Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 02/14/2019

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Commissioner Sis asked whether it is worth the investment in this play equipment. He suggested Ford Brook could be a play area, rather than include a play structure. Also,the surrounding demographics of the area begs the question of whether the City should be investing in this park. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood responded this is an excellent point. Before firming up or proceeding with an RFP, staff can hold an open house with a mailer to the neighborhood to gauge interest, and then if there is interest, it will help staff understand the priorities for play equipment. Commissioner Sis suggested that route, rather than just directly proceeding to the RFP. Chair Bennett commented this proposal does fly in the place of the policy, but at the same time, some aging parks do need updates. Engaging the community in and around this park is a good first step. Continuing forward with an RFP to even determine what the potential scope or cost would be is also a next step. He expressed agreement that an open house is a good option to start with. Commissioner Leistico asked if there is a park that is comparable in size. She noted that some parents or caregivers like to visit different parks, depending on amenities. Commissioner Sis noted that these days, people may not always drive to the closest neighborhood park, but rather the regional park. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood noted that is what staff has observed: parents or caregivers have playdates and they meet with one another at the parks that are worth visiting. It is often not a big draw after they have played on a park with little amenities. The problem is, a very nice playground costs a lot of money. Elmhurst cost $90,000 and it is not that big of a park. That also relates to the policy that Chair Bennett and Commissioner Sis referred to do destination-park locations. Commissioner Sis agreed the open house is a good idea. Chair Bennett noted that as part of the open house and engagement process, perhaps staff can determine whether there can be partners brought on board and creative ways can be found to get this done. A couple years ago, the City talked about a tough decision about removing the equipment from a park. Staff did some research and determined it was being used a lot more than originally thought, and there was resistance to removing the equipment. He asked whether usability can be studied for this Ford Brook Park as well. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood responded stated the park referenced was Peltzer Park. A mailer was sent out, suggesting it was to be decommissioned and the land sold for single-family use. Trail cams were then installed and they found the park was being used quite a bit. However, that may have been used because of the mailer. Winter is not a good time to make that assessment. That can be reviewed in the spring. At the open house, it might be useful to have available the other things the City is looking at in the system. Park and Recreation Commission/November 8, 2018 Page 5 of 6