PRESCOTT – The Sept. 25 regular Prescott City Council meeting was quick and to the point. As Alderperson Bailey Ruona shared the highlights of the Parks and Public Works meeting on Sept. 18, she explained the committee had approved bench styles and dedications for Public Square Park to include the blue perforated metal bench styles.

 “It’s a little more durable and it’s more affordable,” she added.

The riverfront area would still use the bench styles that were approved from the Phase 1 Riverfront Project.

Ruona said the committee also reviewed the St. Croix Bluffs Concept Plan to be approved by council. City Administrator Matt Wolf said the city signed a memorandum of understanding with Healing Play, Inc. in June 2022 for the development of Fairyland Park in St. Croix Bluffs Park. The city agreed to install, repair, and maintain restrooms and a parking lot at the expense of the city. The St. Croix Bluffs Plan would include two phases with the completion of the entire project undetermined at this time.

Expected to be finished by 2027, the first phase would consist of construction of the parking lot and bathrooms. The projected cost of phase 1 is just over $500,000 with the largest expense being the new bathrooms. Funds for Phase 1 would include using funds from the Capital Improvement Fund and Parks Improvement Fund and having Public Works assist with the work. Phase 2 consisting of excavation and construction of a youth/multi-use field is expected to cost $177,927 but will depend on fund availability and community need.

After hearing the update from Ruona, the council commented on the plan.

“I really like this,” Ward 2 Alderperson Maureen Otwell began. “I like the reinclusion of the soccer field.”

“Yeah, it’s going to be like a multi-use type field,” Ruona explained. “So, it is smaller. It’s not full, it’s for youth soccer, especially the size of it.”

Wolf said the field is for those 12 years and under as Ruona added that it could be used for flag football as well.

“I think there’s more opportunities for it if we have it be a multi-use,” Ruona stated. 

Ward 3 Alderperson Darlyn Hintz chimed in that she thought the park is coming along nicely even in the beginning stages.

“I love the fairy wonderland playground,” she explained. “It’s very unique and a great place.”

Ruona said the city originally committed to the parking lot and the bathrooms, so she feels it’s beneficial to put those items into the concept plan.

 “I really like this. Good job,” Otwell agreed as the council unanimously approved the St. Croix Bluffs Concept Plan.

Other news

Former Prescott Fire Chief Bill Dravis was appointed to the Fire Association. Dravis served as Fire Chief for ten years beginning in 2005. With the exception of Alderperson Pat Knox who was absent, the council unanimously approved Dravis, who also previously served as an alderperson.