02-04-2021 Parks_Rec Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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STAFF REPORT TO:Parks & Recreation Commission FROM:Claire Hoffman, Recreation Coordinator (Former) DATE:February 4, 2021 RE:Spooner Park Nature Play Area Presentation Over the past two years, the City has been working on removing invasive plants (mostly buckthorn) in wooded areas that had taken over much of the usable wooded park space in Spooner Park. One of the main areas of focus was on the three acres wooded area located in the northwest corner of the park (corner of the park near Eli Road and Centerville Road). With a substantial amount of buckthorn removed, it is now possible to walk around in that wooded area and explore some potential new opportunities within that space for park users. One of the items that has been discussed recently was utilizing a small portion of that space to create a nature play area and reflects one of the goals outlined in the Park System Master Plan, Goal #5 - Protect, preserve, and enhance natural areas within the City’s park system to provide residents with opportunities to connect with nature. (2018 Park System Master Plan, pg. 41) Research shows there is a growing disconnect between children and the outdoors and more time spent in the natural world can increase creativity and mental capacity and reduce obesity, anxiety, and depression rates in kids. Staff is working on design concepts for a nature play area in Spooner Park. Along with being identified in the Parks System Master Plan, the City has received various forms of interest and enthusiasm for a nature play area from both citizens and Parks and Recreation Commissioners. Providing a nature play area would be a great addition to Spooner Park and benefit the overall health and happiness of the community, especially the youth. Many ideas have been talked about for the wooded area in the northwest corner of the park that includes, but is not limited to, trails, picnic areas, nature play, and a parking lot. A nature play area does not need to be a permanent location in case the desired use of that area changes, Staff identified an area that was close to the existing playground as a proposed location (see picture). This location is about 50-80 feet in length (approximately .1 acres) and would be within sight of the existing trail and playground. This project is in the concept planning stage and Staff will have a presentation at the meeting which has three different levels of designs, ranging from low to high. Staff welcomes feedback and will work toward an eventual design for Spring 2021. This is an exciting park project which could lead to future recreational opportunities such as trails, youth programming, and additional