Fountain Park is slated for $1.5 million in improvements over the next year, which would provide some finishing touches to the park.

Town Recreation Supervisor Bryan Hughes outlined the proposed improvements for members of the Parks and Recreation Commission and Town Council in a joint meeting Nov. 4.

Hughes said the costs are to be split over two fiscal years, and the projects have been put off over the years. The town has spent $4 million in improvements at Fountain Park since taking over the park years ago.

The remaining projects include the installation of pathway lighting along the perimeter walkway, expanding and improving the parking lot on the east end, installation of interpretive signs and construction of monument signs.

Hughes said the lighting would be fixtures spaced about 20 feet apart along the walkway. At this time it is not determined whether it will be low bollard lighting or taller pole lighting.

He said they would not install anything that is intrusive to the neighborhoods or dark skies.

There are a number of people who like to walk through the park in early morning hours during the winter or later evening in summer that would benefit from the lighting.

“We see a number of people wearing headlamps or carrying a flashlight now,” Hughes said.

The plans for the east parking lot include new and revised curbing, a new refinished asphalt surface, entry gates on both driveways and light standards.

The plan also calls for enlarging the parking area.

Plans call for the installation of 12 interpretative signs to be installed around the park. The signs would explain viewpoints and various park operations.

There would also be signs for park rules.

Three monument signs are included in the plan identifying Fountain Park.

Those are to be located on El Lago at the playground parking lot entry, at El Lago and Panorama Drive and on Saguaro at the north end near the amphitheater.

Hughes said they will be looking at an option for an LED sign along Saguaro. It could be a scrolling operation that provides event information.

There is also work that needs to be done to repair power and light fixtures at the amphitheater, according to Hughes.

The town has been working with a landscape architect who has done work related to Fountain Hills parks for 15 years. Staff is negotiating a design contract, which Hughes said should be ready for council consideration by the end of the year or early next.

Construction could be scheduled for summer 2014.

Mayor Linda Kavanagh said she is frequently asked about a second restroom in Fountain Park.

Hughes said that is not included as part of this project due to cost. However, he said the town may consider an additional facility to be located near the amphitheater in the future.

Another project planned for the current fiscal year is the designation of a second urban trail.

The choice for the next urban trail is one designated as the Falcon Trail, which will circle Fountain Hills High School and Golden Eagle Park. The trail would use Golden Eagle Boulevard, Bainbridge Avenue, Hampstead Drive and Palisades Boulevard.

This is a 1.7-mile route that will require no surface improvements. A trail kiosk with information would be installed at Golden Eagle Park.

The town has a master plan for 10 designated urban trails covering more than 30 miles. This does not include McDowell Mountain Preserve trails.

Last April the town opened the 3.2-mile Civic Center Trail around the downtown area as the first of its urban trails.

A schedule for kiosk and sign installation for the Falcon Trail is currently not determined.