Battle Ground City outlines Remy Park master plan; construction targeted for early 2027

Public works director Mark Hersig briefed the Battle Ground City Council on May 11 on the multi‑phase Remy Park master plan and an approximate funding and timeline roadmap.

Hersig said phase one — the park backbone including parking, picnic shelters and restrooms — is nearing 30% design and has a dedicated funding source of $1.5 million from the state legislative appropriation. "We were able to get one and a half million from the legislative," he said. He told council the project's 2024 planning estimates listed design and contingencies at about $3.65 million and construction at about $5.2 million, for a combined estimate of roughly $8.85 million (2024 estimate).

Hersig described a four‑phase approach: phase one (core amenities), phase two (an inclusive playground), phase three (sports courts, including basketball and two pickle‑ball courts), and phase four (dog park and additional parking). He said staff expect to build phases one and two together if funding and permitting align and that construction for those phases is anticipated in early 2027. He added environmental and archaeological permitting (the Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation and Department of Ecology processes) are schedule and scope risks that could delay the timeline.

On funding for later phases, Hersig said the city submitted an RCO grant application for phase three in the amount of $728,000 and will continue to pursue park impact fees and other grant opportunities. He also noted work is being done in‑house where feasible to reduce consultant costs and that some specialized tasks (survey, environmental permitting) will be contracted out.

Council members asked about pedestrian access from adjacent neighborhoods and sidewalks; Hersig said planned sidewalks and rapid rectangular flashing beacons across 20th Avenue and other crossing improvements are intended to provide safe access from nearby apartment areas and streets. Hersig told council staff expect the environmental permitting process to take at least six months in typical circumstances and that lobbying or legislative support can occasionally smooth agency processes.

Next steps: finalize environmental consultant contracts, continue design to 30%+, seek RCO and other grants for courts, and plan for construction procurement in late 2026 to early 2027 if permits are secured.