Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 06/13/2019

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Chair Bennett noted that is a challenge of the Park and Rec Commission. The question is how to get on a plan to address aging equipment. There is a strategy adopted to focus on the larger regional parks and to bFord Brook are hard and costly to maintain, and they are not utilized by everyone either. There are a lot of factors. He commended the neighbors for coming out to voice their concerns. That makes him want to be committed to getting this project done. Councilmember Nadine Heinrich stated this is something that residents told her when she door- knocked this summer. Residents have also told her about the prior advocacy for this park; thus, this park is a priority for her. The great collaboration that is happening here is exciting. Decisions need to be made on the cement safety piece. She thanked Commission members for coming out to the park and interacting with the site and the residents. She also thanked the City of Nowthen for its willingness considering something different for this park. Walking trails have been mentioned through Nowthen and through this space. Should this also be something different and unique? Should something more nature-based be considered? There are other things that can be done with the space that could lower the cost but still make it functional for children from infancy to teenagers. She recently visited the Kansas City Science Museum, where there is a simple flat wooden surface with many levels. There were a number of people playing on this simple structure. She was also in Washington, DC, and saw the structure that you walk under. There are unique things that promote imaginative play. She asked for resident feedback. An u-story high play equipment -- just some updated traditional play equipment. An unidentified resident added that the wooden structure would be a great alternative to the concrete pipes. There are so many things they could imagine. An unidentified resident asked about the brainstorming process. Chair Bennett stated when Elmcrest was constructed, a session was conducted just like this. Multiple vendors came in, and the community came in, and everyone looked at the different play structures. Ultimately, the Park and Rec Commission will approve a plan and send it to the Council City for final approval and execution. An unidentified resident stated a partnership with the City of Nowthen would be wonderful. Nowthen Councilmember Breyen stated Nowthen has installed a park with the Lions, with much volunteer support in the community as well. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood commented this is a good segue to the next steps. Regarding Elmcrest, a detailed RFP was developed. That process lends itself very well to deciding what has to be done by professionals, and what can be aided by volunteer partnerships. There is an opportu An unidentified resident asked how residents will be informed about upcoming meetings. Park and Recreation Commission/May 9, 2019 Page 4 of 6