Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 02/10/2022

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Motion by Commissioner Barten, seconded by Commissioner Olson, to affirm the 2021 Photo Contest Winners. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chair Bennett; Commissioners Barten, Olson, Loss, and Sis. Voting No: None. Absent: Commissioners Leistico and Walker. 5.03: Playground Replacement Policy— Formulate Plan for Rabbit Park Parks &Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood recognized the work the Commission has put into the playground replacement policy which has since been adopted. He stated that this discussion will focus on Rabbit Park. He identified the area of homes which were mailed a letter asking residents for input on the park. He noted that of the 91 letters that were sent, only eight responses were received. He stated that five of those comments named some time of playground component, while the three erred towards the preference for the natural side. He provided a photograph of the existing park, which is fairly baren and stark. He stated that the Commission visited the park the previous year and came to consensus on some native plantings to reduce the need for mowing. He noted that there was also a consensus to leave the large slide. He commented that the remainder of the playground equipment is old and replacement parts are no longer available. He stated that for those reasons it is recommended that the playground equipment be removed. He noted that the swings were removed this past year because of the poor condition. He reviewed the different options the Commission could consider for the park. Chair Bennett welcomed input from the public. Bowman Family, 8845 176th Avenue NW, agreed that most of the equipment is in poor condition and is not safe for small children. She commented that having natural habitat would be great for the park as it is currently overrun with sandburs. Mr. Bowman commented that their family enjoys the large slide and swings and also enjoys climbing features. He agreed that native landscaping and walking trails would be a great addition along with shade trees and benches. Mrs. Bowman agreed that because there is no shade at the park it is often unusable during the hotter times of the summer. Mr. Bowman stated that his family loves taking walks to Rabbit Park and would love to see it reworked into something more usable. He stated that there would not need to be a lot of large equipment but perhaps a smaller play concept with walking trails, native landscaping and shade would be great. Mrs. Bowman commented that there are several families in the neighborhood that have kids with disabilities and therefore having a space with accessible features would be great. Commissioner Sis commented that currently there are two separate play structures at the park. He stated that it appears one is in worse condition and needs to be removed. He asked if the other structure is in good condition. Park and Recreation Commission/February 10, 2022 Page 3 of 8