Lawrence council approves $3.6M bonds for parks, streets projects

The Lawrence Common Council met Nov. 16 and approved $3.6 million in general obligation bonds for several projects throughout the city.

Councilor Rick Wells of District 2 cast the only dissenting vote.

As a stipulation of the ordinance, the bonds will allow the following projects to be completed chronologically in descending order:

• $1,675,000 will update parking lots in both Community and Veterans Parks.
  • $1,000,000 – Community Park, Franklin Rd. parking lot.
  • $175,000 – Veteran’s Memorial Park, south parking lot.
  • $500,000 – Veteran’s Memorial Park, north parking lot.
• $350,000 will allow for the addition of eight pickleball courts at Lee Road Park.
• $345,000 will be invested in ADA accessibility of the parks.
  • $125,000 – Community Park, poured-in-place (a post-consumer recycled rubber material) playground surface.
  • $85,000 – Alexander Park, poured-in-place playground surface.
  • $85,000 – Veteran’s Memorial Park ADA-compliant walkways.
  • $50,000 – Lee Road Park ADA-compliant path to pickleball courts.
• $25,000 will be used to add programmable Locks for all Park restroom facilities.
• $1,205,000 Funds will be used to design 59^th St. building expansion.
  • Parking lot reconstruction/expansion.
  • Additional storage facilities for equipment.
  • Wash bays for vehicles.

Parks Director Eric Martin said the last general obligation bonds approved for the city was in 2000.

“The last (general obligation) bond used exclusively for park developments was in 2000 for a grand total of $3.2 million,” Martin said. “The development included the 21 soccer fields at Burns Park, (the) concession at Lee Road Park and Explorer Park shelter and restrooms.”

Approval of the bonds reflects the city’s focus to improve the area for residents, according to Lawrence officials. Lawrence Deputy Mayor Dave Hofmann spoke on behalf of the city, saying it is “thrilled” with the opportunity.

“We are thrilled at the opportunity to utilize this bond funding to bring some great improvements to our Lawrence parks and recreation that will be enjoyed by people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, and with absolutely no tax increases to our residents,” Hofmann said. “It’s a win-win for us all.”