HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-08-2009Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
Agenda
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
5:30 p.m.
Auburn Senior Activity Center, Rotary Room
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Mike Hassan. Those members present in addition to Mr.
Hassen were Richard Artura, Laura Higdon, and Vicki Gilthvedt. Greg Dobbs, John Webley, and Julie
Parascondola 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 November meeting were approved as distributed.
III. Committee Member Input
None
IV. Correspondence/Public Input
None
V. Old Business
A. Jacobsen Tree Farm Property
Two public meetings were held with the architects for citizen input in the development of a
masterplan for this property. The second meeting included a conceptual drawing of the property
using the ideas from the first meeting, and incorporating the architect's interest in keeping the
integrity of the tree farm as they plan the property. Components of the park currently show two
athletic fields, and features of a neighborhood park - a maze, pond, arboretum and open areas -
where families could picnic and kids could play and enjoy the outdoors. A cabin, representative
of the one owned and enjoyed by the Jacobsen family, is on the property and would make a
great spot for group picnics. Parking was an issue with the neighbors and the drawing included
150 interior parking spaces. The architects' concept is to keep the integrity of the tree farm.
Members of the Jacobsen family were present at both meetings and expressed their approval of
the site plan.
While there is currently no money available to build, we will be looking for grant monies and
other opportunities to make this a reality. The consultant is also completing the initial phase of
work on a multi-purpose trail under the BPA lines on Lea Hill. This trail begins near SE 288th
AUBURN* MOItE THAN YOU IMAGINED
Street on the east and moves across Lea Hill westerly passing next to the Jacobsen property on
its way to the Auburn Golf Course. The trail would connect to the future Auburndale II Park and
several other properties to provide pedestrian/bike opportunities to the people on Lea Hill. We
are hoping to get this leg done with the park project. If completed, this project would move Lea
Hill into a park standard comparative to the rest of Auburn. Because the roads have little area
for walkers and bikers in the area, it is felt that the park - if constructed - would become a
corridor by which students could reach the schools without walking on the roads.
VI. New Business
A. Barrier Free Playground at Les Gove
The City has received two grants toward the construction of the barrier free playground, and the
committee and staff are continuing with fund raising to accomplish this project. Design
components and the landscaping of the area have changed several times as new play equipment
is selected or changes are made to the overall concept. The components are now dictating the
design and construction is estimated to start in the spring. This playground will allow children of
all abilities the capability to play side by side. Surfaces and equipment are designed to allow
access to children in wheel chairs as well as children with no access problems. The designs and
workings of some of the components allow one child to help another play. We have received
two grants for this park, and have applications into several other agencies for additional money.
The design of the playground fills the area across from the library and northeast of the spray
park. Some of the equipment has been ordered and has driven the design of that part of the
park. Other elements of the design include play equipment designed for children and toddler;
elements including music/talk, sensory, sight, smell, taste and touch. It is hoped that the
playground will be open for KidsDay in June.
B. Lea Hill Park Property Transfer
Green River Community College approached the City about trading some property they own for
Lea Hill Park. Over the years, not everyone realized that the City owned the park as it abuts the
college campus, and they are doing some expansion of the campus and wanted that piece. The
City was not interested in simply adding undeveloped property in exchange for an existing park.
An agreement was made in which the City could receive property and a sum of money with
which to develop a neighborhood park. We will work with the neighbors to get their input and
conceptual drawings will be presented to nearby residents.
VII. Department Report
VIII. Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
Approved this 2"d Day of February, 2010
Chair