4.0 PRMIN 07-12-2023 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Page 4 July 12, 2023 commission that this is a good opportunity, and it is agreeable to have the funds be used for site improvements. Chair Williams spoke with Mr. Hickman and staff about this and the only concern he had, that was not stated in the staff report, is if the money coming into the Youth Athletic Complex needs to stay with YAC and not be included in the Parks and Recreation budget. The Commission agrees to move forward. 7.2 Park System Playground Replacements Mr. Hecker presented the staff report. There are many capital playground replacements to be done between 2024 and 2028. Fresno Park, scheduled for replacement in 2028, looks to be in the most need of replacement according to our certified playground inspectors on our Parks Maintenance staff. The basketball court was removed from Fresno Park so the courts could be upgraded at Country Crossings Park. Mississippi Oaks Park is scheduled for replacement in 2027. Country Crossings Park is scheduled for replacement in 2025. Riverplace Park is scheduled for replacement in 2026. Highlands Park is scheduled for replacement and has unique features that are not in other parks. Mr. Hecker asked if the commission has a desire to replace all the playgrounds or combine some. Chair Williams shared one of the things discussed at the Fields Master Planning meeting was an idea of condensing things into certain areas, such as one park will have basketball court, one will have a playground, etc. Commissioner Niziolek shared we should determine number of users at each playground with a survey and have it done before the commission has this conversation. That will guide us to make a sound decision for the community. Commissioner Anderson thinks there should be a work session with maintenance staff to make an informed decision. Mr. Hecker said we should kick off the Park Improvement Fund and Park Dedication Fund discussions at an upcoming meeting. Commissioner Niziolek shared we should investigate the status of the park property to see if it can be sold if we remove the playground. He does not suggest removing any parks, but it would be good to know if it is possible to sell the land. Chair Williams stated if the land was park dedication it is nearly impossible to sell it. Councilmember Beyer thinks it is a great idea to do a survey. He asked if staff could give a written observation of every piece of equipment. Mr. Hecker confirmed they can and shared that we have two certified playground inspectors.