Commission hears detailed plan to rebuild Martin Luther King Jr. Park, staff recommends two 180-foot fields

Parks and Recreation Director Scott Michaelson told the city commission that staff and community stakeholders had narrowed conceptual designs for the Martin Luther King Jr. Park rehabilitation to three options and recommended a two-field layout that places both home plates toward the center of the existing area. The plan, Michaelson said, reduces encroachment onto Elm Street and First Street by placing field lines at 180 feet and includes upgrades to playground surfacing, relocation of horseshoe pits and the pavilion, and improvements to concessions and restrooms.

Michaelson said staff and the Elm Street Little League and Elm Street Sportsmen’s Association support the 180-foot layout. “We checked that box,” he said, describing district-administrator feedback and noting that some parts of the fields still reach 200 feet toward center field. He added that six oak trees near the east outfield line would be affected, but the design includes extensive replanting and mitigation: “There is also through the project… a lot of trees planted,” Michaelson said.

Commissioners asked for details about netting, sight lines, and preserving heritage trees. Commissioner Minshew thanked staff for incorporating community feedback and asked whether netting and fencing could mitigate the shorter outfield dimensions; Michaelson replied the fence height and netting strategy will be part of construction drawings. Commissioner Toobin pressed for dark-sky–sensitive lighting and phased approaches to tree removal; Michaelson said staff would pursue Musco lighting options and examine whether select trees could be preserved.

Michaelson asked the commission for support to continue with construction drawings, prepare a funding package, and release an invitation to bid. He said staff anticipates putting the project out to bid in November, awarding a contract in December 2026 and conducting construction during calendar year 2027. The commission did not take a formal vote on design support at the meeting but generally signaled willingness to proceed to the next steps.