Board approves relocation and rezoning of Grand Canyon Playground to Sherwood frontage

The Parks and Recreation Board voted to approve and support the relocation and rezoning of the Grand Canyon Playground to a proposed Sherwood Drive site, a motion moved by Member Nepper and seconded by Member Marsden that passed 4–3. The board discussed visibility, accessibility and neighborhood concerns before the roll-call vote.

Staff said the relocation would convert about two acres of passive open space into parkland and add an estimated "15 spaces or less" of parking to improve access. The presenter told the board that during outreach "we found a lot of people had no idea we had this playground," arguing the move would increase community awareness and provide an access point for nearby trail users.

Members asked whether ADA access and restroom facilities would be included; staff said the project is designed to be ADA accessible and that restrooms had been discussed but specific public input on restrooms was not recalled. Some neighbors raised proximity concerns to Pinion School during the public process ("5 or 6 out of 40" responses, as reported by staff), though staff said they are working to mitigate impacts for adjacent residents.

The motion — "I move that the board approve and support the relocation and rezoning of the Grand Canyon Playground to its proposed new location" — was recorded with a 4–3 outcome: yes votes from Bowman, Nepper, Marsden and Chair Watkins; no votes from Stevens, Alder Sabas and Vice Chair Cohen. Staff and consultants will return to the board with design concepts, with preliminary designs expected for public review in August.