construction grants and will be needed to bid the work competitively.