06-03-2021 Parks & Rec Commission Minutes

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MINUTES PARKS & REC COMMISSION JUNE 3, 2021 6 would invite activity that is not desired later in the nighttime hours and asked if the lights would be turned off at a certain time. The Community Services Manager noted that the park closes at 10 p.m. and the lights turn off at 10:15 p.m. therefore the trail lights would shut off at the same time. Commissioner Hipp commented that the ballfield lights are bright and provide subtle lighting, but the ballfield lights are not always on. Commissioner Abruzzese stated that her original thought was to have lights closer to the ground but agreed there could be challenges and therefore would prefer the utilitarian option as well. Commissioner Chu commented that Pioneer Park is pretty bare and therefore the utilitarian lights would seem to stand out in areas where there are not trees. She stated that perhaps they could blend more with the surrounding area with additional plantings. She stated that she likes the Little Canada Road lighting as it is mixed with trees and plantings and makes the trail usable at night. The Community Services Manager commented that if trail lighting is included that could set the tone to include trail lighting at other parks to provide consistency and therefore that larger concept should be considered as well. Chair Miller commented that he believed that the intent of lighting was to provide additional lighting in certain areas to increase safety but not to have continuous lighting. He agreed that including trail lighting would open the door to the larger conversation for lighting at other parks. Commissioner Ray commented that he would agree to feature lighting, rather than continuous lighting. Mr. Shields reviewed the next steps which would include a public engagement process noting that they will bring back those comments for the Commission to review at the July meeting. He stated that they would intend to bring an initial improvement recommendation to the Council on July 14th and have another community engagement opportunity during Canadian Days and final presentation to the Council at the August 11th meeting. Commissioner Hipp stated that the Commission should put some thought and consideration into the concept of a theme. Commissioner Horwath stated that he has been on the Commission for about six years and remembers that concept has been part of the discussion for the entirety of that time. He stated that although he likes the idea of a historical theme, he would not want to see that hold the project back.