01-18-2018 Parks & Rec Commission Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION January 18, 2018 playground area, if a splash pad was put in. Kost stated some rubberized surface would be needed to meet ADA requirements. It was mentioned that all of these ideas would be expensive. Councilman Fischer suggested the Commission consider what elements would better the park, and consider the cost as the actual process began to play out. He explained items could always be scaled back, but this plan should illustrate the best vision for the park. Darling stated the splash pad could be put in a different park. Councilman Fisher noted parking would be an issue in other parks. It was suggested the splash pad be put in Spooner Park. The Parks Maintenance Supervisor explained there are a significant number of trees in Spooner Park and falling leaves would add additional maintenance. Kost noted the two concept themes were not mutually exclusive and elements could be combined or changed. Councilman Fischer noted he was happy to have the two contrasting themes which allowed the Commission to visualize their ideas. Schletty asked if this plan should include a water fountain near the basketball courts as discussed in previous Commission meetings. The Community Services Manager stated that location was difficult because water lines would have to be connected from the street. He explained walking to the central pavilion was more economical than building a water fountain. The Parks Maintenance Supervisor noted the concepts include a lot of new park shelters which would require a lot more parking. He suggested more open space would be a better option. Schletty wondered if these concepts over programmed the park. He suggested more space be left open. Kost noted the City wouldn’t likely be able to build additional parks, because it is developed. He asked the Commission to consider what amenities would be important, because there may not be other spaces to incorporate them. Kost asked the Commission which theme they liked better and what features they liked best. He explained Springer and himself could create a hybrid plan to showcase at the open house. Abruzzese stated she was in favor of the Into the Wild theme because it incorporates the needs of the community, but it doesn’t have a splash pad. She explained she would like to see a splash pad in the final plan. Abruzzese stated the natural elements would be intriguing for park goers. Darling stated she preferred the Into the Wild Theme, and the community garden and splash pad features. She suggested the exercise stations be incorporated into a different park and the ice rink be skipped. Schletty stated he preferred the Into the Wild theme as well. He noted the character of the community doesn’t align with the sharp angles of the New France theme. Schletty explained he did like all of the extra elements of the New France theme including the additional multipurpose field, exercise stations and dog park. Kost stated the park should be looked at in terms of layers. He explained kids want to go to a park to play on the playground, but other age groups should also be considered. Chair Miller stated he like the Into the Wild theme because the trail wasn’t being moved as much. He also liked Into the Wild because the