10/12/26 Parks & Recreation Advisory Board

The Lawrence Parks & Recreation Advisory Board met on October 12, 2026. The board approved the September 14 minutes. The main procurement- and capital-planning discussion was a presentation of a proposed rehabilitation plan for the city-owned Grover Barn and former Fire Station No. 4, including museum/gallery, classroom, office, and site improvements. The estimated total project cost is $3,787,435: approximately $2.9 million for building rehabilitation and $876,576 for site work. The project is not approved or funded; speakers discussed pursuing a combination of donations and grant programs, and noted that city decision-making—including potentially the City Commission—would be required. The presentation estimated roughly two years for construction once funding is secured, with fundraising time uncertain. No contract award or procurement vote was taken.

Department reports noted that Midco had completed installation of free public Wi-Fi at Sports Pavilion Lawrence and that the recreation division is soft-launching the Epact digital program for winter camps. The board was also told that applications for the Unmistakable grants are open, with a November 1 deadline and reviews due by November 8 for discussion at the next meeting. No related spending or award decisions were made at this meeting.