Rare plant found at North Crestview Park

Removing the plant is considered a “significant environmental impact” that cannot be avoided with migrations, so the city must either preserve it as is, and redesign the proposed park to be built around 30 feet of the plant. Or, they can attempt to relocate it and pay for “ongoing sensitive plant monitoring” annually for 10 years. Without this annual cost, relocating the plant is estimated to cost an additional $150,000 to $200,000. 

Councilmembers expressed a desire to keep the park’s proposed designs as they are, believing the long-awaited project has already taken a significant portion of time and money. 

The concept design features a loop trail, native plantings, multiuse meadow space, a fitness zone, restrooms, picnic tables and a playground. 

Councilmember John Dugan said that his desire is to “move the plant and preserve as much of this plan as we can because we worked damn hard on it.” 

“We need these 3 acres,” Dugan said. “We’re growing as a city and we need these amenities.”

The park’s design was already estimated to cost the city $8 million to $10 million, without preserving or relocating the tarplant. The hefty costs are due to the major grading necessary for the design, and the city has not been able to secure sufficient funding to begin construction. 

A passive use plan for the plot of land was approved by a previous council in 2017, with minimal amenities. A plan was developed, but was thrown out by the council in 2024 because they felt it was not adequate for the current needs of the city. The costs for redrawing plans and redeveloping the space have been a concern of residents in the past, and the relocation of the rare plant is only adding to the tab. 

The conversation also considered including the North Crestview Park, off Crestview Drive and overlooking Interstate 280, to be incorporated and considered under the overarching Parks Master Plan, which is looking to consider the entire catalog of open space and parks available and apt for redevelopment throughout the city. 

“We’ve gone through the process for this site,” Parks and Recreation Director Amy Newby said. “But we don’t want to miss an opportunity to then look at it holistically in our parks system so that we’re prioritizing what the community does want.” 

The Parks Master Plan, which is close to being finalized, also includes considering possible sites for an aquatic center and recreation center. 

After asking the community what amenities they would like to see added, consultants have proposed a possible 30,000-square-foot recreation center and 12,000-square-foot aquatic center as adequately responding to identified priorities. 

Strong desire voiced by community feedback include a multiuse gym including basketball courts, a performance stage, game and meeting rooms, and possible cafe space. The aquatic space was a consistent top request from residents, who wanted a recreational pool, splash pad, shaded areas and seating.  

The City Council gave limited feedback on possible development of these amenities at either Burton Park or Laureola Park, the latter a valued location particularly for residents on the east side of the city who have limited amenities in their neighborhoods. 

The feedback was part of a very early-stage study session that will inform what consultants will prioritize looking at as they finalize the Parks Master Plan. 

The price tag is estimated for the two amenity centers at approximately $30 million for the community recreation center and up to $7 million for the aquatic center.