Earlier this year, the council, acting as the city's Redevelopment Agency Board, also rejected Anderson's request for $75,000 in RDA funds to further study the notion of placing a skating rink and water features at the park.

Many council members, including Love, say the park is a low priority in the city's growing list of decaying infrastructure needs.

According to park designs completed last year, the park redevelopment would come in phases, with a skating rink planned in the second phase. The plans also include bocci courts, a dog run, basketball and volleyball courts, running paths and many other amenities.

In presenting his recommended budget this week, Anderson could have asked the City Council to use capital improvement project funds to pay for Pioneer Park. But he instead asked for funds for Liberty Park renovation, among other projects.

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E-mail: bsnyder@desnews.com