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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-04-2009 , . ~ 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. Aj,,,j$jJRN *MORE THAN YOU IMAGINED VIII. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m. ~ Approved this day of September, 2009 Acting Chair ~2, ~c Ann Fuqua, Secret AjJ$j„JRN *MORE THAN YOU IMAGlNED