05-09-2017 Parks & Rec Commission Minutes

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MINUTES PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION May 9, 2017 the money spent to restore the playground would be well worth it. Waite suggested asking the local schools if they knew of any discounts available for equipment. The City Administrator stated the rate the City receives is based off of state purchasing agreements, so the volume of equipment purchased would have no impact on the cost. Chair Miller explained new play equipment was necessary to maintain safety standards and would also be an attractive community asset. The Community Services Manager reported he had gathered information on putting a pickleball court in at Spooner Park. He explained that due to the after school tennis programs that take place and frequent use of the space, he was proposing four options that allow dual utilized courts. He explained that due to space limitations and tennis/pickleball rules it would be best to go with option D which would provide space for two pickle ball courts and two tennis courts. Horwath asked how the net impacted dual usage of the courts. The Community Services Manager explained it was just a simple height adjustment. Horwath noted the courts should be first come first serve, and the City should not set aside time for specific sports. He explained he would like to see some type of programming, possibly instructional sessions to raise awareness of this new opportunity. Chair Miller suggested sharing the opportunity on Facebook as well. Horwath made a motion to follow the staff recommendation to go with option D which would provide two tennis courts and two pickleball courts at Spooner Park. Chu seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. The Community Services Manager also reported that staff thought the cottonwood trees next to the court should be taken down. Horwath noted, after seeing the trees in person they do provide shade, but he was in favor of cutting them down to better maintain the pickleball court. Chair Miller agreed, explaining the trees have damaged the court and should be taken down. The Community Services Manager explained the trees would be taken down and then most likely replaced with new trees within the park, but in a different space. Horwath made a motion to remove the cottonwood trees. Darling seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. The Community Services Manager reported the Demont Ice Rink would be the best fit for a dog park during the warm months. He explained the rink would need a chain link fencing system to contain the dogs and a double gate system for safe leashing/unleashing of the dogs. The Community Services Manager stated he would also like to include a mailbox to hold litter bags, as well as a garbage can to dispose of the bags. He indicated this system would make people more likely to clean up after their dogs. The Community Services Manager explained a sign with rules would also have to be created and he included a list of potential rules for PICKLEBALL COURT OPTIONS DOG PARK UPDATE