02-12-2003 PR MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Park & Recreation Commission Minutes February 12, 2003 Page 2 e owns land for only the Highlands East portion of the park land.. Land for the West portion of the park will not be deeded to the City until the developer's final plat is approved for Hillside 8th. Ms. McPherson stated that a concept plan was created and approved in 1998 at which time the City received a petition from residents of the Hillside neighborhood in opposition to the proposed park. At the January 2003 Park and Recreation meeting, the Commission received a new petition in favor of a park in the area. Ms. McPherson explained that no plan is set in stone and that the Commission would like to collect input from the residents as to what they would like to see for a park. Chair Peterson opened the public hearing. Leesa Gilliam, 11018196th Avenue NW- stated that she was part of the 1998 petition in opposition to the park plan that was proposed for the east site. Ms. Gilliam stated that she would like to see the site remain somewhat natural so as to not disturb the wildlife in the area. She also has concerns about the large pond on the site and about the lack of parking areas for amenities such as a basketball court or playground. Ms. Gilliam would be in favor of trails and possible picnic areas. e The Commission was asked what type of parking is normally provided for parks. Ms. McPherson stated that normally the City does not plan for parking areas in neighborhood parks because the streets are normally wide enough to handle light parking. It was also stated that this type of neighborhood park is not meant to be used by everyone in the City, it is meant to be used by the neighborhood; therefore, most of the traffic should be walking and biking to the park. Paul Craven, 11042 196th Avenue NW - stated that he has issues about the safety and security of the park. He stated that the park on the east side would not be visible from the road and he is concerned about the crime that could take place. He believes that the residents who live near the park would be the ones who would end up policing the area. He is in favor of the trails but is opposed to having playground equipment on the east side; he believes the playground equipment would be best suited on the west side. Kathy Straus, 11204 195th Avenue NW - stated that she is in favor of having playground equipment for a park. She doesn't believe that parking would be an issue because she believes people would walk to the park. She doesn't have a preference if the park goes in on the east or west side but she would like to see something done soon. Chair Peterson stated that the Commission will work with the residents to get a park that can please the majority of neighbors. Chair Peterson informed the residents present that he would like to see them work together to compromise on a park plan. Commissioner Kuester stated that he was present when the 1998 petition was presented and he believes this proposed park plan is a compromise of the plans and input that was submitted at that time. e Chris Haugen, 19366 Auburn Street NW - stated that he was in favor of a park in 1998 and he is in favor of a park now. He explained that the neighborhood already has traffic concerns that have been addressed and he would not like to see more traffic added. Mr. Haugen stated that he would like to see playground equipment but he believes that it should