07-09-2019 Parks_Rec Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION July 9, 2019 able to help. Horwath shared that he was pleased that everything was so prepared and organized for the event. Ray suggested an event for the schools to introduce them to the new playground. The Community Services Manager shared a video he had made of the project. He said the grand opening will be on Thursday, August 1 at 5:45 p.m. before the Ice Cream Social. The Community Services Manager reported the Munch Bunch has been clearing the Buckthorn out of Spooner Park. He explained 28 goats are grazing the areas. The Community Services Manager stated the goats will take a short break during Canadian Days, and resume in about 4 – 5 weeks to eat the regrowth. He explained the goats would also be back next year to clear the buckthorn. The Community Services Manager stated staff would clear the large buckthorn, stumps, and some of the remaining buckthorn later this fall. The Community Services Manager reported the Recreation Coordinator had created a presentation for conceptual layout options of the Gervais Mill Park Garden. The Community Services Manager explained the park was a natural space in the community that helps clean the stormwater before entering Gervais Lake and the chain of lakes connected to it. He explained that there is also a lot of history in the park including a replica of the grist mill wheel. The Community Services Manager stated the Gervais Mill Park Garden used to be maintained by members of the historical society, but they are no longer able to keep it up. He explained the area is now overgrown and unkept. He noted the garden is also not accessible. The Community Services Manager reminded the Commission this area is an entrance into the park and needs to be re-envisioned. He stated the input he had received from the Commission indicated they wanted the area to be accessible, and have tables and benches. He explained other input included wanting to see color and make the space feel like the entrance to the park. Other feedback included having birdhouses, a natural landscape, and interpretive signs. The Community Services Manager presented three options for the Gervais Mill Park Garden. The first option was a community garden with a fresh layout, small garden spaces, benches, and native plantings. The Community Services Manager explained this option included moving the entrance sign to be more inviting to walkers coming into the park. The second option was a gathering shelter with a pergola, picnic tables, interpretive signage, and native landscaping. The third option was a creek overlook with an overlook looking out into the creek, interpretive signage, native landscaping, benches, and the grist mill in the center of the entrance. The Community Services Manager stated the Recreation GERVAIS MILL PARK GARDEN SPOONER PARK BUCKTHORN REMOVAL