The Estherville Parks and Recreation Board has been discussing shade structures for Lincoln Park for several months.
At Monday's regular meeting, city administrator Penny Clayton pointed board members in a new direction.
Between the purchase of the shade structures ($9,256), the concrete base construction ($3,600) and the concrete floor construction ($4,000), the project costs come to nearly $17,000. The proposed shade structure, a hypar sail, also would have to be removed and stored during the winter season.
Clayton told the board what most people call and ask about is having a restroom.
"This was originally planned as a neighborhood park," said Clayton. "But with the new playground equipment, it's become more than that."
The Parks and Recreation Board had originally set aside $14,000 for a shade structure at the park. Clayton also said Excel! Estherville had given $10,00 for the project.
For an additional $6,000 to $10,000 more, Clayton calculated the city could install two single stall restrooms attached to a permanent shade structure.
The additional monies would come from a fund, which the board has been putting aside for new tennis courts. However since a second set of tennis courts isn't currently a high priority for Estherville Lincoln Central schools,
The board voted to approve Clayton continuing to research design and costs for the restroom/shade structure at Lincoln Park.
In a second vote, board members sent a recommendation to the Estherville Finance Committee that part of the money set aside for the tennis courts be used for the Lincoln project and the remainder be put toward a planned shelterhouse at Joe Hoye Park.