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Park &Recreation Commission Minutes <br />February 12, 2003 <br />Page 2 <br />owns land for onlythe Highlands East portion of the park land.. Land for the West portion <br />of the park will not be deeded to the Gty until the developer's final plat is approved for <br />Hillside 8th. Ms. McPherson stated that a concept plan was created and approved in 1998 at <br />which rime the City received a petition from residents of the Hillside neighborhood in <br />opposition to the proposed park. At the January 2003 Park and Recreation meeting, the <br />Commission received a new petition in favor of a park in the area. Ms. McPherson explained <br />that no plan is set in stone and that the Comnvssion would like to collect input from the <br />residents as to what they would like to see for a park <br />stair Peterson opened the public hearing. <br />Leesa Gilliam, 11018 196 Avenue NW- stated that she was part of the 1998 petition in <br />opposition to the park plan that was proposed for the east site. Ms. Gilliam stated that she <br />would like to see the site remain somewhat natural so as to not disturb the wildlife in the <br />area. She also has concerns about the large pond on the site and about the lack of parking <br />areas for amenities such as a basketball court or playground. Ms. Gilliam would be in favor <br />of trails and. possible picnic areas. <br />The Commission was asked what type of pazking is normally provided for parks. Ms. <br />McPherson stated that normallythe Caty does not plan for parking azeas in neighborhood <br />parks because the streets are normally wide enough to handle light parking. It was also stated <br />that this type of neighborhood park is not meant to be used by everyone in the City, it is <br />meant to be used bythe neighborhood; therefore, most of the traffic should be walking and <br />biking to the park <br />Paul Craven, 11042 196 Avenue NW -stated that he has issues about the safety and <br />security of the park He stated that the park on the east side would not be visible from the <br />road and he is concerned about the crime that could take place. He believes that the <br />residents who live neaz the park would be the ones who would end up policing the area. He <br />is in favor of the trails but is opposed to having playground equipment on the east side; he <br />believes the playground equipment would be best suited on the west side. <br />Kathy Straus, 11204195 Avenue NW -stated that she is in favor of having playground <br />equipment for a park She doesn't believe that parking would be an issue because she <br />believes people would walk to the park She doesn't have a preference if the park goes in on <br />the east or west side but she would like to see something done soon. <br />Chair Peterson stated that the Commission will work with the residents to get a park that can <br />please the majority of neighbors. Chair Peterson informed the residents present that he <br />would like to see them work together to compromise on a park plan. <br />Coxntnissioner Kuester stated that he was present when the 1998 petition was presented and <br />he believes this proposed park plan is a compromise of the plans and input that was <br />submitted at that time. <br />Cluis Haugen, 19366 Auburn Street NW -stated that he was in favor of a park in 1998 <br />and he is in favor of a park now. He explained that the neighborhood already has traffic <br />concerns that have been addressed and he would not like to see more traffic added. Mr. <br />Haugen stated that he would like to see playground equipment but he believes that it should <br />