The Cortez Kiwanis Club is asking for the city council’s blessing to develop a nearly two-acre pocket park bearing their club’s namesake into a tricycle track and story walk for toddlers and parents.
The park site, on the far northeastern side of Cortez, would be outfitted with a concrete tricycle and strider bike loop replete with tunnels, turns, road signs, toy gas pumps, and parking, geared specifically to pre-school aged children.
Around the edge of the track, the club wants to install a “story walk” that would allow parents to walk with children and read to them.
Additionally, the local chapter’s plans coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Kiwanis Organization, one that is centered on youth enrichment.
“The idea came up in Kiwanis; there really wasn’t a lot out there for this age group,” said club member Heather Frazier. Admitting that the location was off the beaten path, club member Jim Muller noted that its secluded location was ideal in terms of traffic safety for toddlers on bikes.
Muller and Frazier informed the council that estimates for the project came in around $40,000, the majority of which could be covered through a grant. The Cortez Kiwanis Club plans to put in $15,000 of its own funds to bring the project to fruition, but to obtain the grant, the club needs a letter of support from the local government.
Director of Parks and Recreation Dean Palmquist said the Cortez Parks, Recreation and Advisory Board gave positive comments on the project but noted that there were concerns about the rather remote location as well as the pocket park’s lack of a shade structure and restroom facility.
Frazier said a portable potty facility was likely the most feasible but said that it would require funds for regular cleaning.
“I think it’s very cool for a civic organization to come to the city with this. I think parents with kids would use it ... but I think the restrooms are a big concern,” said Hale. He noted that a portable potty might not jibe well with residents whose homes face the park.
Hale also said there were several other city-managed recreation facilities that would be ahead of the tricycle park for restroom infrastructure construction or improvements, including Centennial Park, Carpenter’s Trail and the golf course.
Council member Shawna McLaughlin, who lives a few streets away from the park, said she thought it was “awesome.”
“It’s a quiet neighborhood, and I’d assume it would stay that way,” said McLaughlin.
Mayor Karen Sheek agreed that the project was “a great idea,” but she expressed concerns about how the park’s neighbors felt about the development, and suggested the group hold a neighborhood meeting to get their feedback.
“It’s not a requirement (neighborhood meeting), but it’s a very good idea,” Hale said.
The council plans to give the project an official vote at their last meeting in March, which would include a public hearing.
