Parks and Recreation Board 9.20.22

Detailed briefing

Parks and Recreation Board — September 20, 2022 • The board approved the Parks and Recreation Master Plan as presented, moving it forward while the plan remains in its 30-day review period. Staff said the next steps would be a City Council public hearing and possible adoption, followed by submission to DNR and county planning and parks contacts. • The proposed Zorn Park playground dominated the meeting. Staff said City Council had not made a final decision and sent the issue back for Parks Board discussion. Planning Commission had tabled the proposal for more detailed visuals and was expected to take it up October 20. • Board and staff discussed changes intended to reduce the playground’s impact: removing mulch around a nearby tree, reducing the footprint, revising the sidewalk connection, removing spinner components, and considering whether a spring component could be placed in the sand. The visual shown was described as preliminary and larger than the desired final layout. • Multiple residents objected to the proposed location, citing concerns about loss of open lawn and shade, accessibility of the equipment, infrastructure, project costs, alternatives on the east side of the park, and public notice. Board members said they had considered other locations and cited drainage infrastructure, memorial uses, grading, and street-safety concerns. No final playground siting decision was made in this meeting. • The board reviewed its capital-improvement plan. Discussion included delaying the bike-path tunnel project to at least 2024, grouping Kiwanis winter-recreation items, retaining Ford Park window replacement in 2023, keeping boardwalk replacement in 2024, and removing a city dog-park project from the list while exploring a possible Viewlands partnership. • Fall Fest planning was reported as largely underway. Signs, banners, straw bales, corn stalks and pumpkins were being arranged; apples were donated; a fire truck, antique tractor and scarecrow photo opportunity were planned. The board still needed volunteers. Worth watching: • Whether revised Zorn Park playground visuals materially reduce the proposed footprint and address public concerns. • Whether staff provides the requested comparison of site options, pros and cons, and supporting information from event groups. • Whether City Council adopts the master plan after its public-hearing process. Upcoming: The board planned to meet October 18 before the expected October 20 Planning Commission review of the playground proposal. Why it matters: The playground debate will shape how a prominent waterfront park balances family recreation, open space, memorial uses and public participation.

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