Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 07/11/2019

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Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chair Bennett; Commissioners Leistico, Sis,Barten, Bayer.Voting No: None. Absent: Barnes, Shoemaker. 5. COMMISSION BUSINESS 5.01: Recap Listening Session for the Renovation of Ford Brook Park Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood recalled that the listening session held last month resulted from the CIP including a renovation of Ford Brook Park in approximately 2020. There is a placeholder dollar amount of $70,000. The project may present itself to a good opportunity for a collaborative approach for funding and construction. He would like to discuss some of the comments made at the listening session, which are included in the report. He noted there were neighbor comments about a desire to help with concrete and possibly assembly- Two images were presented that would lend itself well for imaginative play, and no opposition was expressed. He also concurred with the resident comments that swings are always a popular option. Chair Bennett noted that clearly the neighborhood has a passion for that park and wants to be engaged. It is therefore important for the Commission to show its commitment to the project and the fact that resident requests are taken seriously. He would love to do something at Night To Unite. He would love some progress to have been made at the event, since he has committed to attending. Perhaps there may even be an opportunity to do some engagement that evening. Commissioner Sis concurred. He also stated that he has been contemplating whether the park should be geared towards younger children or pre-teens and teens. Imaginative play would be a great option. It would add diversity to the mix around the City. Commissioner Leistico commented that the residents seemed to express a desire for a lot of traditional elements at the park: swings, slides, and benches for parents. From the creative side, there perhaps was not as much enthusiasm. Perhaps both of those can be combined. Commissioner Barten added there may be a way to do both traditional and imaginative. Chair Bennett recalled residents loved the open play space as well. There seemed to be concern about ADA parking and accessibility and possibly taking away from green space. They do not want to lose the simple, classic neighborhood feel already present. In engagement sessions, there can be discussion about what they want. He also recalled the overwhelming concern for the safety of the kids. With that said, modern play equipment is inherently safer than the concrete tube present. Commissioner Sis asked if there has been follow-up from the City of Nowthen. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood responded that staff has not heard anything at this time. Park and Recreation Commission/June 13, 2019 Page 2 of 4