City Delays Approving Park Renovation

Saying that more research is necessary, the City Council has delayed approval of renovation plans for El Rancho Verde Park.

Council members said they particularly need more information about a proposal to increase the height of walls separating the park from private residences. City staff members told the council that many residents asked that the wall, now 6 feet high, be raised to 8 feet.

“I would like to know whether the [entire] neighborhood is in favor,” Councilwoman Eva Miner Bradford said.

Raising the walls would add about $40,000 to the $280,000 estimated cost of park renovation, said Ron Kenny, city recreation director. The idea for making the walls higher came from residents during a meeting with city staff, officials said.

Council members said they generally support the idea of raising the walls to ensure privacy but want to find out first if there is community opposition.

Said Councilman Wally Linn: “We need total consensus.”