02-02-2017 Parks & Rec Commission Minutes

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MINUTES PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION February 2, 2017 Darling mentioned she liked the location of Pioneer Park. Ray stated good equipment from Pioneer could be moved to Spooner. Horwath mentioned Pioneer Park has a lot of activity and making it even more of a destination with an upgraded park could create parking issues. Councilman Fischer explained the Council would like to see both parks upgraded and the money budgeted for them spent as apportioned. He noted if the Commission was interested in pursuing a “wow” park, additional dollars should be allocated for that. The City Administrator noted if the Commission agrees, one park should be refurbished that could be done this year, but if there is also interest to create a destination park, that process could take much longer. Councilman Fischer asked if there was a need to fix any equipment at Spooner for safety reasons. The City Administrator said he thought everything was okay at the moment. He explained the wood planks and rubber coated handle bars would need replacement soon, but were structurally sound. Horwath noted as spring approaches, more problems may appear. He thought the Commission should visit both parks during their park tours. Chu suggested involving the public and getting them excited to help plan the park by creating signs and spreading the word. Darling suggested asking children for their input. Schletty thought that was a good idea and suggested asking consultants to create some plans and then asking the children what they liked. The City Administrator explained he would gather information about other cities’ park redevelopment and community engagement process. Sullivan suggested including community build dates to facilitate community engagement. The City Administrator stated staff would contact vendors for park ideas. The Recreation Supervisor asked if the vendors would visit the parks. The City Administrator thought they would need to be able to see the parks and the space. He noted he would also contact other cities to see what they have done to help the Commission create an engagement process. Horwath stated Councilman Fischer would be acting as the Parks and Recreation Commission liaison for the City Council during 2017. Councilman Fischer stated he had volunteered for the position to support Council and Commission interactions during the staff transition. The City Administrator reported the 2017 goal setting session would take place on Monday February 13th at 4:00pm and he was looking for two commission members to be involved in the process. He explained staff provided previous goal lists and the group brainstormed a new list for 2017 while retaining past goals that have not yet been completed. Ray and Chu agreed to attend the meeting. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION LIASION 2017 GOAL SETTING SESSION