Parks and Recreation Board 12.6.22

Detailed briefing

Parks and Recreation Board — December 6, 2022 • The board discussed a possible concert at Ottawa Stadium. A presenter described an initial event of roughly 1,200-1,500 people, with a longer-term possibility of a larger music festival. He said his team could handle artist booking, ticketing, marketing, staging, staffing, security, parking coordination, insurance and cleanup. Estimated event costs were described as roughly $150,000-$200,000, depending largely on the artist. • Board discussion did not produce approval for a concert. Staff recommended against trying to stage one in 2023, citing other work including the skate park, the need to coordinate with the school district, and the need to think through parking, field protection, administrative workload, public input and a separate agreement for stadium use. The board discussed forming a small committee after staff speaks with the schools. • Architects presented a concept for a pavilion, small stage and terraced seating at Coase Quad Park near Hoyt and East Main streets. The plan was described as flexible enough for picnics, weddings, family gatherings and small performances, while preserving views toward the water. • Members were divided on the Coase Quad concept. Several said the park is underused and could benefit from a pavilion, seating, accessible paths and landscaping. Others questioned whether an amphitheater belongs beside residential areas and active recreation facilities, citing green-space preservation, parking, noise, maintenance, visual impacts and limited survey support for an amphitheater. Discussion leaned toward a smaller-scale, quieter improvement rather than a major event venue. No project decision was made. • Kiwanis sledding events were set for January 14 and 28 and February 4 and 18. Afternoon events are expected to have hot dogs and evening events pizza; board members and staff will coordinate volunteers, fire-department participation, promotion and school-newsletter notices. The board said publicity should clearly state the events are free. • Staff reported that the parks master plan was nearing submission to DNR. SPARK grant applications for the boardwalk and a limited Wheelway connection were due December 19. Skate park fundraising had reached the point where design can begin, with Evergreen booked for spring construction; staff said construction is expected to take about six to eight weeks once started, weather permitting. Worth watching: • Whether the school district supports stadium-event planning and what conditions it would require. • Whether public feedback supports a smaller Coase Quad pavilion, an amphitheater elsewhere, or no amphitheater project. • Outcomes of the December 19 boardwalk and Wheelway grant applications. Upcoming: Kiwanis sledding begins January 14; council is scheduled to select board members for new terms on December 19. Why it matters: The board is weighing new recreation amenities and revenue opportunities against neighborhood impacts, park flexibility, staff capacity and project priorities.

No open public follow-ups are linked to this meeting yet.