Fly'n B Park, 2910 Plaza Drive, is a unique amenity in our community. The 10.3-acre park features a fishing pond, trails, a large shelter, a restroom, parking and a house originally built in 1906. This destination is also popular for homecoming, prom and family photos. 

The Metro District has been planning for future amenities and maintenance needs at the park, and requested public input during fall 2025. 

Background

• 2006 - The property was conveyed to the Metro District by Erickson Senior Living, developer of the Wind Crest community.
• 2007 - A master plan was developed for Fly'n B Park. 
• 2009 - Construction began, which originally included renovation of the existing house. During the early stages of construction, structural issues were identified with the building, and it was determined its renovation could not be completed within the project budget. The renovations were removed from the project.
• 2010 - Park improvements were completed and the park was dedicated in 2011.
• 2014 - The roof and siding of the house were replaced to help shore up the building, and future phases of interior improvements were tentatively scheduled years away.
• 2020-2021 - Staff revisited alternatives for the house, but none were feasible with the remaining construction budget of approximately $650,000.
• Currently, the house has significant structural issues with both exterior framing and the foundation. Any renovation would result in very little of the original structure remaining.

Planning for the future

In fall 2025, Metro District staff began the process of identifying options for the house and overall park improvements.

Generally, options for the house included renovating it, removing it and rebuilding a new small community rental space, replacing it with a shelter, demolishing it, or leaving the building as is. The project team estimated cost, how concepts would fit with current park uses, and how each option would meet the needs of the community. Staff then presented these alternatives to the community's stakeholders and conducted a community survey to gather feedback.

The verbal feedback from community stakeholders was mixed with most wanting the house to be preserved, but understanding there was not enough funding to renovate and open the house to the public. A common theme was the importance of honoring history.

Community survey results (PDF) showed 54% of respondents wanted the house to be renovated, 16% preferred a shelter to replace the house and 13% preferred the house be left "as is".

Staff presented a recommendation to the board based on priorities to be fiscally responsible, preserve the history or the property, meet community needs and keep in mind public input.

• The cost to renovate the house is estimated to be $1.7 million to $2.1 million, while the cost to replace it with a shelter is $870,000 to $1.1 million. (Both cost estimates include additional parking for the park, interpretive signage and general landscape improvements.)
• While renovation of the existing house was included as an option during community feedback, the renovation would result in very little of the remaining structure remaining due to the current condition of the building. The house has structural issues with both exterior framing and the foundation. Therefore, staff can better honor the history of the property through a unique design for the shelter and interpretive signage.

Next steps

The Metro District Board of Directors has directed staff to proceed with engaging a consultant to provide a concept plan and cost estimate for a unique shelter honoring the architecture of the site. Once the cost estimate is developed, board members will make a final decision on how and when to proceed.