Waterways, Parks, and Urban Forestry Commission Regular Meeting Agenda (PDF)

To accommodate the participation of persons with disabilities at this meeting, the City will provide the services of a sign language interpreter or make other reasonable accommodation on request. To make such a request, please notify the City at (715) 839-4902 at least 2 days prior to the meeting. ________________________________________ Erin LaFaive, Chairperson c: News Media Waterways and Parks Commission Agenda 5:00 p.m., January 28, 2026 City of Eau Claire Council Chambers – City Hall 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Minutes a. Approval of minutes of the meeting on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. 4. Open Public Comment Period for Items that do not appear on this Agenda a. The public comment period will be 20 minutes. Each speaker shall be permitted no more than 3 minutes to speak and shall only speak once per session. 5. Work Session Items a. Plank Hill Master Plan 6. Business Agenda Items a. Old Wells Road Easement b. Plank Hill Master Plan 7. Discussion Agenda Items a. Dewey Street Bridge Project Update 8. Announcements and Updates a. Operations Report b. Announcements c. Future Agenda Items 9. Adjournment Waterways and Parks Commission Minutes 5:00 p.m., December 3, 2025 Council Chambers – City Hall City of Eau Claire 1. Meeting Called to Order at 5:00PM by Chairperson LaFaive 2. Attendance: Members Present: Ellen Faulkner, Megan Holmes, Chris Johnson, Erin LaFaive, Nate Otto, Joe Maurer, Don Wisener, Conor Casper (5:54pm) Members Absent: Rick Schemm, Jess Schoen, Mark Stanley 3. Business Agenda a. Approval of amended minutes of the meeting on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. i. Motion to approve by Commissioner Wisener, seconded by Commissioner Holmes. All votes in favor, minutes are approved as presented. b. Approval of minutes of the meeting on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. i. Motion to approve by Commissioner Wisener, second by Commissioner Johnson. Commissioner Faulkner abstains, all other votes in favor. Minutes approved as presented. c. Recommendation for approval of a Phoenix Park easement and bridge conduit use agreement with TDS Fiber. i. Presentation by Deputy City Engineer Al Rinka 1. Motion to approve by Council Member Otto, second by Commissioner Johnson. All votes in favor; motion passed. d. Recommendation for approval of County Line Road Transportation Project Plat i. Presentation by Deputy City Engineer Al Rinka 1. Motion to approve by Commissioner Holmes, seconded by Commissioner Johnson. All votes in favor; motion passed. e. Recommendation for Approval Declaration of Excess Land for 402 Graham Ave. Parcel ID 221020390 i. Presentation by Development Aaron White 1. Motion to approve by Commissioner Maurer, seconded by Council Member Otto. All votes in favor; motion passed. 4. Discussion Agenda a. Water Street Bike Trail Project Update i. Presentation by Deputy City Engineer Al Rinka and Ayres representative Alyssa ii. Discussion by Commissioners b. Update on Parks Projects i. Pinehurst 1. Update by Recreation Manager Patrick Newkirk 2. Commissioner Casper joined the meeting 3. Discussion by Commissioners ii. Plank St Hill 1. Update by Recreation Manager Patrick Newkirk 2. Discussion by Commissioners 3. Commission invited comment from meeting attendees on the topic iii. Boyd Park Water Access 1. Discussion by Commissioners 2. Commission invited comment from meeting attendees on the topic 5. Announcements and Updates i. Introduction of Parks, Forestry, Cemeteries Manager Phil Lubke and Operations Update ii. Request to add Plank Hill Work Session to January Agenda iii. Congratulations and thank you to Commissioner Ellen Faulkner on her last meeting 6. Adjournment a. Commissioner Johnson motioned to adjourn, Commissioner Faulkner seconded. All votes in favor; meeting adjourned at 6:48pm Agenda Item # 5a WATERWAYS & PARKS COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM COVER SHEET Meeting Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026 Agenda Item: Work Session on Plank Hill Master Plan SUMMARY / BACKGROUND This is a work session on the Plank Hill Master Plan with input from the Eastside Hill Neighborhood Association. A vote on adopting the plan, with any recommended changes, is included on the business agenda. ACTION / ATTACHMENTS Action: Work Session Attachments: Cover Sheet Plank Hill Master Plan A Master Plan for Plank Hill in Eau Claire v. 01 plan. City of Eau Claire prepared by PLANK HILL 2026 03 / 41 Acknowledgments 04 08 06 14 36 Introduction Developing the Vision Community Involvement ImplementationDesign Process Table of Contents Acknowledgments The Plank Hill Master Plan represents the culmination of a collaborative effort driven by the passion and dedication of many individuals and groups. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the City of Eau Claire staff, whose guidance and expertise shaped this vision. Special thanks to the community members and neighborhood residents who participated in surveys, workshops, and discussions, ensuring the plan reflects the needs and aspirations of those it will serve. We also acknowledge the contributions of local organizations and stakeholders who provided valuable insights throughout the process. Together, we have created a roadmap for Plank Hill that celebrates Eau Claire’s unique character and commitment to vibrant, inclusive public spaces. The City and project team extend sincere appreciation to the Eastside Hill Neighborhood Association for its ongoing leadership, advocacy, and community stewardship throughout the Plank Hill planning process; their active engagement, neighborhood events, and efforts to enhance places like Boyd Park illustrated by community gatherings, local art initiatives, and support for sledding and outdoor recreation have strengthened the neighborhood’s identity and helped elevate the importance of Plank Hill as a community asset. The Association’s dedication to improving quality of life on the East Hill, fostering neighbor- to-neighbor connections, and contributing valuable local perspectives has been instrumental in shaping a plan that reflects both the vision and the everyday experiences of residents. Neighborhood Association introduction. 0504 / 41/ 41 IntroductionIntroduction 2. Ideation1. Understanding Understand key stakeholders Conduct interviews and surveys Host interactive sessions Understand context Gain insights for improvements Define the problem Host brainstorming sessions Explore potential solutions Generate design themes Develop concept diagrams Project Objectives 4. Testing Conduct usability testing Observe reactions to designs Gain insights from stakeholders Identify areas of confusion Refine ideas 3. Prototyping Develop spatial layouts Compile character imagery Develop concept plans Gain insights from stakeholders Refine ideas Scope and Methodology By adapting the Human-Centered Design approach for this project, the master planning process was broken down into five critical tasks to achieve a well-informed and strategic master plan. 5. Implementation Develop final design Create implementation plan Provide resources Ensure transparency Foster collective ownership Throughout this process, the team embraced a collaborative and empathetic mindset, focusing on the needs and experiences of Plank Hill’s diverse user base. This ensured the design was accessible, intuitive, and user-friendly, making Plank Hill a more inclusive and enjoyable space for the community. The Plank Hill Master Plan was developed to create a clear, community-centered vision for the future of this vital outdoor space in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Through workshops, surveys, and open dialogue, the feedback from the East Hill neighborhood and broader Eau Claire community served as the foundation for the plan, ensuring it reflects the unique character and desires of those who live, work, and play in the area. A primary goal of the master plan is to provide a guiding light for future decision-making, offering a flexible yet focused roadmap to shape the evolution of Plank Hill over time. The plan carefully integrates community input with functional design principles to maximize the potential of the outdoor space. The master plan is designed to balance innovative ideas with realistic implementation strategies, ensuring its long-term viability and impact. In addition to enhancing the space itself, the Plank Hill Master Plan emphasizes improving community connectivity. By prioritizing linkages between the East Hill neighborhood and downtown Eau Claire, the plan seeks to strengthen ties between these key areas, fostering greater accessibility and inclusivity. The vision promotes walkability, bikeability, and seamless access to Plank Hill as a central hub for both neighborhoods and the broader community. Ultimately, the plan aspires to transform Plank Hill into a vibrant, dynamic space that enhances the quality of life for Eau Claire residents and serves as a unifying element within the city. developing the vision. 0706 / 41/ 41 Developing the VisionDeveloping the Vision Vision Statement To create a vibrant, accessible, and safe natural area in the heart of the city that enhances the habitat, promotes passive recreation, and embraces the unique features of Plank Hill. Design Principles Design Principles help the design team, steering committee, and city staff understand the thought processes used for design. Both the vision statement and the design principles should be used when making future decisions about improvements. The vision statement and design principles were developed with information collected from the community during engagement sessions and neighborhood association meetings. The vision statement has acted as a guiding light for decision making during the design process. Environment RecreationCommunity Develop a site-specific design that highlights the regionally native ecology using interactive educational user experiences and slope stabilization. Provide opportunities for multi-generational activities that support connections to community and the environment. Provide a multitude of opportunities to strengthen the social fabric of the Eastside Hill Neighborhood by bringing people together for seasonal events and passive engagements. Aesthetic Exemplify the historical character of Plank Hill. Connection Improve existing links and expand opportunities for multi-modal connections from Plank Hill to surrounding neighborhoods, local businesses, and existing parks, and vice versa. Our vision is to improve connectivity, ensure inclusivity, and preserve the natural beauty and recreational value of the area for all community members. PLANK HILL MASTER PLAN ACTIVITIES / AMENITIES ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION /ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION / SIGNAGESIGNAGE BIKINGBIKING PUBLIC ARTPUBLIC ART WALKING / HIKINGWALKING / HIKING SLEDDINGSLEDDING READING A BOOKREADING A BOOK BIRD WATCHING /BIRD WATCHING / WILDLIFE VIEWINGWILDLIFE VIEWING PICNICKINGPICNICKING ANY WE MISSED?ANY WE MISSED? Place a dot on the things you wish to see more of at Plank Hill. Place a sticky note here.Place a sticky note here. C I T Y O F E A U C L A I R E M A S T E R P L A N P L A N K H I L LP L A N K H I L L C I T Y O F E A U C L A I R E M A S T E R P L A N Please join the steering committee and the design team for the opportunity to participate in engagement activities and provide input on the Plank Hill Master Plan. Date: April 18th Time: 6:30pm Location: Spirit Lutheran Church FREE NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN WORKSHOP Questions? Contact Chris Silewski at silewskic@ayresassociates.com Visit https://www.facebook.com/eastsidehill/ community involvement. 0908 / 41/ 41 Community InvolvementCommunity Involvement Workshop Materials Community Workshops Schedule Eastside Hill Neighborhood Workshop - April 18, 2024 Neighborhood Association Meeting - June 20, 2024 Neighborhood Association Meeting - October 17, 2024 To effectively capture the aesthetic preferences of the community, we utilized interactive voting boards. These boards, adorned with precedent imagery, served as visual prompts to evoke specific sentiments or interests within the community during our meetings. The voting boards facilitated a democratic and engaging process, allowing the community to express their individual preferences and collectively shape the aesthetic direction of our project. City Staff Patrick Newkirk Phillip Lubke John Lofgren Community ServicesParks Forestry and Cemeteries Manager Recreation Manager Project Core Group The project core group for the Plank Hill Master Plan was composed of dedicated City of Eau Claire staff who played a pivotal role in shaping the plan’s vision and direction. Their efforts focused on maintaining a clear and open process for gathering and understanding community feedback, ensuring that the voices of residents and stakeholders were heard and valued. At the same time, they worked diligently to balance this feedback with the practicalities of creating a functional, sustainable, and achievable design for Plank Hill. Their commitment to transparency, collaboration, and thoughtful planning has resulted in a master plan that reflects the community’s aspirations while addressing the needs of the site and its future users. 011010 / 41/ 41 April 18 Workshop Results The workshop helped the project team to identify the community’s biggest hopes and concerns for Plank Hill. The main takeaway from this meeting was to preserve as much of the natural beauty as possible. Many citizens urged for little to no development in this area. Exploring nature and viewing wildlife were important to them, and habitat preservation and invasive species control were high on their priority list. However, many people liked ideas of improving pedestrian amenities in Plank Hill, such as an overlook/observation tower to view the city, steps descending to Harding Avenue, and an improved sledding hill. Passive recreation was emphasized, with activities like hiking, picnicking, bird watching, and sledding as highly desired. As long as improvements within Plank Hill are respectful of the existing character and beauty, they will benefit the community greatly. Community InvolvementCommunity Involvement 013012 / 41/ 41 Community InvolvementCommunity Involvement 3433 Oakwood Hills Pkwy, Eau Claire, WI 54701 t 715.834.3161 | www.ayresassociates.com Eau Claire, WI 54701 | 04.10.2024 PLANK HILL MASTER PLAN | EXISTING USES STORMWATER UTILITIES LEGEND RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT COMMERCIAL DISTRICT INSTITUTIONAL DISTRICT PARKS / GREEN SPACES PUBLIC PARCELS PARCEL LINES 1 FT CONTOURS ROADS SITE BOUNDARY SURFACE WATER FLOW WATER UTILITIES SANITARY UTILITIES CHIPPEWA RIVER LAKE ST HARDING AVE WASHINGTON ST FARWELL ST BARSTOW ST FARWELL ST MAIN ST MAIN ST HARDING AVE STATE ST FOREST HILL CEMETERY EAST HILL NEIGHBORHOOD THIRD WARD NEIGHBORHOOD DOWNTOWN EAU CLAIRE HUEBSCH BLVD DODGE ST PLANK HILL BOYD PARK UNIVERSITY PARK WILSON PARK FLYNN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DEMMLER PARK PUTNAM PARK KAPPUS PARK I. C. CATHOLIC CHURCH SPIRIT LUTHERAN CHURCH EAU CLAIRE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT TRAILS SLEDDING HILL SITE ENTRANCE EMERY ST SITE ENTRANCE SITE ENTRANCE SITE ENTRANCE SITE ENTRANCE design process. 015014 / 41/ 41 Design ProcessDesign Process Existing Use Assessment The first map created for Plank Hill was a context inventory and analysis, where the project team were able to identify adjacent neighborhoods, districts, and parks. It was also important to document the existing buildings, roads, utilities, and topography. Analyzing the site and its context helped the team understand site entrances/accessibility, stormwater drainage patterns, and proximity to utilities and amenities. 3433 Oakwood Hills Pkwy, Eau Claire, WI 54701 t 715.834.3161 | www.ayresassociates.com Eau Claire, WI 54701 | 04.10.2024 PLANK HILL MASTER PLAN | EXISTING CIRCULATION LEGEND PARKS / GREEN SPACES PUBLIC PARCELS PARCEL LINES 1 FT CONTOURS VEHICULAR CIRCULATION PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION CRITICAL INTERSECTIONS CHIPPEWA RIVER LAKE ST HARDING AVE FARWELL ST BARSTOW ST FARWELL ST MAIN ST HARDING AVE EAST HILL NEIGHBORHOOD THIRD WARD NEIGHBORHOOD HUEBSCH BLVD EMERY ST DODGE ST PLANK HILL BOYD PARK UNIVERSITY PARK WILSON PARK FLYNN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DEMMLER PARK PUTNAM PARK KAPPUS PARK I. C. CATHOLIC CHURCH SPIRIT LUTHERAN CHURCH EAU CLAIRE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT WASHINGTON ST MAIN ST STATE ST FOREST HILL CEMETERY TRAILS SLEDDING HILL SITE ENTRANCE SITE ENTRANCE SITE ENTRANCE SITE ENTRANCE SITE ENTRANCE DOWNTOWN EAU CLAIRE 017016 / 41/ 41 Existing Circulation Assessment The next map was a circulation map, which helped the project team understand how pedestrians and vehicles move within the site and its context. Key intersections and speed limits were identified to help the team analyze pedestrian safety adjacent to these roadways. By documenting circulation, it gave important information for proposing connections to and from Plank Hill. Design ProcessDesign Process 3433 Oakwood Hills Pkwy, Eau Claire, WI 54701 t 715.834.3161 | www.ayresassociates.com Eau Claire, WI 54701 | 05.10.2024 PLANK HILL MASTER PLAN | TRAIL ASSESSMENT FARWELL ST CHIPPEWA RIVER LAKE ST HARDING AVE FARWELL ST BARSTOW ST MAIN ST HARDING AVE HUEBSCH BLVD EMERY ST WASHINGTON ST MAIN ST STATE ST DODGE ST LEGEND PARKS / GREEN SPACES PUBLIC PARCELS PARCEL LINES 1 FT CONTOURS ROADS TRAILS AND SIDEWALKS POTENTIAL CONNECTIONS POTENTIAL OVERLOOKS 019018 / 41/ 41 Trail Assessment A trail map was created after a site visit was conducted and trails were mapped on foot. A primary path through Plank Hill exists that connects the existing sled hill and service yard. Some very informal trails off the main path exist but could be improved to give visitors more accessible route options. Opportunities for connections and overlooks were identified to inform future design. Design ProcessDesign Process 3433 Oakwood Hills Pkwy, Eau Claire, WI 54701 t 715.834.3161 | www.ayresassociates.com Eau Claire, WI 54701 | 05.10.2024 PLANK HILL MASTER PLAN | SLOPE ASSESSMENT LAKE ST HARDING AVE FARWELL ST BARSTOW ST FARWELL ST MAIN ST HARDING AVE HUEBSCH BLVD EMERY ST DODGE ST WASHINGTON ST MAIN ST STATE ST CHIPPEWA RIVER LEGEND SLOPES >7% PARCEL LINES 1 FT CONTOURS ROADS 021020 / 41/ 41 Slope Assessment Lastly, a slope analysis was conducted to identify areas of steepness greater than or equal to 7 percent. Most of Plank Hill is very steep, and this helped the project team to remember to keep the slope in mind when designing. Design ProcessDesign Process 3433 Oakwood Hills Pkwy, Eau Claire, WI 54701 t 715.834.3161 | www.ayresassociates.com Eau Claire, WI 54701 | 05.13.2024 PLANK HILL MASTER PLAN | RELATIONSHIP BUBBLE DIAGRAM FARWELL ST FARWELL ST HARDING AVE HUEBSCH BLVD EMERY ST WASHINGTON ST STATE ST DODGE ST NEWTON ST MARSTON AVE EARL ST DOTY ST DOTY ST HOOVER AVE BADGER AVE EMERY ST CHAUNCEY ST HARDING AVE STREETSCAPE MUNICIPAL SERVICE YARD PARKING PLAY FIELD NATURE PRESERVATION AREA PLANK HILL MASTER PLAN AREA CONNECTION TO PUTNAM PARK AND BEYOND CONNECTION TO DOWNTOWN AND BEYOND CONNECTION TO EASTSIDE HILL NEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTION TO BOYD PARK AND BEYOND CONNECTION TO DEMMLER PARK AND THIRD WARD NEIGHBORHOOD LEGEND PARCEL LINES ROADS PROJECT BOUNDARY CONNECTIONS 023022 / 41/ 41 Relationship Bubble Diagram The bubble diagram shown here is an early concept for the whole Plank Hill site. It depicts the main focus areas of the master plan in areas that make sense based on current location of amenities and feedback from the community. The focus areas include: » The play field (includes the sled hill and activity lawn) » The nature preservation area (includes trails and passive recreation opportunities) » The municipal service yard (includes the service yard and a potential overlook structure) » The Harding Ave streetscape (includes improvements to the streetscape such as widened sidewalk and mural art) In later meetings with the community, a parking lot was not desired near the municipal service yard to not disturb the existing trees. Parking is available in the Forest Hill Cemetery and along the streets. This bubble diagram informed the more detailed design of the master plan and focus areas on the next few pages. Design ProcessDesign Process 3433 Oakwood Hills Pkwy, Eau Claire, WI 54701 t 715.834.3161 | www.ayresassociates.com Eau Claire, WI 54701 | 09.11.2024 PLANK HILL MASTER PLAN | OVERALL PLAN FARWELL ST HARDING AVE HUEBSCH BLVD EMERY ST WASHINGTON ST DODGE ST NEWTON ST MARSTON AVE EARL ST DOTY ST HOOVER AVE BADGER AVE CHAUNCEY ST LEGEND PARCEL LINES ROADS PROJECT BOUNDARY PEDESTRIAN CONNECTIONS IMPROVED STAIR ACCESS HABITAT RESTORATION RAISED OVERLOOK PLAY FIELD 2-5 SLED HILL 5-12 SLED HILL STORAGE YARD 025024 / 41/ 41 Plank Hill Master Plan Design ProcessDesign Process 3433 Oakwood Hills Pkwy, Eau Claire, WI 54701 t 715.834.3161 | www.ayresassociates.com Eau Claire, WI 54701 | 01.28.2025 PLANK HILL MASTER PLAN | PHASING PLAN HARDING AVE HUEBSCH BLVD WASHINGTON ST DODGE ST NEWTON ST MARSTON AVE DOTY ST HOOVER AVE BADGER AVE CHAUNCEY ST JEFFERSON ST LEGEND PROJECT BOUNDARY ROADS PHASING AREAS TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS HARDING AVE STREETSCAPE OVERLOOK MUNICIPAL SERVICE YARD NATURE PRESERVATION AREA TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS PLAY FIELD 027026 / 41/ 41 Plank Hill Phased Plan Design ProcessDesign Process 3433 Oakwood Hills Pkwy, Eau Claire, WI 54701 t 715.834.3161 | www.ayresassociates.com Eau Claire, WI | 08.28.2024 PLANK HILL MASTER PLAN | SLED HILL CONCEPT 0 5 10 20 40 FT PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION TRAIL 5-12 SLED HILL 2-5 SLED HILL SLED HILL LIGHT FENCE IMPROVED ACTIVITY LAWN STABILIZED SLED HILL ACCESS PATH PARKING BENCHES BENCHES CROSSWALK SECONDARY TRAIL SLED HILL LIGHT PAVED PATH 029028 / 41/ 41 The first focus area of design in Plank Hill is the play field, which includes the sled hill. The hill is proposed to be expanded to create age-specific areas for sledding. Additional paths and trails will be added to allow pedestrian circulation through the area. Seating opportunities and lighting would be added. The lawn area at the base of the sledding hill would be dedicated as an activity lawn for community members to be able to play games, have picnics, and more. Focus Areas - Play Field Design ProcessDesign Process 3433 Oakwood Hills Pkwy, Eau Claire, WI 54701 t 715.834.3161 | www.ayresassociates.com Eau Claire, WI | 08.28.2024 PLANK HILL MASTER PLAN | SERVICE YARD CONCEPT 0 5 10 20 40 FT PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION VEHICULAR CIRCULATION CONCRETE STORAGE LOG STORAGE TOPSOIL STORAGE EXTRA MATERIAL STORAGE LEAVES AND GRASS STORAGE BRUSH STORAGE EXISTING SOIL BORROW ACCESS ROAD TRAIL OVERLOOK ACCESSIBLE RAMP TRAIL TRAIL FENCE CONNECTION TO DODGE ST EXISTING TREE LINE INTERPRETIVE SIGNAGE 031030 / 41/ 41 Focus Areas - Service Yard The second focus area within Plank Hill is the municipal service yard. The boundary shown is approximate, and additional time will be required to refine the limits to fully understand material storage needs, vehicular circulation patterns, and material movement operations. In this concept, pedestrian trail circulation would be redirected around the service yard, which would be enclosed by a secure fence. New trail alignments would connect to a potential overlook offering wide views of the city, as well as extend down to Dodge Street to strengthen community access. Within the service yard, vehicular circulation would be optimized, and designated waste and material areas would be organized using CMU stone-wall bins. Design ProcessDesign Process 3433 Oakwood Hills Pkwy, Eau Claire, WI 54701 t 715.834.3161 | www.ayresassociates.com Eau Claire, WI | 09.10.2024 PLANK HILL MASTER PLAN | HARDING AVE SECTION 11’ DRIVE LANE 11’ LEFT TURN LANE 11’ DRIVE LANE 10’ MIXED-USE SIDEWALKRETAINING WALL 45’ WIDTH 65’ RIGHT OF WAY RAILING RAILING 033032 / 41/ 41 Focus Areas - Harding Ave Streetscape This diagram shows an improved streetscape for Harding Avenue, looking south down the hill. Current concerns for pedestrian safety while walking, running, or biking up and down the hill would be addressed by raising the sidewalk above fast-moving traffic along the entire length of the road. Widening the sidewalk would also allow for more pedestrian uses and increased pedestrian traffic. There could also be an opportunity for murals along the retaining wall. Design ProcessDesign Process 035034 / 41/ 41 Focus Areas - Overlook These images show what a potential overlook structure could look like on Plank Hill. Extending from the existing overlook landform near the service yard, this structure could allow visitors to walk out among the tree canopy and give them a spectacular view of Eau Claire. Interpretive signage could be added to give them the opportunity to learn the history of Plank Hill. Design ProcessDesign Process Annual CIP Planning / Request Each year, a Capital Improvement Program (CIP) request will be prepared to align funding, and advance implementation. Annual CIP Planning / Request Annual Capital Improvement Program (CIP) request will be prepared to align funding, and advance implementation. Nov. Donor Package Promotion Donor packages updated annually to reflect current project phases, funding needs, and naming opportunities. Donor packages updated annually to reflect current project phases, funding needs, and naming opportunities. Donor packages updated annually to reflect current project phases, funding needs, and naming opportunities. Nov: Donor Package Develop- ment + Promotion April: Phase 4 & 5 Construction Begins Construction is anticipated to begin in April on Phases 4 and 5, including the Overlook and Harding Avenue Streetscape improvements. Annual CIP Planning / Request Annual Capital Improvement Program (CIP) request will be prepared to align funding, and advance implementation. August Grant Planning An annual grant planning review will be conducted to align Phase 1 and Phase 2 projects with available state and federal funding cycles and confirm readiness for upcoming applications. August Grant Plan- ning The annual grant planning process will evaluate Phase 2 and Phase 3 priorities, refine scopes, and target grant programs that best support mid-term park improvements. Stage1 Stage2 Stage3 Stage4 Stage5 Stage6 CORP / Project Update The City’s Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (CORP) update will begin in late 2029 to formally incorporate future phases of the Plank Hill Master Plan and maintain grant eligibility. May Fundraising and Donor Strategy Session A targeted fundraising and donor strategy session will be held in May to identify potential partners, naming opportunities, and campaign approaches for future signature improvements. Nov: Donor Pack- age Promotion August Grant Planning Annual grant planning will focus on positioning the Overlook and Harding Avenue Streetscape projects for major capital funding opportunities and multi-year grant strategies Nov. : All Phase Complete All phases of the Plank Hill Master Plan, including the Overlook and Harding Avenue Streetscape, are anticipated to be substantially complete by November 30. Annual CIP Planning / Request Annual Capital Improvement Program (CIP) request will be prepared to align funding, and advance implementation. Donor packages updated annually to reflect current project phases, funding needs, and naming opportunities. Nov. Donor Package Promotion Annual CIP Plan- ning / Request Annual Capital Improvement Program (CIP) request will be prepared to align funding, and advance implementation. Donor packages updated annually to reflect current project phases, funding needs, and naming opportunities. Nov: Donor Pack- age Promotion May Signature Project Campaign A Signature Project fundraising campaign will launch in May, focusing on major donor engagement and community investment in the Overlook project. implementation. 037036 / 41/ 41 ImplementationImplementation Objective Capital Planning Timeline Phased Plan Throughout the entire design process, the team has been working towards identifying a 30-year vision for Plank Hill. A master plan that will help when identifying key projects, assist in decision making and pinpoint funding strategies. Once successful, the implementation of the master plan will strive to accomplish the vision as stated in this document previously. “To create a vibrant, accessible, and safe natural area in the heart of the city that enhances the habitat, promotes passive recreation, and embraces the unique features of Plank Hill.” To assist in developing an actionable plan that is both approachable and buildable, we have broken the following section into four different categories. The first is a timeline for project phasing that will help to provide a foundation for steps forward. The second category is the resources needed to successfully implement the master plan. The third is a detailed list of tasks that includes both critical milestones and important objectives. Last is a cost estimate outlining future improvements and their costs. Target: Stage 1 Estimated Cost: ~$57,200 (+ contingency & A/E) Key Actions » Selective harvesting & invasive species management » Erosion control and trail stabilization » Limestone screening trail improvements » Benches and interpretive signage Purpose » Low-impact, high-visibility early win » Builds trust with neighborhood preference for minimal disturbance » Ideal for early grant success and donor engagement Construction Window: Spring–Fall Phase 2: Play Field & Sledding Improvements Phase 3: Municipal Service Yard Improvements Target: Stage 2 Estimated Cost: ~$308,911 Key Actions » Sled hill lighting and safety improvements » Play field grading and surfacing » Benches, fencing, and tree planting Purpose » Responds directly to community priorities » Improves winter and shoulder-season use » Strong alignment with state recreation grants Construction Window: Summer–Fall Target: Stage 3 Estimated Cost:~$117,000 Key Actions » Clearing, grading, and fencing » Functional upgrades to reduce visual and operational impacts Purpose » Behind-the-scenes infrastructure support » Improves safety and long-term operations Construction Window: Summer Phase 1: Nature Preservation Area The following phases outline a strategic framework for implementing the Plank Hill Master Plan, including target timelines, key action items, intended purpose, and anticipated construction windows for each phase. These phases are not intended to be rigid but rather a adaptive roadmap that allows the City to respond to funding opportunities, community priorities, and changing conditions over time while maintaining the vision for Plank Hill. 039038 / 41/ 41 Phase 4: Overlook / Observation Structure Annual Grant Planning Window Fundraising & Donor Strategy Phase 5: Harding Avenue Streetscape Target: Stage 4 Estimated Cost:~$1.44M Key Actions » Overlook structure construction » Guardrails, interpretive signage, seating Purpose » Signature element of Plank Hill » Requires layered funding strategy » High fundraising and placemaking value Construction Window: Summer Every August » Review project readiness » Match phase with funding cycles » Update cost estimates and scopes Phase 1–2 » Knowles–Nelson Stewardship Program » Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) » Recreational Trails Program » Urban Nonpoint Source Grant (habitat + erosion) » Ideal because: low-cost, environmentally focused, shovel-ready Phase 3–4 » Vibrant Spaces Grant (WEDC) » Community Development Investment Grant » LWCF (development) » Multimodal Local Supplement Program (if access paths included) Phase 5 » Multimodal Local Supplement Program (WisDOT) » Municipal Street Discretionary Improvement Program » Urban Nonpoint Source Construction Grant Early Donor Momentum » Benches » Interpretive signage » Trail segments Tools » Naming opportunities » Small-dollar neighborhood donations » Neighborhood association sponsorships Signature Project Campaign (2027–2030) » Overlook structure Recommended Actions » Hire professional fundraising consultant » Identify 1–2 lead donors » Package overlook as: » Civic landmark » Educational asset » Tourism draw Public–Private Blend Harding Avenue Streetscape » City CIP » State transportation grants » Private foundation support for safety & access Target: Stage 5 Estimated Cost:~$2.1M Key Actions » Raised and widened sidewalk » Retaining walls and safety railings » Traffic calming and multimodal improvements Purpose » Major safety and connectivity investment » Strong tie to citywide mobility goals Construction Window: Coordinated with City street projects Implementation Implementation Resources Grant Planning & Fundraising Partners and responsibility for future improvements should be spread out to multiple stakeholders. The following is a list of potential stakeholders who were involved in the process and should be leveraged for implementing future phases. » Library Staff » Library Board of Directors » City Engineering Staff » City Parks Department » City Public Works » Steering Committee Members Grants / Public Funding (GPF) Wisconsin DNR Grants » Land and Water Conservation Fund • Funds acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. » Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program • Stewardship program protects water quality and fisheries and expanded outdoor recreation opportunities by preserving acres around lakes. » Recreational Trails Program • Reimbursement for development and maintenance of recreational trails and related facilities for motorized and non-motorized uses. » Recreational Boating Facilities Grant • Funds capital improvements to provide safe recreational boating facilities, conduct feasibility studies, purchase aquatic weed harvesting equipment,purchase navigational aids, dredge waterways, and chemically treat Eurasian watermilfoil. » Sport Fish Restoration Program • Funds fishery projects, boating access, and aquatic education. » Dam Removal Grants • Reimbursement for 100 percent of eligible project costs up to a maximum of $50,000 to remove a dam. » Municipal Flood Control Grant • Funds for acquisition of property, vacant land, structure removal, flood proofing, administrative support. » Municipal Dam Grant Program • Funds maintenance, repair, modification, or abandonment and removal of municipally owned dams. » Urban Non-point Source Construction Grant • Funds detention ponds, infiltration areas, shoreline stabilization, and land acquisition and permanent easement costs. » Urban Non-point Source Stormwater Grant • Funds stormwater management planning, ordinance development, and public education. » Multimodal Local Supplement Program • Provides grants for up to 90% of total eligible costs for multimodal transportation projects on the local system. » Municipal Street Discretionary Improvement Program • Assists local governments by paying up to 50% of costs to improve deteriorated county highways, town roads, and municipal streets. Wisconsin Economic Development Grants » Vibrant Spaces Grant • Design to assist with creating vibrant and engaging communities the promote improved sense of place and quality of life. » Community Development Investment Grant • Supports urban, small city and rural community redevelopment efforts by providing financial incentives for shovel ready projects with emphasis on, but not limited to downtown community driven efforts. Partners When developing future phases of the master plan, the following resources should be referenced when assistance is needed both financially and production wise. The following pages summarize the people, partners and funding solutions available to assist in developing future phases. 041040 / 41/ 41 Project and Task Matrix The order and price of the projects and tasks below are based on known information at this time. As time progresses, priorities will likely change and new opportunities will present themselves. This list should be viewed as a guide and not a hard set of rules to follow. Allow for a 3% to 6% increase in pricing every year beyond 2026. Donations (DON) Establishing a well-structured channel for donors to contribute to park improvement initiatives offers numerous benefits. Donor support can act as a vital source of funding for much-needed repairs and upgrades to park facilities, thereby enhancing the overall quality of the park experience. Though it is ideal to explore and capitalize on as many opportunities as possible, research suggests that certain improvement projects enjoy greater donor support when compared to others. Playgrounds, pavilions, and benches are but a few examples of physical objects that invariably work well when naming rights are assigned to donors. Larger improvement projects, however, those that exceed the $250,000 mark, require a more strategic and creative approach. By investing in a funding strategy team that typically costs approximately $8,000, park managers can not only promote the project but also raise awareness regarding its potential benefits and significance. While such large-scale projects undoubtedly benefit from greater public exposure, they often require at least one significant contributor to ensure that they make a meaningful impact. Furthermore, donor support can also help to build stronger partnerships between local government agencies, community groups, and private organizations, leading to more collaborative and holistic efforts in improving public spaces for the benefit of all. By engaging and involving more stakeholders in the process, park management can experience a greater sense of community engagement and participation in the improvement work. In turn, this can create a more vibrant, inclusive, and well-maintained park environment that truly enriches the quality of life within the broader community. Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) One way to guarantee funding for necessary improvements is to plan ahead. To do so, it’s important to identify recurring projects that require updates on a regular basis, and ensure they are included in the capital improvement plan. For more information on routine maintenance costs, refer to the project and task list provided below. To enhance the park system and ensure the ability to secure further funding in the future, it’s also wise to allocate additional funding towards high-impact projects. This could include expanding camping sites and improving amenities. Additionally, because many restroom facilities throughout the park system are aging, it’s recommended to include a recurring budget for restroom upgrades in the CIP. Finally, prioritizing a recurring budget for wayfinding and signage updates is also recommended. By planning ahead and ensuring these important areas are included in the budget, you’ll be able to make necessary improvements while securing the necessary funding to keep your operation running smoothly. Implementation Project / Task Description TimeframeCost Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Phase 4 Phase 5 Nature Preservation Area Play Field Municipal Service Yard Overlook Harding Ave Streetscape TBD. TBD. TBD. TBD. TBD. $57,200 $308,911 $117,000 $1,439,750 $2,103,595 Resources GPF, CIP CIP CIP GPF, CIP, DON GPF, CIP Cost Estimate Qty TotalUnit Unit Cost $4,000 $2,000 $15,000 $10,000 $7,000 $6,000 $1,500 1 1 1 5,000 250 2 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Mobilization Selective harvesting Earthwork Erosion control / silt fence 4” limestone screenings trail Benches Interpretive signage LS LS LS LF CY EA EA $4,000.00 $2,000.00 $15,000.00 $2.00 $28.00 $3,000.00 $1,500.00 Total for Nature Preservation Area only Total for Play Field only $57,200 $308,911 Play Field 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Mobilization Demolition / clearing and grubbing Earthwork Erosion control / silt fence 4” concrete pavement Benches Sled hill light post and base Electrical service Chain link fence Deciduous tree Lawn seed mix $20,000 $20,000 $25,000 $800 $36,800 $15,000 $32,000 $75,000 $13,024 $7,800 $6,125 LS LS LS LF SF EA EA LF LF EA SY $20,000.00 $20,000.00 $25,000.00 $2.00 $8.00 $3,000.00 $8,000.00 $250.00 $32.00 $650.00 $1.75 1 1 1 400 4,600 5 4 300 407 12 3,500 Implementation Nature Preservation Area 20% Contingency 10% A/E fees $8,800 $4,400 20% Contingency 10% A/E fees $47,525 $23,762 Total for Municipal Service Yard only Municipal Service Yard $20,000 $5,000 $5,000 $800 $5,000 $35,000 $19,200 LS LS LS LF CY LF LF $20,000.00 $5,000.00 $5,000.00 $2.00 $25.00 $175.00 $32.00 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Mobilization Demolition / clearing and grubbing Earthwork Erosion control / silt fence 3/4” base aggregate Concrete barrier block walls Chain link fence 1 1 1 400 200 200 600 $117,000 20% Contingency 10% A/E fees $18,000 $9,000 043 / 41042 / 41 Our Locations Plank Hill is admired for its natural beauty in the heart of Eau Claire. Preserving that natural beauty is a priority. City of Eau Claire Eau Claire Community Services Ayres Associates 203 S. Farwell Street P.O Box 5148 Eau Claire, WI 54702 Call: 715.839.4902 910 Forest Street Eau Claire, WI 54703 Call: 715.839.5039 Email: communityservices@eauclairewi.gov 3433 Oakwood Hills Parkway Eau Claire, WI 54701 Call: 715.834.3161 Email: AyresContact@AyresAssociates.com $4,429,102 Total Project Cost The cost estimate gives a rough outline of what each component in the design might cost to implement in Plank Hill. Given that it is an estimate, it is not set in stone and is subject to change. Implementation Qty TotalUnit Unit Cost $175,000 $5,000 $75,000 $1,600 $12,000 $800,000 $22,400 $4,500 $12,000 1 1 1 800 1,500 1 80 3 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Mobilization Demolition / clearing and grubbing Earthwork Erosion control / silt fence 4” concrete pavement Steel and wood overlook structure Steel guardrails Interpretive signage Benches LS LS LS LF SF LS LF EA EA $175,000.00 $5,000.00 $75,000.00 $2.00 $8.00 $800,000.00 $280.00 $1,500.00 $3,000.00 Total for Overlook only Total for Harding Avenue Streetscape only $1,439,750 $2,103,595 Harding Avenue Streetscape 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Mobilization Demolition / clearing and grubbing Earthwork Erosion control / silt fence 3/4” base aggregate Borrow materials Traffic control Retaining wall Concrete curb and gutter 4” concrete pavement Asphalt pavement replacement Steel guardrails $225,000 $50,000 $125,000 $6,000 $18,750 $25,000 $68,000 $444,000 $45,000 $120,000 $71,400 $420,000 LS LS LS LF CY CY LS FF LF SF SY LF $225,000.00 $50,000.00 $125,000.00 $2.00 $25.00 $10.00 $34,000.00 $24.00 $30.00 $8.00 $210.00 $280.00 1 1 1 3,000 750 2,500 2 18,500 1,500 15,000 340 1,500 Overlook 20% Contingency 10% A/E fees $221,500 $110,750 20% Contingency 10% A/E fees $323,630 $161,815 Total Cost for all phases $4,026,456 10% Contingency $402,646 3433 Oakwood Hills Parkway Eau Claire, WI 54701 www.ayresassociates.com Agenda Item # 6a WATERWAYS & PARKS COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM COVER SHEET Meeting Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026 Agenda Item: Old Wells Road Easement SUMMARY / BACKGROUND City Staff recommends the release of two easements and approval of a permanent easement along Old Wells Road to align with the actual location of the Storm Water Main. ACTION / ATTACHMENTS Action: Approval of Easement Attachments: Cover Sheet Finance Department Memorandum MEMORANDUM FINANCE DEPARTMENT Date: January 28, 2026 To: Waterways and Parks Commission From: Corey Lee, Budget Analyst Subject: Old Wells Road – Stormwater Easement Releases and Permanent Easement The City of Eau Claire was approached by a surveyor doing work for a property owner with a current easement for a storm water line running from Old Wells Road to the Chippewa River. It was found that the Storm Water line was not installed on the property l ine, but 10 feet within the property owner's property, who hired the surveyor. With this, two releases should be recorded, and a new easement should be created to adjust for the actual location of the current storm water main. City staff recommends approval of the easement and release of easements Area in question: Agenda Item # 6b WATERWAYS & PARKS COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM COVER SHEET Meeting Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026 Agenda Item: Action on the Proposed Plank Hill Master Plan SUMMARY / BACKGROUND The City has been working with members of the Eastside Hill Neighborhood Association and Ayres Associates in an ongoing fashion to create a master plan for future improvements to Plank Hill. The master plan has been finalized, and staff are seeking a vote of recommendation for adoption from the commission. With a vote of recommendation to adopt the plan, staff will present the finalized plan to City Council for their vote of adoption of the plan. ACTION / ATTACHMENTS Action: Entertain a motion to recommend adoption of the Plank Hill Master Plan including any work session input into the plan. Attachments: Cover Sheet Agenda Item # 7a WATERWAYS & PARKS COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM COVER SHEET Meeting Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026 Agenda Item: Update on Dewey Street Bridge Project SUMMARY / BACKGROUND Update from City Staff on the Dewey Street Bridge Replacement Project ACTION / ATTACHMENTS Action: Update Attachments: Cover Sheet Dewey Street Bridge Typical Section DEWEY STREET BRIDGE TYPICAL SECTION January 8, 2026 The following summarizes how the City of Eau Claire selected the typical section for the Dewey Street Bridge design. Starting in December 2024, Short Elliot Hendrickson (SEH), Inc., a local consulting firm completing the bridge design, started working on a Public Involvement Plan, which is a requirement of the state funding process. The Public Involvement Plan outlined the public process for obtaining information. The first Public Involvement Meeting (PIM) focused on providing the public with basic project information and gave the design team an opportunity to obtain project stakeholder input. The second PIM provided the opportunity for the design team to report on the project progress and receive input on the presented Preferred Alternative. Coordination with local officials and agency contacts has been and continues to be ongoing with the project. For both PIMs, public notice procedures were followed; the meetings were noticed in the Leader-Telegram newspaper. The City’s website page for the Dewey Street bridge project was referenced, and comment forms were made available both on the website and at each meeting. P roject contact information was provided for both the City Engineer and the Project Manager from SEH. Following is the webpage link for this project titled, “Dewey Street at the Eau Claire River”: https://www.eauclairewi.gov/government/our- departments/engineering/construction-major-projects/other-major-projects/dewey-street In January 2025, SEH along with the City and Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) held the project’s first PIM. Several exhibits were presented and displayed throughout the room for discussion, and the slide presentation was posted to the website for reference as well. Attendance was minimal, but public comments were received from both this meeting and emailed comment forms. The comment responses included the following key points: • Structure Aesthetics o Like arches; o Like concrete TX parapet (arch windows); o Like wave metal railing on top of parapet for bicycle safety. • Parking on Structure o Heard a need for parking related to the library patrons; o Heard no parking should be considered due to its impact on river views. • Trail Connectivity and Safety o Safer trail connectivity on the north end of the structure – trail in front of abutment; o Support for trail alignment design 2 running parallel to Dewey Street – keeping bicycle and pedestrian lanes; o On east side of structure, provide trail connection – wider sidewalk, add bicycle lane; ▪ Concerns of 9-foot walkway being too narrow for both bicycles and pedestrians. o Support for inclusion of an overlook with the trail connection (northeast side). In February 2025, SEH started initial communications with local utilities regarding ownership of existing facilities and identifying facilities that might be in the area of impact or that need to be addressed/rerouted with the reconstruction of the Dewey Street bridge. Using feedback from area stakeholders and constituents gained from the first PIM, SEH refined designs, incorporated comments , and narrowed down alternatives. Project stakeholders included downtown businesses, City Boards, Committees, Commissions (BCC’s), and adjacent landowners. Conclusions from the first PIM were to move forward with the arch facade and concrete pile encased pier, Alternative C due to trail in front of abutment and limit of spandrel arch fa cade impacting the trail being open to water. Using what we learned from the first PIM, preparation for the second PIM started. This included the following typical sections on the bridge being created for further discussion related to: • Parking on the bridge (none, one, or both sides); • Bicycle lane on the bridge (none, one, or both sides); • Trail alignment designs and further trail design questions. The need for comment was presented to the public through the PIM presentation, through local news coverage, and the opportunity for open comment at the PIM. Several individuals spoke to the alternatives at the meeting , and both City staff and SEH staff received comments by email as well . All comments received were considered in the discussion related to the project progression. Following is a summary of comments heard at the second PIM from project stakeholders and through the public outreach process: • Support of Bridge Type Selected, Prestressed with Arch Fascia o Comments on incorporation of the following: ▪ Inserts for added aesthetics; ▪ Arched pier design. • Support of Trail Under Structure o Most favored Option B; o Several comments about skipping stairs for additional connection. • Discussion of Typical Roadway Section o Couple voices heard for no parking on structure – supporting wider bicycle and pedestrian facilities; o Several comments supported parking on one side allowing for wider bicycle and pedestrian facilities on both sides of the structure; o Support heard for wider facility on east side, narrower facility on west side. • Do Not Replace Structure o One comment heard on this. This discussion led to the design team developing additional typical sections of the roadway for discussion, consideration, and visual reference. All typical sections maintained the 60-foot cross section to match into the existing roadway cross sections. The additional alternative typical sections are shown below: Alternative One - Eliminated parking on the east side and redistributed width to include a widened sidewalk on the west side, bicycle lane on the east side , and a narrow sidewalk on the east side (reduced by one foot from proposed typical section). Alternative Two - Eliminated parking on both sides, redistributing width to include a widened sidewalk on the west side, bicycle lane on the east side, and a narrow sidewalk on the east side. In looking at the importance of bicycle connectivity between trails, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan was referenced. In the plan, the bridge is identified as a neighborhood route and is a connection between a Regional Route multi -use trail and existing trail section . The connection of trail facilities should be evaluated with the reconstruction of S. Farwell Street and Dewey Street sections in the future. Additionally, the bridge is located between two areas identified as “Study Areas ,” which West Central Regional Plan Commission addressed in a 2022 planning document titled, Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan – Areas Requiring Detailed Study. Within the project identification it outlined the trail connectivity under the structure on the north end of the bridge being incorporated in the future project. This supports the trail extension proposed alternatives presented to the public. Wisconsin Bicycle Facility Design Handbook was referenced for bicycle lane design recommendations on structures in an urban area. This references bicycle lanes or shoulders at 5 feet or a wider outside lane at a minimum of 14 feet, both next to a raised sidewalk section. The guide also recommends the total height of 42-54 inches of bicycle railing/parapet. Based on feedback heard from project stakeholders and the public, the City provided direction to SEH to move forward with the 60-foot Alternative One roadway cross section. The alternative includes the wider sidewalk on the west side of the structure, a 9-foot parking lane, two 11-foot travel lanes, a 7-foot bicycle lane, and an 8-foot sidewalk on the east side. This cross section allows for some flexibility in the future with the striping of the structure. The City will monitor parking demands related to the upcoming on- street paid parking implementation and adjust, if needed. The typical section will meet the needs of the existing system while addressing requests and comments of project stakeholders. Again, this typical section maintains the two travel lanes, one north and one south on Dewey Street while matching into the existing roadway width. The proposed bicycle lane on the east side provides connection between the two existing trails running along the river. This typical section provides parking on one side of the structure (reduced from the current design with parking on both sides) and increases the width of sidewalks for pedestrians and cyclists. Proposed Roadway Cross Section for Final Design In addition to the roadway cross section guidance, the City directed SEH to continue designing the trail section based on the Trail Alternative - Option B. This option maintains the existing trail ramp connection on the west side to Galloway Street and would not incorporate a stairway connection. The trail will run in front of the abutment of the structure – open to the water and not within a tunnel. SEH will design for an overlook on the east side of the structure and trail continued along the east parcels to connect gradually with the existing trail system. The City has coordinated with the existing parcel owners to obtain the survey information needed related to this design layout. Moving forward, a contracted real estate team will work with the property owner(s) through temporary and permanent land acquisition to proceed with this alternative. If an agreement isn’t met, the design is proposed to be constructed to the overlook and continued construction to the east in the future, if possible. cc: City Council/Dewey Street Webpage/BPAC/WW&P