Hi Five Parks neighbors and friends,

I wanted to share a quick update on the Russell Park renovation project. Sadly, I got sick and was unable to attend the last City Council meeting. However, I reached out again to Councilmember Bob Fifer and he responded, connecting me again with Enessa Janes, who also responded and said the following:

"Thank you for reaching out and for your commitment to your neighborhood. Plans have not changed for Russell Park since the last time the Parks and Urban Design team and I spoke with you in September of last year.

There are currently seven playground renovation projects prioritized ahead of Russell Park. The city plans to move through the list using annual CIP funds allocated for playground renovation. Russell Park is scheduled for renovation 3-4 years from now, depending on construction costs. 

I understand that this is not the answer you've hoped for. Please know that we are committed to equitably and methodically addressing the maintenance and renovation needs of Arvada's park system. If there are any further questions my team and I can answer for you, please let me know."

Prior to me getting this response, I also sent a note to Colorado State House Representative Brianna Titone, who I had done some volunteer work with. She was kind enough to connect me with Councilmember Fifer again and also looped in Mayor Lauren Simpson.

Mayor Simpson responded with the following note:

"Thanks for looping me in everyone! Jeremy, I agree with Councilmember Fifer that we have to follow the process we have in place. Our playground replacement schedule is determined by a variety of factors, with age being one but also safety of the features installed being another. Sometimes equipment that looks perhaps older but in decent shape (and even more fun) has emerging structural issues that are not always obvious, which means we need to triage those projects first. 

Even so, I'll do a stop-by Russell Park this week and take a look myself. I have a seven-year-old myself, so I have a pretty good idea of the kinds of equipment elementary school kids like. I'll pass any thoughts I have along to our Parks Director for her awareness and consideration as we tackle the planning and design for a new Russell. I'll also see if I can't learn if we have planned the community engagement timeline for that park yet too. I would expect that should probably be starting this next year."

I responded to all of these messages and reiterated our commitment and resolve to having Russell Park prioritized for renovation wherever possible. I'm encouraged by the City Council's engagement and understanding of our request.

I'll be in touch soon about a full-group pizza party with kids at a future City Council meeting to continue voicing our concerns with the playground and desire to have it prioritized for renovation. 

Best,

Jeremy