06-03-2021 Parks & Rec Commission Minutes

Home Browse Search

MINUTES PARKS & REC COMMISSION JUNE 3, 2021 4 Ms. Dahlheimer stated that they spoke with a playground representative today and talked a lot about the natural play-type features and noted that she will attempt to gather that information and pass that on to the Commission. Commissioner Horwath asked if there is a concern with the lifespan and maintenance of the water feature and playground in order to plan appropriately for replacement equipment. Mr. Shields stated that play equipment and a water feature would have different maintenance needs and the intention would be to ensure the water feature is adaptable for the future. Ms. Dahlheimer reviewed different options of active water features. She noted that some of the features include fountains and misters within a plaza area, which would allow the space to be multi-purpose and used as a plaza if the water feature is not turned on. She also provided examples of costs for different types of water features and splashpads features. She asked for input from the Commission related to both the play area and water feature. Commissioner Schletty stated that he likes the hybrid suggestion with a multi-purpose area with misters that could still have an arch with sprinklers and perhaps feature the Little Canada logo. He referenced the distance from the play area to the bathrooms and noted that with a water feature he could imagine even more of a need to have a restroom closer to that play node area. Mr. Shields stated that if there is going to be a water feature there would need to be a pump nearby and typically would be housed in a building or could be housed in something similar to an electrical box. He stated that if there was a desire for a restroom facility, it could probably be designed in a way to accommodate the pump equipment and therefore could be dual purpose. The Community Services Manager commented that will be part of a larger discussion. He stated that the decision has been made that the bathrooms would not be open during times when the park is not staffed because of vandalism concerns. He stated that there are portable bathrooms available during the warmer months. Commissioner Schletty commented that this is a large park and perhaps this is a need going forward if the intent is to bring more people in for activities. Chair Miller commented that he liked the rock mister feature as that could also fit with the theme of the overall play node and would also be a lower-level feature that would not necessarily require people to change clothing. Commissioner Abruzzese agreed that option would lend itself less towards a need to change into swimwear and would also provide multi-purpose. She stated that the group would also need to narrow the scope of a historical Little Canada theme.