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STAFF REPORT <br />TO:Parks & Recreation Commission <br />FROM:Bryce Shearen, Parks & Recreation/Community Services Manager <br />DATE:May 6, 2021 <br />RE:Spooner Park Nature Play <br />ACTION TO BE CONSIDERED: <br />None. <br />BACKGROUND: <br />Staff has been working on removing the larger buckthorn, deadfall, and other smaller trees that <br />may pose a danger. Staff will be going in and grinding a bunch of the small stumps and branches <br />in the area. This work was originally scheduled for the week of April 26, but due to inclement <br />weather, it was postponed a week. <br />Once the branches and small stumps have been removed staff will be creating the small nature <br />play area in the area that was described at the February Parks and Recreation Commission <br />meeting. Following the direction of the Commission, the nature play area will consist of logs, <br />tree cookies, sticks, and some larger boulders. The area intends to invite children/families into <br />the natural space and allow them to explore, create, and connect with nature. <br />Commissioner Hipp provided staff with pictures and examples of local nature play areas to give <br />staff some creative examples of what to provide. The link can be made available to other <br />Commissioners if they would like to provide additional examples that can be shared. <br />Once the area has been created, a sign will be created and installed with a short explanation of <br />the activities and inviting children to the area. As you may recall, the initial intent was to create <br />a small defined space but allow for further exploration if people may choose. <br />Additionally, once the area has been cleaned up a little more, this will allow for additional <br />defined paths and the possibility of a few picnic tables or other more natural seating areas for the <br />park users to enjoy. <br />The maintenance staff is excited to continue to work on this project and see how it evolves over <br />time.