Workshop Item - Jerome Krieger, Senior Parks & Recreation Manager
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Blaine Wetland Sanctuary Pavilion, Restroom, and Parking Lot Expansion Project Update & Discussion
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Background
Staff has provided a timeline below of the planning, design, and scope of the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary pavilion, restroom, and parking lot expansion project.
• October 2020 - Recommendation to City Council from NRCB to construct a Pavilion with Restrooms at the BWS
• December 2020 - Joint meeting with City Council and NRCB that concludes with City Council supporting the project for BWS Pavilion with Restrooms
• January 2021 - City Council adopts 2021-2025 CIP Open Space Budget. The budget includes an appropriation to hire a consultant for the BWS Pavilion and Restroom Structures
• November 2021 - City hires WSB and Associates as the consultant for BWS Pavilion and Restroom Structure
• January - April 2022 - City Staff, NRCB, City Council work with WSB on plans, specs, feasibility for a pavilion, restroom, and parking lot expansion
• May 2022 - NRCB meeting discussion results in board no longer wanting a pavilion structure but instead a smaller learning center structure at the BWS.
• June 2022 - NRCB recommends stopping work on the structures at the BWS and focus on amending the current conceptual BWS trail plan for expansion.
The current budget for structures and associated improvements (including a parking lot) at the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary, adopted on January 19, 2022, is $1,000,000. Of that $1,000,000 for the project, $110,500 is for consulting and architectural design. WSB and Associates was chosen for this work, and, to date, the city has spent $39,715 as part of the contract for planning, scope, and design.
Staff Recommendation
Staff is seeking direction from the council on following the NRCB recommendation to pause the construction of the pavilion and restrooms at the BWS. During the pause, staff would turn its attention to trails and boardwalk development within BWS and continue to seek council guidance regarding the council’s preference on structural elements and improvements within BWS.
Attachments
2022 Open Space Budget