7.-15.1. PRSR 06-11-1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

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• PROPOSAL Property owners of Hillside Estates 5th Edition are committed to working to find a plan that realizes the most appropriate use of the park area on the south side of the addition near 196th Avenue NW and its surrounding wetlands. We feel we bring to the board a good perspective on the potential uses of this park and would like to present the following: The section of park behind the cul-de-sac on 196th Avenue NW has a small,upward sloping, irregular shape that would make it difficult to accommodate any organized recreational sports (such as baseball). Residents of the area are concerned that the wonderful ecosystem that is present could be damaged if this part of the park is developed into an urban playground area. Maintaining the natural beauty of this area in such a way that the park could be enjoyed as an outdoor laboratory where people of all ages could walk trails and observe the dozens of varieties of animal and bird species along with the incredible diversity of plant life would be an appropriate use of this part of the park. Nature trails could have plants and trees identified and tagged to provide an educational setting at a low cost. Area school students could use the area to directly learn about conservation and biology. A list of the many different species of animals, amphibians and birds that have been seen in the area this spring is attached. Leaving this area an open green space with bike and hiking trails would allow residents to have a naturally beautiful park to congregate on in an area where trees and open expanses of • grass are quickly disappearing. This open green space would also allow area residents to have a space where they could play informal games of football, soccer, or Frisbee. This type of activity is compatible with the surrounding environment and would have the smallest impact on the two surrounding wetland areas. As of May 23rd Lot#3 on the plat map of Hillside Estates 5th addition had not been sold. The flat area behind this lot is away from most of the nature preserve and is in an open area that has already been bulldozed and the trees and brush cleared away. This area would be appropriate for playground and recreational equipment because it is in an area where the plant and animal ecosystem would be far less impacted by recreational activity. If the decision to develop this part of the park could be made now, potential buyers of Lot#3 would know what they are getting and would be able to make an informed decision whether or not they would like to live there. This dual use of the park area would utilize both its natural beauty and at the same time give area residents a recreational outlet by keeping the one end of the park natural while finishing the end that has been cleared for development already. As rapidly as public wild areas are being eaten up by urban renewal,it is our responsibility to use the utmost care when planning the use of these areas. We feel this is a plan that has a balanced perspective and is a win-win scenario for all parties concerned. • Thank you for your consideration.