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CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – March 13, 2025 <br /> <br />3 <br /> <br />1. Budget Request (Design of O’Brien Splash Pad & Restroom) <br /> <br />John Martinez, Chief of Park Operations, VPA, presented the budget <br />request for $150,000 to allow for the design and construction <br />documents for the addition of a new public splash pad and restroom <br />facility at O’Brien Park. Mr. Martinez explains that the O’Brien splash <br />pad serves thousands of families as the sole splash pad on the South <br />side of Ewing St. and was identified in the Aquatics Capital <br />Replacement Plan for full replacement in 2025. Mr. Martinez stated <br />that the splash pad features a mix of above ground features and <br />ground jets, and the maintenance and expenses overtime have <br />continued to grow. He’s hoping that this could be an opportunity to <br />reimagine the park layout. Mr. Matinez stated that if the budget request <br />is approved, the restroom would be able to be built within 300 feet of <br />the pad per Indiana Pool Code and be ADA accessible and have its <br />own water supply. Mr. Martinez explains that this park is heavily used, <br />and the current condition does not serve the public well. Secretary <br />Wax asked if the soft surface would be added, and Mr. Martinez stated <br />that he was hopeful but this may not be possible due to budget <br />restrictions. Vice-President Relos asked what the restroom would look <br />like, and Mr. Martinez stated that it would be a prefabricated restroom <br />similar to LaSalle park. Commissioner Gooden-Rodgers asked if there <br />were other splash pads with the same limitations and Mr. Martinez <br />stated that there are three (3) and they have been in budget <br />considerations for ten years now. <br /> <br />Caleb Bauer, Executive Director of Community Investment, explained <br />that we along with VPA are taking a look at a number of facility <br />improvements and incrementally working on those and asked the <br />Commissioners to keep in mind that the design typically is 10% of the <br />cost of construction and this project will most likely be seen again by <br />the RDC. Secretary Wax asked how we decide when the RDC funds a <br />public project versus the Council’s General Fund. Mr. Bauer explained <br />that we look at the available funds within each development area as <br />well as future projects and the needs of the public infrastructure due to <br />the growth in the area. Tina Patton asked if the RFP has been issued, <br />and Mr. Martinez stated that it has not and VPA would work with DCI <br />and Engineering on how to proceed as well as give an update on the <br />project at a later date. <br /> <br />Upon a motion by David Relos for approval, seconded by Eli Wax, the <br />motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the Budget <br />Request as presented on March 13, 2025. <br /> <br />2. Budget Request (Marshall Park) <br />