Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 07/09/2009

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Parks Supervisor Riverbloodadvised that there was space available near ball fields five and six that could be used as interim parking. He stated that he had spoken with the. president of the youth association and was advised that the issue with further staggering was that it would get dark. Commissioner Barr commented that the only sport that might be flexible with further staggering would be soccer as that is an in-house sport. She explained that the schedule for the other sports was developed at the beginning of the season as many communities play each other. Commissioner Shryock thought that staggering would at best gain an additional 15 minutes. She thought that a circular, one-way drive would be required for safety and to aid with congestion. Chairperson Johns confirmed that the parking issue at Central Park was a high priority and questioned the priority of the playground equipment at Elmcrest Park. Councilmember Dehen commented that as a parent, playground equipment is helpful, especially when you have an older child playing sports and bring a younger child along. Commissioner Barr stated that playground equipment is an amenity needed to gain tournaments, which also benefit local businesses. Commissioner Shryock questioned if $70,000 would be enough to cover the playground equipment. Parks Supervisor Riverblood explained that the playground equipment purchase in 1997 for Central Park cost $50,000, without installation. Public Works Director Olson commented that the playground equipment added to Titterrude Park a few years prior was $50,000. Commissioner Jeffery thought that volunteers might be a possibility with that project and suggested contacting the Lions Club or Eagle Scouts. Chairperson Johns commented that it is hard to manage volunteer labor for a project like that. Commissioner Jeffery suggested using the volunteers for the landscaping rather than the installation of the playground equipment. Chairperson Johns questioned the priority of the restroom facility for River's Bend Park. Parks Supervisor Riverblood commented that River's Bend Park has a higher usage during the day than any other City park. He advised that soccer is also held at night, along with the possibility of senior's tennis five days per week this summer. Chairperson Johns thought that item would be a high priority but would be after the parking at Central Park and the playground equipment at Elmcrest Park. Park and Recreation Commission/June 11, 2009 Page 7 of 10