Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 07/08/2010

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• CASE # 1 DISCUSS CONCEPT PLAN FOR'NORTH PARK' WITHIN TOWN CENTER By: Mark Riverblood, Parks Supervisor Background: The purpose of this case is to consider defining a concept plan for the so-called 'North Park' (naming to occur at a future time) within the northwest quadrant of Town Center. As some of the Commission members will recall, a comprehensive public process occurred with respect to master planning all the elements of the Town Center -including the subject park. However, there was a little less detail given to this public space than some others, and it served as a 'place-holder' for a man-made wading pond referred to as a swimming hole. Attached is an earlier depiction of that concept from those discussions in approximately 2004, as well as the location map. Observations: Residents in the vicinity of this park space have requested to see both a park plan and a timeline for implementation - expressing a desire to 'at least see some grass and trees' in the near term. Staff conveyed caution about being over-extended in • terms of adding more operational expenses at this time, and noted that the Park Trust Fund is being impacted significantly with the programmed Capital Improvements, including those associated with the amphitheatre and the need to complete Rhinestone Commons Et al. While respecting the latter point, some improvements to this park may be performed at a reasonable cost and may also include volunteer participation by this same neighborhood. Additionally, improving the site may add in stabilizing the immediate area and assist in home sales. The first aspect of thinking about the future park's form and function may be the examination of the 'swimming hole' notion. The feature could certainly be an important amenity for the City. However, the intensity of use may be too much for this 7 acre neighborhood park (and would conceivably require extensive parking and infrastructure). With the west portion of Town Center being re-envisioned with a large water feature, a public wading or swimming area may be more appropriate there. Rethinking the possible location of this also allows more space within the neighborhood park for two other uses that are an identified need, and entirely compatible with a neighborhood park, and the residents' request for a usable landscape.