Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 07/09/2020

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will work with the developer to site the park around specimen trees in order to preserve the highest quality trees. Commissioner Bayer asked if there is a location within the development that would not only fit with the intent to preserve high quality trees, but also connect to the trail system to allow residents from other neighborhoods to access the park as well. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood confirmed that there would sidewalks along each street in the subdivision. He noted that the Commission could recommend a trail in lieu of a sidewalk to connect to the park. He noted that type of recommendation would be helpful at this point, as the desire is to provide broad direction that the developer can incorporate into their sketch plan. Commissioner Barten stated that if one acre or even five acres were used for park, would the remaining treed area be preserved or removed. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood commented that the area for the park would typically receive Park Dedication credit. He stated that the developer also desires a zoning amendment, which provides the City with additional leverage. He explained that he would want to see the developer provide the land for the park without receiving Park Dedication for that. He stated that instead the trees included in the park area would count towards the tree preservation requirements. He noted that arrangement would allow the City to use the Park Dedication funds to build a creative park. He stated that because the developer is requesting a zoning amendment, there is opportunity to negotiate for things the City would desire such as preservation of the trees, park land, and Park Dedication fees that could be used to build a creative park. He commented that the developer could submit a sketch plan as early as August, with plans to potentially begin construction in spring of 2021. Chair Bennett referenced an adjacent area that could be developed in the future adjacent to the Riverstone subject property and asked for input on the vision for park use in that area. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood referenced the grey area that is not part of this proposal, noting that there is a public/private park desire identified within the Comprehensive Plan along the river. He noted that the neighborhoods could be connected through trails to allow residents to access both proposed park areas. Chair Bennett stated that he would agree with the ability to preserve the largest number of trees possible, focusing on the higher quality trees for the park location. He stated that perhaps the park be located somewhat closer to the connection to Bowers Drive as that would provide the ability to connect the different neighborhoods with trails. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood identified the areas with the higher quality trees, per the tree inventory work completed thus far and his walk through of the property. Councilmember Heinrich asked if there was feedback from the Bowers Drive neighborhood related to a park. Park and Recreation Commission / June 11, 2020 Page 4 of 6