Summary
To: Commission Members
From: Eric Wahlbeck, Parks & Recreation Director
Subject: Pat Wall Park and Magnolia Park Renovation Project
Summary: Pat Wall Park and Magnolia Park combine to form a centrally-located, 1.64 acre greenspace within the Town of Belleair. However, this space has yet to reach its potential as a widely-used park because it is over-planted and underutilized. The town now has the ability to re-vamp this space in a way that would link both parks together, increase the overall aesthetics, and create a community-wide attraction. The renovated space could include general infrastructure updates, a quarter-mile walking loop, benches, water fountains, a pet drinking station, public art, and donor recognition areas.
Previous Action:
• In 1984, the Town of Belleair passed a Master Landscape Plan for parks which included Pat Wall Park and Magnolia Park. The plan has never been implemented and a new idea has come forward to renovate the park in the near future.
• On March 28, 2017, The Park and Tree Board unanimously approved the conceptual plan for park
• On May 24, 2017, Town staff held a public forum to discuss the plan and feedback.
Background/Problem Discussion: Town staff and the Belleair Community Foundation (BCF) see an opportunity to also revamp the nearby Pat Wall Park and Magnolia Park projects at a similar time (as done with the recent renovations of Winston Park and Fountain Square Park). The proposal of receiving private funds from the BCF to develop the park is an addition incentive to act, since these funds may not be available at a later date.
Alternatives/Options:
After the public meeting was held a few request were made by the residents (listed below):
Playground area: Estimated costs of $30,000
Public garden: Estimated costs of $4,000
Financial Implications: Potential private funding from the BCF has been committed for the majority of renovation costs. There is also the potential for new trees to be paid for by the tree fund. The current requested alternatives are not included in the projected budget. This would be added to the Town’s contribution to the project. Further detail of costs is included in the attached estimated budget.
Discussion:
• Discuss proposed plan and estimated budget for Pat Wall Park and Magnolia Park construction. Provide feedback to staff moving forward.
• Discuss the alternatives proposed
• Discuss the request to change the name of Magnolia Park (requested by the BCF). The town will have the opportunity to deny or accept the name at a later date.
Motion:
• I make the motion to accept the conceptual plan for Pat Wall Park and Magnolia Park.
• I make the motion to accept the conceptual budget (with or without alternatives).
• I make the motion to accept the request to change the name of Magnolia Park to a name unknown with the ability to deny or accept at a later date.
Attachments:
Proposed Budget
Conceptual Plan