02-04-2021 Parks_Rec Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES PARKS & REC COMMISSION FEBRUARY 4, 2021 2 Chair Miller commented that he was impressed with the high amount of participation from different groups that RCP was able to gain during a pandemic. The Community Services Manager commented on the substantial increase in participation to about 1071 individuals compared to the previous engagement for a parks master plan which had slightly over 100. Chair Miller agreed that it would be helpful for the group to review the reports before the joint workshop with the Council. Commissioner Hipp commented that there were multiple commonalities between the three different reports. She asked for input from staff on the role and goal of the Commission in the workshop. The Community Services Manager commented that the intent would be for the groups to have discussion about findings from the report and recommend priorities guided by a facilitator. He provided an example noting that people can have different interpretations about some of the broad descriptions for features such as trail lighting or water features and therefore this discussion can help to ensure the groups are on the same page as they continue to draft a plan. NEW BUSINESS: SPOONER PARK NATURE PLAY The Community Services Manager stated that over the past few years the City has been clearing out the buckthorn at Spooner Park. He noted that the discussion tonight will be relative to the three wooded acres in the northwest corner of Spooner Park. He stated now that the buckthorn has been removed there are potential opportunities for that space, including nature play. He provided background on the concept of nature play related to Little Canada and Spooner Park specifically along with the benefits provided by nature play. He displayed photographs of the wooded area in discussion and reviewed different concepts that ranged in cost along with other additional ideas that could be incorporated into the overall area. Commissioner Chu stated that she visited a natural park in another community and is excited to see this coming forward in Little Canada. She stated that perhaps spending some money with signage would be a nice idea. She stated that she also likes structure climbing and the rope, suggesting a medium plan and includes structure and non-structure. Commissioner Ray stated that he also likes a mixture of one and three, having the rope feature and some more non-structured activities. Commissioner Abruzzese commented that the more structure that is imposed, the less natural is it and therefore likes the first concept. She noted that she could support the signage and ropes as well.