Jordan Park & Rec Committee Weighs Parking Expansion at Holzer Park

By Jan Gilmer

At the Jordan Park & Recreation Committee meeting on November 18th, members reviewed a proposal to expand parking at Holzer Park to support increased use of the facility. In the future, additional field lighting installed at the park will make it possible to extend the hours of play for various activities.

With additional lighting, Holzer Park fields will be able to host more tournaments, flag football games, adult softball leagues, and other community events. This increased usage will drive the need for more parking to accommodate larger crowds. The current parking situation, which often forces visitors to park along streets, has raised safety concerns.

The Committee reviewed two potential plans to expand parking. Option A would add a net 46 parking stalls, while Option B would add 35 stalls. Both options include lighting for the parking lot. Members expressed unanimous preference for Option A, citing its greater capacity to meet community needs.

While acknowledging the benefits of expanded parking, Committee members also considered the financial implications. The project is not included in the city’s current Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), prompting the need to identify funding sources. To cover the costs, the Committee leaned toward bonding for the improvement. If bonding proves unfeasible, they suggested a phased approach: the first phase would involve installing gutters and gravel, with blacktop paving deferred to a later phase. This phased strategy would draw from the city’s Park Fund. Members requested additional information before making a final recommendation to the City Council.

The potential parking expansion aims to balance the benefits of increased park usage with the financial responsibilities of the city, as well as ensuring safety and accessibility.

---