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THE PARKS NAME The City has adopted a formal park and facility naming policy, which says: "Parks shall be named after the subdivision that contains them or after significant natural or geographical features". The City has not named any park after the subdivision for many years as problems have been experienced with subdivision named parks. On occasion, subdivision residents feel that they have park use "rights" over non-subdivision residents. The name Solstice Park has been suggested. The name bears recognition to the "sunny" in Sunny Ponds and facilitates children learning various facts about the sun's movement, its critical role in life on Earth, and other celestial events. UNIOUE FEATURES Most people would agree that parks provide many benefits beyond pure recreation. Examples include protection of open space, wildlife viewing and social development for children. Education of our world would certainly rank high in the things to which parks can provide access. Several months ago, while thinking about this park's development and the name Solstice Park, it occurred to me that a sundial could be an asset to this park. So, being home with cabin fever, ! prepared a drawing (a copy is enclosed) to see how it might look. The gnomon (the part that sticks up and actually casts the shadows) would be about six feet high and constructed of weathered 4" x 6" beams. The top edge of the gnomon, called the style, would be angled to reduce children climbing on it. The face of the sundial would be made out of concrete and could have ground cover or low growing flowering plants, planted in alternate "rays" toward the center. The numbers would be made out of 2-inch wide steel recessed onto the concrete. The sundial could be paid for by selling space on a 2-inch wide steel band around the perimeter. This band could permanently contain family's names, anniversaries, etc. It should be noted that a sundial, properly laid out, is perfectly accurate. This means that the style is exactly at the same angle as the park's latitude. In this case, about 44 degrees, with the gnomon positioned exactly north/south. The sundial would be a feature unlikely to be seen elsewhere, plus kids would not have a good excuse for not being home on time! The sundial could be integrated into the park's plan by siting it near the playground/picnic area and near the trail. The above is mentioned purely as an example of potential, non-traditional park development. Attached is an outline of the park with appropriate sized amenities at the margin. Residents are encouraged to "cut and paste" to determine the best park configuration. After the residents of Sunny Ponds develop a consensus on the park contents, Staff will formalize a park plan and budget for review and comment by residents and the Commission. You may reach me for questions or comment at 427-1410 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. After the Park and Recreation Commission approves the park plan and budget, it will be forwarded to City Council. Upon their approval, the park development may begin. The Park and Recreation Commission will look forward to receiving further comment at their regular meeting on May 12, 1994, at 6:00 p.m., at City Hail. /ccr