Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 07/08/2021

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Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated that when that area was developed the lots were five to ten acres and that area was used as a horse arena. He commented that the land is dedicated park land but the highest and best use at this time is as a brush drop off site or for construction vehicle use. He continued to review the other elements of the plan including definitions and timing. Chair Bennett commented that perhaps the timing is stated as an example as funding may not always be available or perhaps the park does not require replacement at that time. Commissioner Leistico asked for input on the safety concern category. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated that he will be clarifying the differences between safety concerns versus aesthetic issues. He noted that playgrounds receive inspections twice per week during the summer months and once per week in the off season. Commissioner Sis commented that this is a good framework that would guide discussion. He stated that the Commission would retain the ability to have that discussion and make the decision but agreed that this would be a good framework to work off. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood commented that perhaps the Commission recommend that the Council consider this policy as a working draft. He stated that the policy could be revisited after the first playground or two. Chair Bennett agreed that would make sense, especially as Rabbit will most likely be the first park on the list. Parks &Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated that first park could be used for the appendix to show how the policy works. Chair Bennett commented that it will be helpful to have a policy to use as a base and help to remove some of the emotion. Councilmember Heineman commented that Titterud is a great park, but he has never seen the sports fields used. He asked if something could be added stating that there would be an additional section added that could provide examples of what would be done if a playground is removed. He noted that having some of those alternatives will help to remove some of that emotion. Chair Bennett noted that some of those alternatives could be listed in section five. He stated that Commissioner Barten referenced the Ford Brook is not shown on the map. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood acknowledged that this is a draft, and some locations still need to be added. It was confirmed that staff will bring this back to the Commission in August. Park and Recreation Commission/July 8, 2021 Page 4 of 6