WATERLOO - The city is preparing to begin design work on a children's play area and a performance stage for a planned downtown plaza and amphitheater.

City Council members on Monday will consider a contract with AECOM, of Waterloo, for up to $104,000 to design and handle construction inspections for Mark's Park and the performance structure.

Mark's Park, named in memory of Mark Young, the son of Rick and Cathy Young, will include water features, including a splash pad, and a large play area for children at the pedestrian plaza and Cedar River front amphitheater. Mark Young died in a motorcycle accident in 2003.

The performance stage will not be a "band shell" as it must be capable of withstanding flooding due to its riverfront location inside the flood levee system.

The plaza and features are to be built next to the Waterloo Center for the Arts as part of the downtown

Riverfront Renaissance project being financed primarily with a Vision Iowa grant and landfill profits the city is receiving.

Funding for the latest design services will come from private donations raised by the Young Foundation and an $800,000 grant from the Black Hawk County Gaming Association earmarked for Mark's Park.

The meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Monday in the council chambers on the second floor of City Hall. Committee meetings include: Human Resources, 4:25 p.m.; Building and Grounds, 4:30 p.m.; Public Works, 4:35 p.m.; Finance, 4:40 p.m.; and a council work session, 4:55 p.m.