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R.A. LONG PARK IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT UPDATE
COUNCIL STRATEGIC INITIATIVE ADDRESSED:
Address quality of place issues
CITY ATTORNEY REVIEW: N/A
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
On March 25, 2010, the City Council approved Resolution 1957 adopting the R.A. Long Park Master Plan. This Plan was developed to accomplish three goals: 1) Celebrate the history of R.A. Long Park; 2) Enhance pedestrian and vehicular safety and park access within the Circle; and 3) Increase activity and improve the condition of R.A. Long Park.
Implementation of the park improvements was divided into 3 phases to maximize opportunities for grant and other funding sources. In 2013, the City Council allocated $300,000 from the Kuntz Family Trust to complete a portion of the phase 1 improvements. An additional $100,000 was allocated from the Capital Projects Fund to replace damaged sidewalks/walkways in and around the park. Additionally, the City has been offered a donation of $75,000 toward construction of a fountain in the center plaza.
In November and December of 2014, the City Council reviewed and approved the conceptual design of the project improvements and an agreement with the private donor for funding of the fountain.
With the current funding level, Phase 1 improvements in the park are estimated to include construction of the fountain, relocation of the R.A. Long bust to the Longview Public Library, replacement of the concrete plaza with gray-tinted concrete and red permeable pavers, replacement of the west plaza steps with ADA ramps, replacement of damaged sidewalk/walkway in and around the park, and upgrade the existing electrical service (Cowlitz PUD is contributing $5,000 toward this upgrade). Additional improvements if funding allows could include replacing park lighting around the plaza and installation of benches on the plaza.
The proposed improvements were reviewed and approved by the Historic Preservation Commission, Parks Board, Project Longview, and the donor. Final approval of the project design is required by Council. Construction of the project is scheduled to start about the end of August.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
Current project funding is $300,000 from the Kuntz Family Trust, $100,000 from the Capital Projects Fund, $75,000 from a private donation, and $5,000 from the Cowlitz PUD.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Motion directing staff to complete design and construction of R.A. Long Park improvements as presented.
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