Parks and Recreation Board Meeting 5.21.24

Detailed briefing

Parks and Recreation Board — May 21, 2024 ATTENDEES: Roll call recorded Pat Reese, Kim Mulder, Sharon Blaine, Agnes Haas, Judy Melky, and a member whose name was transcribed as “Dickie Worthout.” Rachel participated in the meeting, and Sophia was recognized as a student attendee. • The board approved the previous meeting’s minutes after noting that the prior meeting began at 5 p.m., not the time listed in the draft. No public comments were received. • A beach playground ribbon cutting was set for June 22 from noon to 1 p.m., coordinated with the farmers market’s kids’ day. The board favored a simple event involving ice cream or coupons. Staff will contact local ice cream businesses and invite project donors, who will be asked whether they want to participate in cutting the ribbon. • The board discussed holding the skate park ribbon cutting from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday the 26th; the transcript does not state the month. Plans included hot dogs, drinks, music, donor and community invitations, publicity through local media and newsletters, and possible historical displays. Staff estimated attendance could exceed 100 people. • Kiwanis Park was designated the board’s top planning priority because donated funds must be spent by December 2026. Members prioritized a city sewer connection, restrooms, and building improvements. Playground expansion would follow if funds remain. An ice rink was moved to low priority because of cost, staffing, maintenance, and limited space. • Staff will pursue an architect through a request-for-proposals process and organize summer public workshops at different times of day, potentially at Kiwanis Park. The board wants public input before finalizing plans and will use existing survey information as well. • The parks survey had received 122 responses. Early results showed the strongest visitation at Zorn Park Beach, Kiwanis Park, Marina Park, and Zoll Street. The board discussed continuing the survey through at least June, possibly through July, and expanding outreach through print, websites, social media, partners, QR codes, and tax mailings. • At Harborview Park, the board supported replacing some of the more than 15 removed trees. The initial phase will focus on several shade trees and lilacs. Larger plans for a walking loop, pavilion, or additional pickleball courts were postponed while Kiwanis Park is underway. Worth watching: 1. Whether Kiwanis Park’s architect procurement and public workshops begin quickly enough to meet the December 2026 spending deadline. 2. Whether the board extends the survey through July and broadens participation among seasonal residents. 3. Whether hydroseeding and other skate park site work are completed before the ribbon cutting. Upcoming: Annual plantings were announced for May 22; the next board meeting is June 18; the beach playground ribbon cutting is June 22. Why it matters: The board is moving from major park construction toward public input and choices about how to spend limited funds on Kiwanis Park.

No open public follow-ups are linked to this meeting yet.