Parks and Recreation Board 8.15.23

Detailed briefing

Parks and Recreation Board — August 15, 2023 ATTENDEES: Bridget Swarthout, Aaron Stradonnelly, John Cook, Jen Mulder, Scott Reese, Alvin Michael. • The board reviewed Evergreen Skateparks’ proposed replacement skatepark: about 11,000 square feet, with a circular flow route, street and flow features, a beginner-to-intermediate bowl, and a central green area. Evergreen said the design is larger than a comparable Vernon Hills park but smaller than the existing court footprint referenced in discussion. The company expects to arrive August 21; construction is estimated at six to eight weeks, weather permitting. • Members raised concerns about whether the skatepark could feel too large or tight near the road, the planned Wheelway, and a utility pole. Staff and the contractor said final field measurements could result in small adjustments, including moving the bowl a few feet if needed. The contractor said most high points would be about two feet above existing ground, with limited areas near three feet. Landscaping, future paving near the building, drainage coordination, and possible future lighting remain follow-through items. • Staff said the skatepark design would go to City Council the following Monday, providing another public-comment opportunity. The skatepark could be opened once construction is complete, although the city could choose to keep it closed while other finishing work is done. Evergreen plans to use orange snow fencing to mark the construction area. • At Marina Park, members favored holding off on major changes until the Harbor Master Building plan is final. They supported requesting two trees near the Commerce Building through the Tree Board, while noting event space must remain usable. Members also identified worn cornhole boards, a flooded game box, trash capacity, umbrellas, and a future safer pedestrian connection to downtown as concerns. • City Beach discussion covered the out-of-service drinking fountain, conflicting dog-rule signage, fencing near the rocks, additional bike racks, weeds along the picket fence, recycling, benches near the new playground, and safety around the road. Staff will check on the fountain, signs, and recycling; a member said possible use of leftover boardwalk cable for railings could be explored as a winter project. • The Zorn Playground donor agreement had a response deadline of August 21 at 4:30 p.m. Staff said approval would allow equipment ordering; otherwise, staff may submit it as a CIP project. Fall Fest was set for October 7, with volunteer and vendor planning underway. Worth watching: • Whether City Council or site measurements require changes to the skatepark layout. • The outcome of the Zorn Playground donor agreement. • Whether Marina Park and City Beach maintenance items receive funding and scheduling. Upcoming: Evergreen Skateparks is scheduled to arrive August 21; Fall Fest is planned for October 7; DNR grant decisions were expected in October and December. Why it matters: The board is advancing major recreation projects while balancing public access, maintenance needs, safety, and waterfront park character.

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