Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 09/12/1996

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~The shelter nearest the pla), equipment Mil, sem,e this area of the park. This shelter may not have grill[ positioned near it. A "talk tube' within the shelter could allow shelter seekers to still interact with playground participants. c),d) Both sheltcrs ovcrlook thc pond and will bc optimum picnic areas complete with grills and are accessible to various usc destinations. Paved paths will hlfirnately connect all shelters to parking areas and possibly to restrooms. Soflball Fie}d(_s) The softball fields will need to accommodate organized play as well as "pick up" games and, therefore, shouldi have ag lime infields. Base paths will be 60 feet with a 2'/5 feet field of play. Because the Sunfish Lake Recreation Area fields are not configured in the traditional 4-plex or cloverleaf design they are safer for spectators and players on other fields. (Foul balls are a recognized hazar{t~ for spectators, and wild throws can strike benched players of side by side fields. By not using a cloverleaf layout, back. stops and safety panels can be minimized, thereby saving COSt.) Soccer/Football Field and Hockey Rink area This field will be regulation size. Its location near the Environmental Education CEE) facility provides a more cohesive adjoining use; a peen expanse versus ag lime, bleachers, fence and backstop. Organized football and soccer are commorhy ptayed during the shorter daylight days of the season. Locating this use near the F.E facility allows for shared light standards. The size of the 'field would provide for hockey and pleasure skating, which nearly require supplemental lighting. Either the primary shelter or the EE-building could be used for a warming house. Cities which use portable hockey rinks seem to advocate their use. playground Ar~eg The active play .area will need to be a minimum of Emerald Pond Park's size. The location has good sight lines, ~s located well away from vehicular traffic and will not negatively impact the EE facility's purposes. The simple shelter will provide weather protection and picnic space for farrfilies and for children's guardians. A pay phone should be sited at the access road nearest the play equipment, i A large multiplace swing should be located a distance away from the play equ/pment for adblescents and adults. Tennis Court(S) Shown on the proposed Sunfish Lake Recreation Area plan is a fenced four court layout. It is projected that resident demand for tennis courts will dramatically increase, particularly in the urban area. This coupled with the cost to maintain tennis courts versus other athletic activities suggest that additional court space may be warranted eventuallS,. Tennis play is often viewed less obtrusively by neighboring residents as compared to field sports, thus, this is another positive aspect of the tenrds courts siting.