The detention pond is just across from the park and will attract walkers, whether it is landscaped or not, Mayor Cindy Rosenthal said.
“People are going to associate the detention pond with the park. There's not going to be a perception that it's separate. I think it is in our best interest to put in the landscaping and walkway, or risk it being an eyesore,” Rosenthal said.
Councilman Greg Jungman said landscaping the detention pond seemed essential to him “so it doesn't look like we dropped a $7 million park into a wheat field.”
Councilman Roger Gallagher questioned the need for additional lighting, especially if the park has an evening curfew.
Gallagher said the list of alternate amenities was long enough that he needed more time to consider the options.
“Just because we have the money doesn't mean we have to spend it,” said Kovach, who said he would rather put more money into the actual park than spend any on land around the detention pond.
The council will be asked to approve a construction contract at an upcoming meeting. However, Foster said the council will have to agree on which optional amenities they want before the contract can be prepared.
Once a contract is awarded, construction would start within about a month. Completion of the park could take anywhere from a year to 18 months.
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