Parks and Recreation Board 11.14.23

Detailed briefing

Parks and Recreation Board — November 14, 2023 ATTENDEES: Richard Swarthout, Stan Stahl, Jen Mulder, Scott Reese, and Hal Clark were present; Sarah Pops was absent. • The board discussed Shea Park vegetation management after a neighborhood representative described years of privately funded tree trimming intended to preserve views while protecting canopy, erosion control, and native vegetation. Trimming has continued on one side of a FEMA drain, while a city-owned area on the other side has not been trimmed under an earlier neighbor agreement. • Members agreed staff should move forward with fact-finding on a possible city-led process for Shea Park. The board said the focus should be the park’s function and public view, not private views. Staff will seek guidance from Victor and possibly the Tree Board on best practices, public-comment requirements, and how the vegetation-management limit applies. No trimming plan or timeline was approved. • The board voted to support taking a proposal to City Council to eliminate the skate park usage fee. Staff said the completed concrete skate park will not need regular staffing, is no longer enclosed by a fence, and the cost of staff to collect fees would exceed expected revenue. Staff also said most outdoor skate parks reviewed are free to use. • Skate park follow-up includes rules signs, DPW basic maintenance, and consideration of a first-aid kit, equipment-rental system, cameras or other security measures, parking guidance, and future lighting. A small pizza gathering was discussed for Saturday at noon, with a larger dedication anticipated in the spring. • The boardwalk fundraiser at the Pier was moved to December 15. Tickets are $100, with $50 directed to the boardwalk, and the Stevens are providing a $25,000 match. Silent-auction donations are being collected. A commenter questioned the need for the eastern boardwalk portion and asked about the easement if it is not rebuilt; staff said those decisions rest with City Council. • Staff reported the county agreed to the wheelway easement for extending the Little Traverse Wheelway. Passport Grant and Fed Fund Grant decisions remain pending. Dale Scott of Farming for Our Future is expected at the December meeting to discuss potential community-garden funding and process. Worth watching: • Whether staff returns with a Shea Park process that addresses public views, neighbor input, vegetation limits, and possible trail or wheelway work. • City Council’s response to the proposed elimination of skate park fees. • Fundraising progress and future Council discussion on the eastern boardwalk segment. Upcoming: Boardwalk fundraiser December 15; Marina Park perennial cutback Friday at 10 a.m.; community-garden discussion expected at the December meeting. Why it matters: The board’s actions could expand free access to the skate park while shaping future stewardship, access, and fundraising priorities for city park assets.

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