Commissioners table Pine Mountain Valley Park plan; ask staff for narrowed scope and estimates

Parks & Recreation presented a multi-phase concept plan for Pine Mountain Valley Park on April 2 that responded to about 142 resident surveys and included an inclusive "miracle field," an accessible playground, pavilion renovation, walking trails and future lighting. The department identified the concept’s estimated total cost as $2.4 million.

Director Ashley Marson emphasized phasing and outside funding sources, saying staff would seek grants, donations and partnerships and that some elements could be deferred. "The cost is 2.4 million so that was that is what we are what is on the sheet that you have in front of you," she told the board.

Public comment and commissioners’ questions centered on whether the board should limit work to the original commitment the county made when it accepted the park—roughly $500,000 to revitalize the existing playground, restrooms, pavilion, softball field and walking trail—or adopt a larger multi-year plan that added inclusive elements and additional courts. Several speakers urged caution about scope and parking and recommended relocating the miracle field and inclusive playground nearer the community center to leverage existing parking and amenities.

After discussion the board voted to table the concept and asked staff to return by April 16 with a revised scope and cost estimates limited to the initial six items (playground, restrooms, pavilion, softball field, basketball court and walking trail) and a separate concept plan for any relocated inclusive/miracle-field elements.

Staff said phase-one work would proceed only after the board reviews the narrowed estimates and that larger, more expensive elements would be evaluated for grant or private funding.