HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-04-2009
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Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
Minutes .
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
5:30 p.m.
Auburn Senior Activity Center, Rotary Room
I. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by acting Chair Vicki Gilthvedt. Those Board members
present in addition to Dr. Gilthvedt were Julie Parascondola, Richard Artura, Greg
Dobbs, Mike Hassen, and Laura Higdon. John Webley and Teen Liaison Jennifer Matson
were absent. Department staff members present were Parks, Arts and Recreation
Director Daryl Faber, Planning and Development Manager Bob Wuotila, and Department
Secretary Ann Fuqua.
II. Minutes
The minutes of the June meeting were accepted with the addition of guest Giovani
Parascondola, who also attended the park tour that day. The July meeting was
cancelled.
III. Committee Member Input
Dr. Gilthvedt said that she had been questioned about the lack of handicapped parking
at Game Farm Wilderness Park; some people had made reservations at the main rental
picnic shelter and thought that handicapped parking was very limited. Mr. Faber said
that he would look into the parking area and see what is possible.
IV. Correspondence/Public Input
V. Old Business
A. Lea Hill Park Update
Lea Hill Park is a piece of property that is near Green River Community College
and is often mistaken as part of the college campus. Over the past few months,
we have had discussions with the college about trading properties that would
give us property that could be included in the trail system and allow them to
incorporate the park properry into the campus. There are encumbrances on the
park as it must remain park property or be replaced by property to be used as a
park. It appears that this trade is not going to take place; GRCC has decided to
build on their property and we will retain Lea Hill Park.
B. Boundless Playground Update
Cildren with disabilities are often left to sit and watch able-bodied friends and
siblings play at playgrounds. The City has an active group of people who are
interested in building a new barrier-free playground in Les Gove Park that will be
accessible to all people, regardless of any disabilities. Playgrounds like this
feature pathways and surfacing that is accessible; play structures configured for
all levels of development; ramps, bridges and transfer stations; elevated
structures and interactive walls, etc. where access is available to all development
abilities; and swings and bouncers with back support, to name a few. Bob
Wuotila is involved in the design of this area, and proposed amenities besides
play equipment include a sensory garden which will address touch, scent, sight
and taste. Areas of play will be geared toward those two to five years old, and
another section for five to twelve year old participants.
A lot of research is going into the design and play equipment to enable people of
all abilities a barrier-free playground experience. We have a grant for part of the
costs associated with this project, and committee members are currently making
contacts and fund raising to help with construction costs. King County Housing
received a grant for up-grading the low income housing east of Les Gove Park,
and as they have a recreation requirement associated with their remodel, they
may be able to help with the playground, which will be used by residents from
their development.
VI. New Business
A. Playful City Recognition
We recently applied for and received word that Auburn was named a`'KaBoom
2009 Playful City USA", which recognizes cities for offering plays to their
community. Ninety-three cities in 33 states have received this designation. The
designation is beneficial when applying for grants, another manner in which to
increase our chances for funding.
VII. Department Report
Signs are going up at our parks stressing good sportsmanship to our participants and
their parents. These signs, and those requesting no tobacco use at the fields, are
funded through grants from King County Health.
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VIII. Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
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Approved this day of September, 2009
Acting Chair
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Ann Fuqua, Secret
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