06-01-06 Parks Commission Minutes

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MINUTES Parks & Recreation Commission June 1, 2006 Tom Wenzel of 164 Lake Street commented that the natural creek that used to cross his property to enter Savage Lake was removed. He supports previous comments and was concerned where the money would come from to fund this project. He indicated that the current users of the park include parents who bring their young children to play and juveniles. He felt that the observation deck would not draw additional people from other areas to the park so the deck would get minimal use. He indicated that the wetland area is actually more like a storm water pond. Currently, the area is full of sediment. He commented that the city does not maintain the wetland that is present. He further stated that the city conducts street sweeping operations late in the season and this adds to the problem. When spring rain falls, sand on the streets runs off into the wetland and into Savage Lake. He felt that city crews should use less sand on the streets and stated there was no reason to use so much sand in this area. The sand negatively impacts water quality. Wenzel also felt that trash is a huge issue in this park. Residents are constantly having to pick up litter. Feickert asked if the Nadeau family made any stipulations on use of the land when they gave it to the city. He stated that he was a good friend of Roy Nadeau and he knew that Roy intended the park to be for little children. Sanders felt the Nadeaus wanted the land used for a small neighborhood park, but gave no other direction to his knowledge. Cameron Oyen of 2598 Lakeshore Avenue stated that he is against this project due to potential increases in traffic. He felt that people would use the park for wrong purposes. He was also concerned about litter in the area and felt this park needs additional maintenance. Trudy Schroeder of 128 Lake Street stated that this park has been a gem for small children. However, she feared the safety concerns that providing access to the wetland would present. She urged the Commission to do more for the little ones. She stated that yesterday, juveniles in the park smashed two turtles. She doesn't want to attract more juveniles to this park. She indicated that she has had to call the police several times on incidents happening in the park. She strongly favored using money to improve the park for use by small children. Denise Goiffon of 127 Lake Street stated that she was against this project because it would definitely bring trouble into the area. Mans indicated that the Director received a call earlier this week from Mr. Rawlings of 127 Rose Place East who indicated that he could not attend the meeting, but wanted his comments on this project known. Rawlings stated that he was against the project because he felt it was not necessary. Steinert commented that he understands the concerns of the area and these concerns are shared by other residents abutting parks. He stated that the Commission wanted to do something nice for area residents. Their intention was not to create a juvenile hangout. Feickert suggested placing an observation deck off of Demont and Jackson where there are no homes. Mans stated that a deck in this area is a possibility, but the Lake Street location was desired due to its closeness to the children's play area and on-street parking. There were no further comments from the general public. Page 3 of 5