CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

Week ending May 31, 2013

Construction updates

Various major street construction projects are underway, including the reconstruction of portions of Iowa Street, Bob Billings Parkway, and Wakarusa Drive. The attached memo provides an update on these projects. 

May sales tax distribution

The City of Lawrence recently received its May sales tax distribution. The distribution is the result of retail sales from mid-March to mid-April. The distribution of $2,661,072.19 is $25,000 less than the prior year distribution for the same month. The 2013 budget for the total sales and use tax distribution is $32,737,625. The first quarter 2013 sales tax distribution was up slightly less than 2.0% compared to the first quarter of 2012. Please see the attached report for more information.

DeVictor Park improvements completed, more planned

The Parks and Recreation Department has completed putting up a new treehouse in DeVictor Park, 1100 George Williams Way. The treehouse features a small, elevated lookout platform that is located in the branches of the tree and is a continuation of the natural play theme that was started in DeVictor Park a few years ago. Through dialogue with the community at public meetings and the West Lawrence Neighborhood Association meetings, the neighborhood surrounding the park expressed interest in providing play opportunities for kids to nature and the natural environment instead of a traditional playground. The tree stump walking and climbing rocks were installed as the first phase of the playground. Natural trails, bridges and forts in the wooded area on the west side of the park will be added this year to allow kids to “play in the woods.” Please see the attached report for photos.

Indoor Aquatic Center hosts events

The Lawrence Indoor Aquatic Center recently hosted a number of events, including a benefit for Drown Out Cancer, and a synchronized swimming event. Please see the attached report for more information.