The Two Rivers Parks and Recreation director is looking to completely redo the concession stand at Neshotah Beach.
Mike Mathis informed the council on Monday (August 25th) that the stand has only one year left before it will no longer be covered under health code regulations in its current state.
“The vaulted picnic shelter ceiling, almost, that’s not code,” he described. “The concrete floors are not code. The mixture of storage and hot water heating and electrical, not code. We have issues with our sink.”
He predicts that in a year or two, the county health department will not renew the concessions stand’s license.
He also notes that the restrooms and changing areas are outdated.
Mathis presented the council with a design for a brand-new concession stand, which would address issues raised in the Neshotah Park master plan, approved by the council in 2023.
The new stand would feature a new concession area, improved restrooms, and a newly designed interior rental space.
“That will seat about 100 people in chairs, and 60 to 70 people with tables and chairs,” Mathis noted.
Money from the concession stand goes toward funding for fireworks shows and some entertainment for concerts in the park.
Mathis says the rendering he gave the council would be approximately $1.9 million for construction, excluding demolition.
The rental space could be used to generate revenue and could also contribute to the city’s debt service if it were built.
Council members, including Darla LeClair, had questions about funding the project, as they did not want it to be entirely paid for by the city.
She’d rather see more money go toward investments in city departments.
“I just think that we’re putting our priorities somewhere where they should be spread out more,” she stated. “I think this is great, if you can do it piece by piece, that would be more palatable.”
The council didn’t take any action, but it’s something they could consider since budget time is just around the corner.
Mathis urged the council to think about it.
