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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRCMin_00Mar13 • • ~j Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes March 13, 2000 L ~ ~~ Present: Jim Eckberg, Commissioner; Barb Atkinson, Commissioner; Donna Daykin, Commissioner; Rollin Gates, Lions; Richard Lappi, Lions; Scott Midness, Parsons; Bill Maertz, staff; Heather Worthington, staff. The meeting was convened at 7:00 p.m. by Worthington. Introductions were made, and Maertz gave an overview of the proposed scope of the project. He outlined the need to add signage at the east end of the park on Roselawn, and told the group that $10,000 had been budgeted for the 2000 season for this improvement. Other improvements that could be made include replacement of the fence around the playground area, improvement of the shelter, and additional landscaping. Scott Midness explained a drawing prepared by him in 1989 as part of the park re-design. He discussed ADA regulations for the tot lot, and went over some options regarding the entrance to the park, and how to make it more welcoming, and more visible. Richard Lappi of the Lions commented that separation of the walking and biking areas would be a good idea, since people ride their bikes through the main gate at high speed, and could injure a small child. Maertz agreed that a "baffle" or some kind of landscaping could be utilized to achieve this. Midness discussed the idea of an archway at the gate to the tot lot, and suggested ways of making it kid and parent friendly-possibly a larger arch for adults to enter through, and a smaller "kid-sized" archway for kids to utilize. There are many options for this design. The current shelter was discussed. Commissioner Atkinson commented on how much she enjoyed it, and how valuable it was to the overall park. She said that she uses the park nearly every day, and the shelter and fence are very important features. There was discussion on possibly retaining the columns of the shelter, and re-building the roof structure in a more stylistic design- such as prairie style or Asian-influenced style, suggested by Richard Lappi (ie: Pagoda style roof). Midness suggested using a concrete stain to tie the color of the shelter to the color of the blocks used in the Park Building. Maertz and Midness suggested pavers underneath the shelter, rather than the ag lime currently in place. The fence was especially cited as being an important safety feature. Maertz stated that the open weave of the fence was an important vandalism/crime deterrent. It was acknowledged that the fence was deteriorating, and that replacement would figure prominently into the eventual plan. The Lions representatives said that they especially liked the landscaping in front of the park building, and would like to see that carried over to the tot lot entrance area. Commissioner Eckberg suggested incorporating other details into an archway entrance, such as plantings that created a sense of fun, and mystery, almost as if children were entering another world. He also suggested incorporating the rules of the park into that arched entrance, and stating them in a more positive way. Maertz noted that plantings along the fence should not obscure the view through the fence. Richard Lappi suggested contacting the Asian community for design ideas for the entrance and shelter roof ideas. The attendees also discussed the location, placement, and design of the proposed sign. Commissioner Atkinson said she would like to see the sign lower to the ground, to preserve sight lines, and incorporating some natural materials, and stone. Midness suggested using block or stone that echoed the colors of the Park Building. Commissioner Eckberg cited National Park signs as a good example of the style he liked for the sign. Midness asked if the boulevard area would be improved. Maertz told the commission that a hedge of Champlin roses had been planted last year, and would eventually mature to a four foot height. Maertz also spoke briefly about the possibility of sealcoating and re-striping the lot this year, during which the bituminous path along the Roselawn side of the park could be continued up to the entrance to the tot lot. • Worthington said that one approach to all of these suggestions would be to have Midness draw up along-range plan for the park, possibly for a five year duration, and then proceed with a phased implementation for these improvements. The Commission adjourned at 8:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted by Heather Worthington, Assistant to the City Administrator •