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01/29/2008 00 Agenda and Packet
Yakima City Council Agenda 129 N. 2nd Street,Yakima,WA. 98901 Phone: (509) 575-6000 • Fax (509) 576-6614 Email ccouncil@ci.yakima.wa.us • www.ci.yakima.wa.us David Edler, Mayor Micah Cawley, Assistant Mayor Kathy Coffey Rick Ensey Norm Johnson ' Bill Lover Neil McClure City Manager Richard A. Zais, Jr. Anyone wishing to address the Council, please fill out the form found on the tables and give it to the City Clerk ADJOURNED MEETING / STUDY SESSION JANUARY 29, 2008 800-930A.M COUNCIL CHAMBERS - YAKIMA CITY HALL 1 Roll Cali 2 Discussion with Parks and Recreation Commission concerning future City of Yakima Parks and Recreation activities 3 Audience comments (9 15 a m — 9 30 a m) 4 Adjournment The mission of the City ofYakima is to: focus on preserving and improving public safety, promote a regional approach to services, act as a catalyst for economic development; and, build a positive image of the community Yakima *M.nnaro 1994 • Memorandum January 25, 2008 To: Honorable Mayor, Members of City Council and City Manager From. Chris Waarvick, Pubhc Works Director Denise Nichols, Parks and Recreation Manager Subject: Study Session Materials for January 29, 2008 meeting between the Parks Commission and City Council City Council and the Parks Commission have an opportunity during this Study Session to discuss a series of important topics critical to the future of Parks and Recreation activities in the city of Yakima. Attached are relevant source and informational materials pertinent to each of the topics. No decisions are required or expected of Council at this time; however, the discussion that ensues during the. Study Session will be important to creating solutions and direction over the next series of months for Parks and Recreation. • • • Study Session Meeting for the Yakima City Council and the Yakima Parks and Recreation Commission 0 Tuesday, January 29, 2008 City Council Chambers, City Hall 129 North 2nd Street Yakima • AGENDA • I. Introduction of Commissioners to the City Council H. Quality of Life a. The Value of Parks and Recreation to the Citizen b Sustainability and Improvement of Current Service Levels c. Critical/Sensitive Issues III. Kiwanis Planning and Development IV Transitions and Future Leadership V For the Good of the Order VI. Adjournment • • • Supplemental Material o I. Introduction of Commissioners to the City Council Yakima Parks and Recreation Commission Names and Addresses II. Quality of Life October 24, 2007, Council Budget Committee Review Excerpts Cost Recovery in Public Parks and Recreation Aquatic Center Feasibility Study Update September 3, 2007, Fisher Golf Course Report III. Kiwanis Park Planning and Development January 21, 2008, Letter to Council from Community Service Groups August 14, 2007, Kiwanis Park Study Session Informational Packet Kiwanis Park Development History Kiwanis Park Incinerator Informational Packet Kiwanis Park Pond Informational Packet IV Transitions and Future Leadership Parks and Recreation 2007/2008 Accomplishments and Projects • I. Introduction of Commissioners to the City Council Yakima Parks and Recreation Commission Names and Addresses • • • • • YAKIMA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Robert (Bob) Busse, Commission Chairman Ongmally appointed 1981 Current term expires June 30, 2008 Mailing Address 4705 Scenic Drive Yakima WA 98908 e-mail. patbusse@prodigy.net Home Phone 966-6428 Maureen Adkison Ongmally appointed 2007 Current term expires June 30, 2008 Mailing Address 806 Crest Dnve Yakima WA 98908 e-mail. Jmadkison@yahoo com Home Phone 965-2975 Rod Bryant Originally appointed 2000 Current term expires June 30, 2009 Mailing Address 4907 Prestige Place Home Phone 966-6650 Yakima WA 98908 Work Phone 469-3738 e-mail. bryant.rod@yakimaschools.org Tom Hinman Originally appointed 2006 Current term expires June 30, 2009 Mailing Address 910 S 50th Avenue Yakima WA 98908 e-mail. tom@mvvak.com Home Phone 965-5354 Work Phone- 248-9360 Cell Phone 949-4913 Sam Karr Ongmally appointed 2007 Current term expires June 30, 2011 Mailing Address 5204 Cascade Dnve Home Phone 966-5903 Yakima WA 98908 Work Phone 575-1313 sksells@msn.com Cell Phone 945-0027 Michael (Mike) Nixon Ongmally appointed 1981 Current term expires June 30, 2009 Mailing Address 100 N 60th Avenue #19 Home Phone 966-4490 Yakima WA 98908-3021 Work Phone. 453-8077 e-mail. yakhab@charter.net Fax: 453-8190 Paul H. Williams Ongmally appointed 2007 Current term expires June 30, 2011 Mailing Address 5 North 39th Avenue Home Phone 965-3234 Yakima WA 98902 Work Phone. 834-6611 e-mail. pwilhams@cbblawfirm.com Revised January 24, 2008 • II. Quality of Life October 24, 2007, Council Budget Committee Review Excerpts Cost Recovery in Parks and Recreation Aquatic Center Feasibility Study Update September 3, 2007, Fisher Golf Course Report • • • • • Council Budget Committee Review October 4, 2007 • • • = -*Po Youth•-• ,Adurti4 . 2007 udget =$1,446,230 Cost recovery = $17,911 or 1% Visits/year = unlimited 2 3,41,t, liRt5.4V-APSZ12 '"- Cost recovery = $89000 or 8 % Visits/year = 4,200 communityLEven • • • • • • ax;51-14',Ar-Xgri.r-71-' Comrunity Events '17r; YLY.W&: ParkC. tau wan 1. pent 2007 Budget = $156,716 Cost recovery = $90,678 or 58 % Visits/year = 17,250 2007 Budget = $550,396 Cost recovery = $386,618 or 65 % Visits/year = 107,500 .%,..f,t1/44,11eltA'all,st. 20 7 Bud cip et $399,900 Cost recovery = $279,361 or 70 % • • • • - 2007 Budget = $208,059 omitiundy,Zvents; $41.0ty. Facility 'Maintenance Visits /year = 39,500 2007 Budget = $513,314 Cost recovery = $116,140 or 56 % Cost recovery = $213,485 or 42 % AA.44; Tfr fl, ,„ ,-ti• -1.-! -4 ,:,' ''''' -i, ..!,..1,; , ,•,..- .4, ..,,,,-, ‘4.:tq riT-107 Cost Recovery To what extent should user fees cover operational costs? Value versus Benefit • • • <; ost ecoveiy in Pudic Parks an r Recreation by Chris Dropinski, CPRP Defining Cost Recovery Any way you look at it, cost recovery is a complex subject. Essentially, it represents a parks and recreation department's decision to generate revenues by charging fees for some, or all, of its programs and services, in order to offset the expenses of providing those services Cost recovery does not imply that the target is total -cost recovery; .an agency establishes the target according to a variety of considerations, from 0 percent to more than 100 percent of direct costs Among the challenges to cost recovery is explaining and justifying the fees to local government policy -makers and to members of the community Two other challenges are assessing appropriate fees and identifying the "right" target. Cost recovery through fees and charges means that the cost of the program is not being born completely by the tax resource, and that individuals taking 'advantage of that particular service or opportunity pay for at least a portion of it. The public is demanding specific programs, cost -recovery is the means by which parks and recreation can meet that demand, said Laura'Barron, superintendent of recreation for the Lisle Park District in Illinois "We changed our philosophy in this competitive marketplace to offer more to a more sophisticated resident," Barron said "It has been a matter of balance " Why It Is Important Cost recovery is important for a variety of reasons, among them is the agency's responsibility to use its budget wisely, points out Daniel Betts, deputy manager of Recreation and Facility Services for the Denver Department of Parks and Recreation Agencies are simultaneously accountable for maintaining a functional, sustainable system that attracts the overall community and one that also responds to the interests of the individuals Park and recreation professionals have a broad mission to provide opportunities and services that will improve the quality of their residents' lives Revenues have an obvious impact on their ability to do this "In city government, we're not in business to generate a profit, we're only in business to be more efficient with the limited resources we have and to be equitable with our programs, structures and fees," Betts said "The balance is not giving it away, but also making [our services] attractive so that folks want to come and play with us " 7n One philosophy holds that there should be a relationship between the way tax revenues are spent and the extent to which the community as a. whole benefits from the resulting opportunity If some individuals receive greater benefit from a specialized program or service, the opportunity exists to charge them for part, or a bulk of, the operational costs In this manner, residents' collective taxes do not bear the full costs of all programs Tax dollars can be applied more specifically to broad community services, and specialized programs can be augmented by the residents who participate in them "We have a lot of different interests within the community," Barron said "For each, we look at the number of users and how we can accommodate those users We determine if a program's costs are based on a small group or if the program is something from which a large number of people can benefit." Controversy Public recreation programs were initiated in the United States primarily for social reasons and were supported by taxes Early programs were free, and there wasn't originally a thought about collecting money Some parks and recreation professionals do not agree that it is legitimate to charge for access to facilities/programs that serve the public. As Harvey Feldman noted, "I started in this business because parks and recreation was a public good " "I felt that we had a responsibility to provide at least a basic set of recreation services for all of our community members," said Feldman, former superintendent of administration for the Minneapolis Park and recreation board and director of the Recreation Facilities Management Institute at the University of Minnesota Feldman's concerns relate to community centers that are called enterprise -fund operations For example, he said, some groups convince local communities to build specialized recreation facilities with assurances that it will achieve full cost recovery "To me, cost recovery becomes an issue mainly when it comes to facilities like golf courses, ice arenas, and water parks " The city councils of some communities are telling their citizens that facilities of this nature will not use any tax dollars ultimately But in the Midwest and other parts of the country WRPA Today when the facilities are not able to generate the expected revenues, city officials are blaming the facilities' staff or recreation department, Feldman said "There are directors of parks and recreation, there are community directors and there are ice -arena managers being fired because the council and the mayor have suggested to the public that they'll have full cost recovery in these facilities," he said How Cost Recovery is Being Applied Effectively Reliable cost recovery analysis helps an agency make decisions and to discern if it is on track with its own goals and standards Analysis also provides the means by which it can recognize and respond to changes over time, in the community and the programs "In order for park districts to survive now, they have to adopt a cost recovery philosophy," Barron said "They need to be run as a government agency that does provide services, but more in a current business fashion the ways businesses operate today " This does not mean generating a "profit," but being accountable and maximizing their resources Resources are limited, and government departments have to justify their decisions, expenditures and fees Effective cost - recovery analysis builds credibility with stakeholders Denver uses its analysis to improve its programs and to explain its pricing, Betts said "[Our residents] get a better product, because we can invest more into it," he said "And cost -recovery analysis provides the details we need to inform the public and our key stakeholders why we price the way we do " When parks and recreation professionals want to add programs or services, they endeavor to assess value based on what the outcome is going to be People are trying to match the outcome with the input of resources. In order to know what that picture looks like, you have to understand dearly the costs and revenues Furthermore, by having a clear understanding of who is benefiting from a particular program, fees can be explained Being able to explain a pricing structure to community leaders, staff and the residents is empowering for parks and recreation professionals, it raises morale and confidence with both audiences People are willing to pay for a program when they understand where their tax dollars are going and why it takes a combination of both taxes and fees to offer the caliber of program they say that they want What Goes into Cost - Recovery Analysis? One way to develop a cost -benefit analysis model and pricing philosophy is to break services into various categories based on the balance of community benefit with individual benefit. The breakdown can be represented in a pyramid shape, because, based on the public parks and recreation mission, the greatest quantity of service goes to the community at large, with less service, comparatively, going t0 specialized programs. The foundation level of the model represents the mainstay of a public parks and recreation program Programs that serve smaller segments of the population are appropriate to higher levels of the model and should be offered only when the preceding levels are carried out well enough to provide a platform for the next level A pyramid structure that graphically represents cost -benefit and pricing having a foundation with upward progression can demonstrate both the public parks and recreation core mission and the maturity of the organization as it enhances its program and facility offerings It is important to remember that this approach provides perspectives for discussion and requires an agency to determine which programs and services belong on each level The latter is dependent on the agency's circumstances and history Cultural, regional, geographical and resource differences play a large role in this determination Each agency that applies this methodology will come up with unique results Among the figures that cost -recovery analysis will consider are the number of participants, fees, revenues, direct costs and, possibly, indirect costs It is challenging to count all expenses While some of the costs are obviously and solely associated with a program, the percentage of other costs stemming from a program are less easy to quantify Among the direct costs are the instructors hired to lead a program, the supplies and materials used only in that program and perhaps the room rented Direct costs are commonly counted and people try to recover all or part of those costs Indirect expenses, on the other hand which include the percentage of wages paid to the instructors' superior, who did the legwork to launch the new program, for example can be difficult to determine Some costs, such as the administrators' time, are split across several programs making them too difficult to delineate and measure by function or program, as a result, the sincere question for many institutions is "Do we invest the energy in calculating those costs?" In Belts' opinion, it is necessary to calculate the indirect costs "I made the decision to count as much as I can to show a more accurate picture of what our cost recovery actually is," he said "For all of our programs, we do a business cost -benefit analysis," Betts said "This gives us insight to assess current programs and to consider prospective programs " The Lisle Park District does program analysis each season, looking at how the fees and charges are affecting the programs' performance They use the information to make WRPA Today 21 • • changes to the fees, if necessary, so that they are recovering costs but not displacing the participants' opportunity to participate and to make decisions about keeping, eliminating or modifying their programs, Barron said Obstacles — Educating Decision -Makers In most cases, administrators understand the premise for considering, and possibly implementing, a cost -recovery philosophy However, local governments and staff throughout the organization may not grasp the justification and potential importance of the subject. In Betts's opinion, the biggest obstacle is "the political wheel, city government," which he attributes to a lack of education around the significance of cost recovery and poor communication with the upper ranks This makes the analysis of program costs, tax revenues and fee income important, he says "If you haven't done the analysis around where you are and where you want to be, it's hard to even have those conversations," Betts said The other big obstacle is determining the fees "Once you do the analysis it becomes easier to associate fees to what you do," he said Betts maintained that letting the abilities of low-income residents define fee amounts is the wrong approach and one that undermines the sustainability of the department. "It's really about pricing our programs to the 80 percent who can afford to pay and subsidizing those who can't," Betts said "Historically, the parks and recreation sector has directed fees for programs to the 20 percent of the community that can't afford to pay In this scenario, 80 percent get a great bargain and our cost recovery stays in the basement. "We're changing that focus and that's the right thing to do " It's not uncommon for a commJnity to set up scholarship programs for low-income families and individuals who can't afford to pay, making their access to parks and recreation programs less of a defining issue Feldman's experience has been that cities have a different view than a suburban or county parks and recreation departments, he said "We, the professional, have to look at those people that we need to serve but who are not able to pay," he said "Therefore, one size does not fit all in an urban recreation setting " • Obstacles — Educating Staff and the Public The staff interfaces directly with the residents Their clarity about the subject, conviction in its justification and buy -in to '9 the cost -recovery plan influences morale within the organization and understanding from the community Cost -recovery analysis allows the staff to recognize the needs of the organization as a whole, Barron said In order to survive, the individual programs depend on the health of the entire organism, they don't exist in a vacuum The vitality of the district is influenced by the overall organization's ability to satisfy community demand, distribute tax revenues equitably and provide specialized, high-quality services when they are justified by community participation "The staff needs to be educated," Barron said "When they see the big -picture, agency wide breakdowns, rather than individual program breakdowns, they understand the justification for cost recovery " One of the biggest dilemmas across the country is that people try to compare their programs and costs to those of other communities This stems from a perspective of "shoulds." For example, the question, "What should our cost -recovery percentage be?" Little work has been done to determine a "national average" for cost recovery for park and recreation agencies for a variety of reasons It's important to understand that agencies do not calculate their percentages the same way, which obviously undermines the value of comparing them What is, and is not counted on the cost side varies widely The breadth of the services under consideration also varies Some wish to compare an entire park and recreation agency budget, or perhaps just the recreation division It is more common to consider a single facility such as a recreation center; however, there are also a variety of "cost centers" within a single facility with a wide range of potential cost recovery targets For example, a senior services wing may have very low cost - recovery potential, while a fitness center may experience high cost recovery, making it difficult to compare facilities offering different activities It may be more beneficial for an agency to set its own cost -recovery targets and work to hold that line, modifying the target as circumstances change. Two other factors that influence a program's cost -recovery potential, and also challenge the notion of standards, are the size and type of community Different economies have different needs Residents of rural communities have different expectations of a recreation center than residents of affluent suburban communities The same is true of other demographics, such as age National averages do not reflect the nuances of individual communities, and they do not reflect a number of decisions that distinct agencies will make in conducting a cost -recovery analysis Betts considers standards helpful but doesn't apply them to his own process unless he knows what has actually gone into the calculations "It's easy for the folks to say, 'We did 50 percent cost recovery,' but what are you counting as indirect costs?" Betts said WRPA Today "Often, that changes the conversation Some folks who are at a higher cost recovery are not counting the same things I'm counting I can show on paper a 50 percent or 60 percent cost -recovery, but it wouldn't be the real story" Solutions/Responses Communication is essential to overcoming challenges to implementing a cost -recovery approach The form of communication and frequency will vary by community Each organization chooses the best means for educating its stakeholders "The more inclusive that you can be, the better," Betts said "It's about informing the people who don't deal with this every day "What we're doing with the cost -benefit analysis is involving key stakeholders city council, user groups and staff They've been at the table almost from the beginning, and by involving them in the conversation, we have given them a broad understanding of the fees and the need for the fees "Our strategy is to communicate with our public/elected officials on a monthly basis We update them on these kinds of initiatives through a communication that goes strictly to city council Also, we get on their calendar to present our initiatives in person, our department is constantly in front of them with issues " Internally, Denver has created a Fees and Charges Committee devoted to related issues, such as the costs of its programs, pricing them and relevant trends Additionally, Denver has earned the support of its staff by positioning the subject in slightly different ways "We changed the conversation with our staff by changing the language," Betts said "We moved from 'cost -recovery' to 'cost -benefit.' People can associate spending money if they're benefiting from something Quality is the driving piece." Barron notes that when communicating with the public, the possibility exists to provide too much information Generally, her staff explains simply that the tax dollars do not support everything provided by the agency and that they rely on user fees to support those services "We educate the public broadly with annual reports and electronic newsletters, letting them know which portio comes from tax dollars and educating them on the bi picture," Barron said "By doing this, they see that we are funded minimally in comparison to other intergovernmental bodies, such as schools or the fire department." Conclusion Cost recovery reserves tax revenues for those things that really should be supported by the entire local population As Barron said, her district is entrusted with taxpayer dollars As such, it is responsible for providing as many high-quality services as possible, without placing an exceptional burden on the taxpayers By determining the appropriate balance of tax and fee revenues, recreation managers can decide confidently how to serve the participation and expectations of their constituents Chris Droprnski, CPRP, has 29 years of experience in the public parks, recreation and open space industry She is currently a managernent consultant with GreenPlay, LLC. Her career has focused on management, facility development, public and alternative funding, as well as open space and park planning, public process facilitation, board/council relations, analysis and policy research and development She is a fellow of the prestigious American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration anc' currently serves as chair elect of the Rocky Mountain Revenue Management School She is a frequent speaker in the industry WRPA Today 23 • • • City of Yakima Aquatic Center Feasibility Study July, 2005 Following the closure of three of Yakima's five swimming pools, the City Council called for a Regional Aquatic Task Force to evaluate the feasibility of a regional aquatic center and authonzed $75,000 for a feasibility study That fall Edler and McClure contacted the County Commissioners and elected officials from Union Gap, Selah and Moxee to invite them to a meeting to talk about a possible point venture. June, 2006 A follow-up meeting was held for further discussions about a regional aquatic center Staff begins preparations to call for qualified candidates to conduct the feasibility study January, 2007 Interviews with four finalists were held the first two weeks of January The interview panel consisted of Councilmen Edler, McClure and Cawley, Park Commissioner Mike Nixon, Central Washington State Fair Director Greg Stewart, YMCA Executive Director Bob Romero, Davis High School Senior Russell Monteiro and Parks and Recreation Manager Denise Nichols. All of the candidates participated in:a pre - interview tour of Franklin and Lions Pools with Pool Maintenance Technician Doug Johnson. The applicants had the opportunity to make a presentation before answering interview questions. March, 2007 Neil McClure was quoted in the Herald -Republic reported there had been no clean indication as to whether or not the other cities and the county were interested in participating in the project. The Council decides to proceed with the study and unanimously approved hiring USKH (Unwin Scheben Korynta Huettl, Inc.) of Lewiston, Idaho. USKH has offices in eight location throughout Washington, Idaho and Alaska. It is a multi -discipline consulting, architectural, engineering, land surveying and environmental firm and employes 180 people. USKH has significant experience in aquatics recreation planning. USKH partners with two other firms in this endeavor • Water Technolgy, Inc. of Wisconsin. Water Technology specializes m aquatic planning, design and engineering and works on approximately 100 aquatic facilities each year Its services include market analysis and evaluation, site planning, component selection, operations, staffing and maintenance impacts. • Ballard*King and Associates of Colorado An authority on recreation facility planning, Ballard*King has first-hand knowledge and experience in the economics, feasibility, staffing and management of recreation facilities The firm has completed more than 250 feasibility and planning studies in the last 12 years and has more than 50 facilities up and running across the U S. Aquatic Center Feasibility Study/January 23 Update • Page 1 Apnl, 2007 Greg McCracken (USKH) and Ken Ballard (Ballard*Krog) visited Yakima April 23-25 to kick off the study The visit started with a meeting with the study's executive committee: Dave Edler, Neil McClure, Micah Cawley, Mike Nixon, Mike Leita, Denise Nichols and staff members Lynn Quesenbury and Tami Andringa. The group discussed committee structure, communication, goals and expectations Invitations to the initial session were mailed to a list of about 40 people who had been recommended or who had onginally expressed interest in serving on the task force. Ten attended the session in addition to five Parks and Recreation staff members. The agenda consisted on a PowerPoint presentation to educate the group about aquatic centers and a conversation about the study and what to expect of it. Greg and Ken also used this visit to become acquainted with the area. They talked with Dave McFadden, Michael Morales and Bruce Benson and then toured nine potential sites. The following morning, the two visited a number of sites in the city and around the valley to view local parks and aquatic facilities. Their visit concluded with a wrap-up visit with the Executive Committee to summarize their visit and to plan next steps. June, 2007 In June Greg McCracken returned to Yakima to speak at a senes of public meetings and focus groups. His purpose was to educate citizens about aquatic centers in general and to solicit first impressions via an informal survey The survey was presented in PowerPoint and the participants were equipped with "clickers" to indicate their responses which were instantly tabulated and then displayed on the screen. Three public meetings were held — two in the City Council Chambers at City Hall and one at the Harman Center Six focus groups participated — city pool users, community leaders, Southeast Community Center, Apple Valley Kiwanis, pastoral representatives and Harman Center seniors. Greg also met with Tim Jensen and Rita DeBord to talk about finances and appeared with Denise Nichols on KIT talk radio The survey is available on paper and has been used and distributed at a number of locations and events since then. Staff produced a four-color tri -fold to distribute to people in general. September, 2007 Twenty people were contacted to serve on the study's steering committee. Their role is to assist in planning and project development to provide recommendations to the executive committee. Two meetings with Greg McCracken were held September 24 — one at 1.30 p.m. and the other at 5.30 p.m. — in order to accommodate as many schedules as possible. An executive committee meeting was scheduled for the following morning. The content of these meetings was twofold. Greg McCracken and Doug Whiteaker (Water Technology) reported on their evaluation of potential sites and presented four possible scenarios for a Yakima aquatic facility• • An outdoor recreation only facility • A pared -down outdoor recreation only facility • An outdoor recreation and competition facility • An outdoor recreation facility with an indoor competition pool Aquatic Center Feasibility Study/January 23 Update • Page 2 • • • In their presentation, they outlined costs for site development, aquatic components, bathhouse/concession buildings and general construction and miscellaneous costs. They also outlined a brief operations analysis for each of the options. November, 2007 — January, 2008 Greg McCracken, USKH, and Ken Ballard returned to meet with the citizen steering committee and with the executive committee to review planning information prepared to date. They presented conceptual diagrams and detailed construction costs for two concepts — outdoor only and a combination indoor/outdoor They reported on the two sites that had scored the highest in their site analysis — south Kiwanis and Boise Cascade. Their November report also included an operations analysis for the two concepts and addressed the potential for self-sufficiency According to their findings, an outdoor facility should be able to support itself while the combination indoor/outdoor facility would require approximately $300,000 m city subsidy Staff reviewed that information in detail and developed a relatively lengthy list of questions and comments that were forwarded to USKH early in January Later in November staff met with the City Manager to begin the process of identifying a feasible source of funding. In early December Neil McClure and Micah Cawley joined the group as the list was further defined. Information from those meetings still needs to be shared with Dave Edler In a December 27, 2007, e-mail Greg McCracken submitted the attached Project Status Update. As the study progresses The study is expected to conclude this spring and will produce a written report containing a market study, site location analysis, capital funding assessment, conceptual design and a community support analysis. Aquatic Center Feasibility Study/January 23 Update • Page 3 • ARGIIITECTLIZE Yakima Aquatic Facility Feasibility Study Project Status Update December 26, 2007 MOOING Denise and Lynn, To assist movmg the project forward and finalizing the study, I have assembled a general overview of the project status, schedule and outstanding tasks. We still need final direction from your department regarding facility option selection, funding strategy and partnerships opportunities and confirmed direction on the statistically valid survey approach and schedule. These item were discussed at the November 7 meetings, however, no final direction was given at that time. Both the steering and executive committees were evaluating options and direction. Perhaps we can assemble a meeting after the first of the year to begin moving things along and finalizing options, drawings and documents. Below is an overview of the work accomphshed and outstanding tasks to be completed, as well as an updated project schedule. The format is based upon the ongmal contract tasks and schedule outline for ease of understanding. Feel free to call to discuss as necessary Project Status (December 2007) A) Market Study Task completed. Draft analysis will be finalized and included in final study report. B) Site Location Analysis Task completed. Site evaluations and process overview to be included m final study report. C) Financial Analysis (Operations Pro -forma) Task 75% completed. A draft pro -forma was submitted at the November 7, 2007 planning sessions. This pro -forma will be revised and finalized upon facility option selection. Outstanding Tasks and Responsibility. 1 Select facility option. City of Yakima 2. Refine and finalize Pro -Forma (upon facility section) Consultant Team D) Capital Funding Source Analysis Task 80% completed. Tax implications and funding scenarios have been evaluated and discussed. Funding approaches to be furthered discussed with City of Yakima. City of Yakima will investigate additional partnering and/or funding opportumties. Outstanding Tasks and Responsibility 1 Investigate partnering and funding opportumties. City of Yakima 2. Set up meeting with City Manager for review/discussion. City of Yakima 3 Wntten narrative in final report: Consultant Team E) Conceptual Planning and Design Task 75% completed. Aquatic program/component information, data, and photos provided, discussed and evaluated. Preliminary conceptual plans and associated cost estimates provided and discussed dung interactive stakeholder planning work sessions. Outstanding Tasks and Responsibility• 1 Select facility option. City of Yakima 2 Refine and finalize conceptual plan of selected option. Consultant Team 3 Refine and finalize cost estimates of selected option. Consultant Team 4 Provide colored rendering of selected option. Consultant Team F) Community Support Assistance Task 30% completed. Initial community awareness meetings as well as informal surveys have been accomplished. Statistically valid survey and bond election approach yet to be accomphshed. Outstanding Tasks and Responsibility. 1 Statistically vand survey Consultant 2. Evaluation of Survey City of Yakima /Consultant Team 3 Election Approach. City of Yakima /Consultant Team 4 Matenals preparation assistance: City of Yakuna /Consultant Team 2 • • • • Project Schedule (December 2007) April 23-25, 2007 May 2007 June 2007 July -Aug 2007 Sept 24-25, 2007 • November 7, 2007 January 2008 Feb -March 2008. TBD 2008 (Assume Fall 2008 Bond) • Kick-off Meeting with Team Preh mmary Data Collection "Tour" of Yakima (Aquatic Assessment) Potential Sites Initial Market Study Prelmumry Capital Funding Assessment Questionnaire Development Market Study Refinement Site Location Refinement Commumty Engagement & Input (Education Awareness & Tnformal Survey) Analyzed and Assembled Tnformation CoY Financial Tnformation Preliminary Planning Workshops Aquatic Programming Analyses and Spreadsheets Prelummary Facihty Costs "Order of Magnitude" Operations Costs Preliminary Facility Concepts (4 Options) Preliminary Facihty Costs Detailed Operations Performa (4 options) Funding Assessment (Bond Implications) Refined Site Assessments & Evaluations Preferred Site Selection Select and Refine preferred Concept Refine "Order of Magnitude" Project Costs Capital Funding Strategy Refinement Colored Rendering Completed Refine Operations Pro-fos,ua for Final Concept Finalize Election Strategy Finalize Report, Plans and Study Final Presentation to Public Statistically Valid Survey Marketing/Election Matenals Community Awareness Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Not Started Not Started Not Started Not Started Not Started Not Started In Progress Not Started Not Started Not Started TBD • To From. Subject: Memorandum September 3, 2007 Honorable Mayor, Council Members, and City Manager Chris Waarvick, Director of Pubhc Works Denise Nichols, Parks and Recreation Manager Fisher Golf Course Introduction This report provides information on the current status, attendance trends, operational costs and so forth of the City's management of Fisher Golf Course. The Parks and Recreation Division was asked to submit a contingency reduction plan for discussion and review by Council. Because the City has had to subsidize the golf course since 2003, a trend that will continue, closure of the course was listed as a possible option. A few weeks ago, the Parks and Recreation Manager met with the staff at the golf course to inform them that closure of the course had been presented to the Council Committee as an option to meet the budget reduction goals set forth by City management. The customers got word from staff about a potential closure and that has generated phone calls and a petition to keep the course open. Analysis Fisher Golf Course is a par -3 executive course that services a small niche market. Users are adults, beginners mostly, that have limited time or want to golf with family Tee times are not necessary so golfers can drop m at any time. We are one of the few courses that allow young kids to golf. Again, it is a beginner course. The majority of golfers, once they gam experience, move on to other courses. Seruor citizens like the course because it is a short course and easy to walk. Electric golf carts are not used at Fisher Golf Trends Nationwide, golf participation is down. This is due to a couple of factors: 1) In the past decade there has been a rapid increase in golf courses nationwide. This allows golfers more options. Locally, we began to experience a decline in golf when River Ridge Golf Course opened m Selah. 2) The frequency of play is down. Golfers are generally playing less frequently The fastest growing segment of golfers is the "occasional" golfer (1-2 tunes per month) This affects the total rounds played and thus affects revenue. 3) Today's golfer is looking for more than just a round of golf. Food, beverage, and ability to social -17e after play are as important as the game of golf itself. These value added features, which are strong revenue centers for golf courses, are currently not available at Fisher Fisher Attendance Play has fallen off by 8,400 rounds or 38.3% over the past 5 years and 64 % since 1998. Attachment "A" shows attendance patterns since 1998 Currently we are averaging 55 golfers a day at Fisher The average profile of a golfer is shown in Attachment "B" and summarized here: Adults 35.9 Youth 6 Seniors 12.1 Families 1 Again, this data is based on an average of 55 golfers per day As you can see, the community perception is that we are servmg a lot of seniors and youth, however, our largest use is among the adult population. The challenge here is that once these adult players gain experience, many move on to other courses. Golfer loyalty is among the senior golfers, who may be past the beginner stage; however, are physically limited to the smaller course. Attachment "C" shows a 10 -year attendance profile including the history of Revenue and Expenditures It clearly shows the effect of attendance on revenues and rising expenditures. Budget The 2007 Budget shows expenses of $208 059 and revenues of $116,149 This budget reflects a $91,910 or 45.7% subsidy from the General Fund. Attachment "D" shows what we would need to charge per round of golf to make the course self-sufficient. Attachment "E" shows Fisher's fee history along with an analysis of the past effects of pnce increases. Additional Infos enation /Attachments Attachment "F" For comparison purposes. This graph shows what it cost to golf at Yakima golf courses as it compares to Fisher fees that are currently in place. It also shows what the fees would have to be to reach self-support. • • • Attachment "G" Staff prepared a plus/delta chart to summarize the strengths and weaknesses of the course. • • Attachment "H" A recent article in the Chicago Tribune. Summary/Recommendations This report is to provide Council background information on Fisher Golf Course. The future of the Golf Course is a policy decision by Council m regard to the need to support the operational costs with General Funds. Staff is in the process of meeting to discuss the graphs and data and to brainstorm ideas to increase revenues. Other ideas being discussed are capital improvements to rejuvenate interest in the course, 2008 fees, marketing plan, cost efficiencies, and brmging together a citizen focus group to seek input. Council rrught want to discuss and recommend from the following options: • Contract management of the course to the private sector This could be for maintenance only, clubhouse operations, or both maintenance and clubhouse. A few cities are currently contracting out services, however, their courses are 18—hole golf courses with full clubhouse services. • Convert the golf course to a public park for the neighborhood to enjoy • Sell the course. • Continue operations and phase in cost recovery over three years. This would increase fees by 34% per year Attachment "D" shows what fees would need to be changed to maintain self-sufficiency • Continue to operate the course and support a policy decision to offset operational costs utilizing General Fund dollars directed toward Parks and Recreation. Please contact Denise Nichols, Parks and Recreation Manager, at 576-6416 with questions on this report. Fisher Golf Course Attendance 1998-2007 TV,VVV 35,000 30,000 25, 000 0 0 20,000 46 c 15,000 o 10,000 5,000 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Attendance 37,451 31,893 29,452 27,669 21,972 19,229 16,256 16,274 13,590 13,550 --0— • • «V„ luautgaE$4V • • • Attachment "B" Fisher Golf Course Estimated Average Attendance per Day 8/28/07 2007 Fee % of total income Quantity /2007 Estimated Golfers /Day Use/Pass Rounds of Golf General Admission l Adults, 9 holes $9.25 42.2% 5,024 22.3 Adults, second 9 $5.50 2.6% 522 2.3 Seniors/9 holes 1 $8.25 5.5% 737 3.2 Seniors/second 9 $5.50 0.2% 51 0.2 Juniors/9 holes $8.25 7.2% 960 4.2 Juniors/second 9 $4.50 0.3% 65 0.3 Family (2 adults. 2 children) $26.00 1.7% 71 0.3 Family (2 adults, 1 child) $20 00 3.2% 170 0.7 Children, 4 to 8 years old $4.25 0.8% 196 0.8 Special Fees Daily Special $7 00 1 9% 304 1.3 KXDD Loyal Listener $5.00 4.7% 998 4.3 Mens/Womens League $8.00 0.6% 87 0 4 Employee Wellness Program $4.50 1.0% 238 1 0 Sales Passes/20 rounds Adults $148.00 5.2% 39 780 3 4 Seniors $130 00 6.6% 57 1,140 5.0 Youth $130.00 1.0% 9 180 0.7 Passes/monthly/estimated use per pass = 5 x 4.3weeks per month Adults $126.00 0.2% 2 44 0.2 Seniors $110.00 0.0% 1 22 01 Passes/season/estimated use per pass = 5 x 4.3 weeks x 8 months Adults $495.00 0 4% 1 172 0.7 Seniors $425.00 1 1% 3 516 2.2 Senior Couples $720.00 0 6% 1 344 14 Average Number of Adults per Day 35 9 Average Number of Seniors per Day 12.1 Average Number of Youth per Day Average Number of Families per Day 6.0 1 0 Total Average Attendance/Day 55 0 55 0 8/28/07 8/16/07 • • • «0r 411aU1113E34V Fisher Golf Course 1998-2007 40,000 35,000 $250,000 ffr ff /r - // .. $200,000 .:. ' T % r 0 / r f! ,; • i- 3 00 0,0 25,000 v :',-..././... - .lJ/1 '/� v / ,,,,,,;,;..1 / vj, .4 ,. r1J � ... / / / � f r' /a) ;f -- -- - 20,000 8r - 15,000 10,000 5,000 O $150,000 4, /!` P. 7/, fi '� "2;,1, �a f} % -� / f :2,7, , / 1, • •..:,, // , % $100,000 ,,. ,5f % /tern V,/ lJ ,'' x.,./.; 7 /, '...4. % ✓ , 0 ,.„-/ r/✓ 11.0. !r ',,, ,i - . .0 • ... 7' j / Wil/ sfF1r ... //,:. //: .' „.„. �/ /7 f,�-- rr / fll . f, ,.., , . ; i, ;/ :•'0 r%fir.r1 ..',;;;;:•, ... ..4 4 % , :/4. r;//:;,, a $50, 000 - $0 1998 1999 _A 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 $216,273 $215,116 $190,922 $185,401 $169,381 $145,600 $133,652 $135,300 $112,600 $112,600 1 Revenue [r'/'71 Expenditures $163,967 $168,506 $154,516 $171,566 $165,290 $217,493 $177,241 $202,106 $200,626 $208,059 -4-Attendance 37,451 31,893 29,452 27,669 21,972 19,229 16,256 16,274 13,590 13,550 8/16/07 • • • «0r 411aU1113E34V • • Fisher Golf Course• Fee to Balance Budget 2007/2008 • 9/4/07 “a” 4uaurti0E44V 2007 Fee of total income Income Needed to Balance 2007 ($208,059) Fee Needed to Balance 2007 :$17 48 $10.36 $1553 .$816 $1560 $9 60 $49.82 .$39;1:6 :$8.49 $27741. $24091 $231 11 $208 00 $209 00 $832.33 $763 00 $1,248 00 $13 00 '$9.80. :$14,34. $8 74 Income Needed to Balance 2008 with 10% increase ($228,867) Fee. to Balirice 2008 $19.22 $11.40. $17;08 $.8:98. $15 60: $.10.57 $5.4:80 $43 08 $9.34 $305.00 $265 00 $254:00 $229.00 $230 00 $915 00 $839 00 $1;373.00 $14.30 $10 78. $1578 $9 62: General Admission Adults, 9 holes $9 25 42.2% $87,801 00 $96,582.00 Adults, second 9 $5.50 2.6% $5,410 00 $5,951 00 Seniors/9 holes $8.25 5.5% $11,444.00 $12,588.00 Seniors/second 9 $5.50 0 2% $416 00 $458 00 Juniors/9 holes $8.25 7.2% $14,980 00 $16,478 00 Juniors/second 9 $4.50 0.3% $624.00 $687 00 Famil (2 adults. 2 children) $26 00 1 7% $3,537 00 $3,891 00 Family (2 adults, 1 child) $20 00 3.2% $6,658 00 $7,324.00 Children, 4 to 8 years old $4.25 0 8% $1,664.00 $1,831 00 Passes/20 rounds Adults $148 00 5.2% $10,819 00 $11,901.00 Seniors $130 00 6 6% $13,732.00 $15,105 00 Youth $130 00 1 0% $2,080.00 $2,289 00 Passes/monthly Adults $126 00 0.2% $416 00 $458 00 Seniors $110 00 0 0% $209 00 $230 00 Passes/season Adults $495 00 0 4% $832.00 $915 00 Seniors $425 00 1 1% $2,289 00 $2,518 00 Senior Couples $720 00 0 6% $1,248 00 $1,373 00 Special Fees Daily special $7 00 1 9% $3,953 00 $4,348.00 KXDD Loyal Listener $5 00 4.7% $9,779 00 $10,757 00 Mens/Womens League Employee Wellness Progran $8 00 $4.50 0 6% 1 0% $1,248 00 $2,081 00 $1,373 00 $2,289 00 9/4/07 “a” 4uaurti0E44V 9/4/07 Fisher Golf Course Fee to Balance Budget 2007/2008 Cart rentals $3.25 2.1% $4,369 00 $5 79 $719 $0;95 $12.35 $O 48 $36 98 $28.5.0 $2.85 $3.80: $2.07 $0 48 •$2.89 $1.5.1. $0 95 $1.51 $1.51 $3.39- $0 95 $4,806 00 $6.37 $7,91 $1 05 $13.59 :$0.53 $.40=69 $31.35 .$3 1.4. $4.18' $2,28 $0.53 $3 18 $1 66, $1 05 $1 66 $1.66 $3.70 $1 05 Club rentals $5 75 1 9% $3,953 00 $4,348 00 Resale/equipment Divot Repair $0.50 0 0% $115 00 $127 00 Glow Ball $6.50 0 0% $12.00 $14.00 Ball Marker $0.25 0 0% $87 00 $96 00 Gift Certificate $20 00 0.8% $1,664.00 $1,831 00 Baseball Hat $15 00 0 0% $314.00 $345 00 Ribber Ball Pick -Up $1.50 0 0% $8.55 $9 00 Sunblock $2.00 0 0% $19 00 $21 00 Ball X -Out $1.25 1 0% $2,081 00 $2,289 00 Golf Tee $0 25 0 0% $320 00 $354.00 Total Resale/Equipment = 2.5% Resale/Food Beverage Tea/Juice $1.50 5 0% $10,403 00 $11,443.00 Candy Bars $0 75 0 6% $1,248 00 $1,373 00 Chips $0.50 0 0% $146.30 $162.00 Cookies $0 75 0 0% $82.00 $90 00 Coffee $0 75 0 0% $163 00 $179 00 Red Bull $2 00 0 4% $832.00 $915 00 Gum $0.50 0 0% $52.00 $58 00 Total Resale/Food = 6.2% 98 8% $207,036.85 $227,806 00 • *Neglible fees (0 0%) were increased 1 9% for 2007 and 1 1% for 2008 1 • • • • 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 SERVICE UNIT 423/Fisher Golf Course Green Fees INCLUDES TAX Ages 4-8 - 9 holes $4 50 Youth, 9 holes $4 50 $4 75 Adults - 9 holes $6 0.0 $6'00 $7 00 $7 00 $7 00 $8 00 $8 00 $8.50 $9 00 $9 00 $9 25 Adults - 18 holes $10 00 $10.00 $12 00 $12.00 $12.00 $12.00 $12 00 $12 50 Adults - second 9 holes $5 25 $5 25 $5 50 Students/Seniors - 9 holes $5 00 $5 00 $6 00 $6 00 , $6 00 $7 00 $7 00 $7 50 $8 00 $8 00 $8.25 Students/Seniors - 18 holes $8.00 $8.00 $10 00 $10 00 $10 00 $10 00 $10 00 $10 50 Students/Seniors - second 9 holes $4 25 $4 25 $4 50 Family(2 adults/2 youth) 9 holes $25 00 _ $25 00 $26 00 Family(2 adults/1 youth) 9 holes $20 00 $20 00 $21 00 Passes - 20 round Adults $80 00 $80 00 $100 00 $100 00 $100 00 $128 00 $1.28 00 $.135 00. $142.00 $142.00 $148 00 Students/Seniors $70 00 $70, 00 $90 00 $90 00 $90 00. $112.00 $112.00 $11'8 00 $124 00 $124 00 $130 00 No weekends, no tee -off after 4/Adults No weekends, no tee after 4/Youth & Srs Pass - Season Adults $748 00 $748 00 $785 00 $825 00 $600 00 $620 00 Students/Seniors $646 00 $646 00 $675 00 $710 00 $550 00 $570 00 Junior Summer(June,July,Aug) no weekends $195 00 Couples/adults $1,000 00 $1,010 00 Couples/seniors $900 00 $915 00 Pass - Early Bird (purchase between Jan 1 and Mar 31) Adults $400 00 $495 00 delete Students/Seniors $300 00 $425 00 delete Passes - Monthly (no weekend play - no tee off after 4 pm) Adults $60 00 $60 00 $80 00 $80 00 $80 00 $110 00 $110 00 $115 00 $121 00 $121 00 $126 00 Students/Seniors $50 00 $50 00 $70 00 $70 00 $70 00 $95 00 $95 00 $100 00 $105 00 $105 00 $110.00 Daily Special $4 00 $4 00 $5 00 $5 00 $5 00 $0 00 $6 00 $6 50 $6 75 $6 75 $7 00 Moonlight Golf $8 00 $8.00 $8 00 $10 00 $10 00 $10 50 $11 00 $11 00 $11 50 Club/CartRentals Clubs - 9 holes $2.75 $2.75 $3.25 $3.25 $3 25 $5 00 $5 00 $5 25 $5 50 $5 50 $5 75 Clubs - 18 holes $3 25 $3 25 $3.25 $3 25 $3 25 $5 00 $5 00 $5 25 $5 50 $5 50 $5 75 • Carts - 9 holes $2.00 $2.00 $2.50 $2.50 $2.50 $2 50 $2 50 $2.75 $3 00 $3 00 $3 25 Carts - 18 holes $2.50 $2.50 $2.50 $2.50 $2 50 $2 50 $2 50 $2.75 $3 00 $3 00 $3 25 Lessons - Program Fee Formula Fees and Charges • Page 3 • 9/18/02 «a„ ;uaunpelly Effects of Price Increase at Fisher Golf Course Year Price Increase Change in Attendance 0 Change 1999 up $1 00 to $7 00 down 5,583 down 14.8% 2000 no change down 2,441 down 7 6% 2001 no change down 1,783 down 6% 2002 up $1 00 to $8 00 down 5,697 down 20 6% 2003 no change down 2,743 12.5% 2004 up $.50 to $8.50 down 2,973 down 15 5% 2005 up $.50 to $9 00 up 18 up 1% 2006 no change down 2,684 down 16 5% 2007 up $.25 to $9.25 down 40 down .3% 1999-2007 up $3.25 down 23,926 down 63 9% 8/27/07 ill • • • • • $50 $45 $40 $35 $30 $25 $20 $15 $10 $5 $0 Area Golf Fee Comparison $48 0 Weekday ® Weekend Apple Tree, 18 Apple Tree, 18 Mt Ad ins, 18 Sur Tides 18 holes We twood, 9 holes Westwood 18 11 ks, Selah, 18 River Ridge, 9 River Ridge, Fisher, 9 hole Fisher, 18 holes Fisher, 9 holes, Fisher 2007 +39'1, Fi her, 9 holes to Fisher, 18 holes to holes holes Senior Discount holes, early bird holes, prime time holes holes senior discount break even break even «3„ }uauiu3E14V • Attachment "G" Fisher Golf Course +/A Chart A 9 holes - 1.5 hours or less 9 holes, not 18 Achievable par 3 The course itself has not changed since its construction in the early 1960's Appropriate challenge for beginners Good practice course No WOW! factor (views, dramatic back - drops, photo opportunities) Convenient location for city residents Lack of challenge. no opportunity for Attractive park setting bragging rights (challenging holes, hazards, sand traps) Affordable No full-service restaurant, coffee shop or Tee times not required bar very limited concessions Casual aLniosphere and dress code Very limited resale stock Attractive patio No opportunity for further discounts in Allows children prices Good rental inventory No driving range Contracted PGA Pro for adult lesssons Starter house is dark and quiet Limited parking on site Allows children Adjacent to busy street Attachment "H" Swing shift: Public golf struggling -- chicagotribune.com http.//www.chicagotribune.com/sports/cs-070816sherman,1,767 www chicagotribune.com/sports/cs-070816sherman,1,3746916 column chicagotribuneecom Swing shift: Public golf struggling Recent decline in play poses challenge for area's public courses Ed Sheiman On Sports Media and Golf August 17, 2007 Frank Jemsek has been involved m golf his entire life. Few people can match his expertise in the business as the owner of the four -course Cog Hill facility in suburban Lemont. But you don't need to be a genius to assess the difficult climate golf course operators find themselves in these days. It is the simple law of supply and demand taught in Econ 101 "Before 1990, we produced golfers faster than we produced golf courses," Jemsek said. "After 1990 we produced golf courses faster than golfers " The Chicago area has perhaps the greatest array of public golf in the country, in terms of quantity and quality Yet local course owners are facing their biggest challenge .in recent summers. What had been a birdie market for years has turned into a par market of staying even for some operators, and a bogey for many others. Blame it on a glut of golf courses, blame it on high gas prices, blame it on a decline in the amount of business being conducted with a club in hand, blame it on parents spending more time with their children on the soccer field and less on the course The combination of all those things has conspired to put owners in a feverish struggle to lure customers It has turned into a buyer's market for golfers, as many courses are offering discounts to stay afloat in a crowded field. According to the National Golf Foundation, the average number of rounds per course nationally has dropped from a peak of 40,040 per year in 1988 to a low of 33,300 last year, with the biggest dip taking place after 2001 The number of core golfers—those playing eight or more rounds per year—has dropped from 17 7 million in 2000 to 15 milhon last year And perhaps the most telhng statistic For the first time in more than 60 years, the number of course closings nationally (146 18 -hole equivalents) outpaced openings (119.5) by 26.5 in 2006 1 of 3 8/29/07 1039 AM Swing shift: Public golf struggling -- chicagotribune.com http.//www.chicagotribune com/sports/cs-070816sherman,1,767 Locally, Mother Nature has helped many operators hold their own this summer Dry conditions have meant fewer days lost to weather "If the weather doesn't fall in our favor, we're in trouble," said Marc Heidkamp, head professional and manager of Old Orchard Country Club in Mt. Prospect. "We need more days to make up for the loss of play " Stiff competition It wasn't that long ago that all courses had to do was throw their doors open, count the players and take their money as they went to the first tee Business was so good, everyone wanted m on the act. New public courses sprouted up everywhere, from Water's Edge m southwest suburban Worth to Shepherd's Crook in north suburban Zion. It seemed every year there were two or three new course openings in the area. In 2000, the NGF reported 375.5 new course openings nationally Bob Malpede, the pro and manager of White Deer Run m Vernon Hills, points to the competition that suddenly appeared in his region. Besides his course and Shepherd's Crook, Lake County also saw course openings m Grayslake (Stonewall Orchard, which Malpede helped found), and Beach Park (Thunderhawk), among others "That's a lot of added competition," Malpede said. "Golfers have so many more choices than before " Maybe too many choices The Chicago area has become overbuilt. The course glut became magnified when golfers' playing habits changed. Operators noticed a sharp decline in business golf almost immediately after 9/11 "You're not seeing the corporate play anymore," Heidkamp said. "Fridays used to be loaded with corporate players We're not getting that anymore. Now you can find a time on Friday without calling Just show up and play " More often than not, those golfers aren't playing Time, it seems, has become a precious commodity, especially for families Recently, while Jemsek was driving by his Pine Meadows course m Mundelein, he saw at least 300 kids playing soccer in a nearby field. "There have been big lifestyle changes," Jemsek said. "Parents are driving those kids to soccer They are more involved with their kids than they used to be So often we hear them say, 'I just don't have the time to play ' " Jemsek then added, "It's a good thing parents are more involved with their kids, but it's not good for my business We have to adapt." Survival of the fittest, cheapest Adapting takes on several forms For some, it has meant upgrading their course 2 of 3 8/29/07 1039 AM • • • Swing shift: Public golf struggling -- chicagotribune.com http.//www.chicagotribune.com/sports/cs-070816sherman,1,767 Libertyville -based architect Rick Jacobson recently completed a $1 6 million renovation of Sportsman's Country Club in Northbrook. "A course absolutely has to do it, or else the competition will pass you by," Jacobson said. "Sportsman's realized they needed to protect their investment. They needed a comprehensive plan." Ultimately, though, most plans come down to price. There is nothing that attracts a consumer of any product more than discounts Take a look at your newspaper's sports section or go on the Web Every clay there are numerous advertisements for courses offering specials. At Old Orchard, Heidkamp offers deals that include a slashed fee of $39 on Tuesday and Wednesday after 3 p.m., and he'll throw in a sleeve of balls. "Price is the No 1 thing," Heidkamp said. "Discounting creates activity People are shopping, no doubt about it. If they find a deal, the loyalty to play one course is not what it once was " Malpede added golfers want the entire package a reduced price on a nicely manicured course that offers quality service. "You're fighting for the dollar," Malpede said. "Unless you're out there shaking hands. being visible, it's not going to happen." Opinions vary about the future Joe Beditz, president of the NGF, expects business to be mostly flat for the next five years But Beditz is bullish for the long teen because of the baby boomer generation. "As they get older and retire, they are expected to significantly increase their play frequency," Beditz wrote in his industry report. "We believe that the long-term impact from the boomers will be both significant and inevitable." Jemsek looks at it from the other side, pointing to junior programs that he hopes will provide the game with more new players But in the interim, Jacobson expects to see a weeding out of courses This year, Four Winds Golf Course near Wauconda shut its doors Malpede doesn't expect to see another stand-alone golf course built in the area for a long time. Any new additions, he says, will be tied to housing developments. Sure enough, houses will surround two new semi -private facilities, Blackstone Golf Club in Marengo and Whitetail Ridge in Yorkville. For existing courses, the challenge to make a profit will intensify Old Orchard's Heidkamp said he expects to see more of the same in the next few years. "Until people have more disposable time, I don't think the industry will shoot up," Heidkamp said. "This thing won't correct itself for a while." e.sherman@tribune.com Copyright © 2007, Chicago Tribune 3 of 3 8/29/07 10:39 AM • III. Kiwanis Park Planning and Development January 21, 2008 Letter to Council from Community Service Groups August 14, 2007 Kiwanis Park Study Session Informational Packet Kiwanis Park Development History Kiwanis Park Incinerator Informational Packet Kiwarus Pond Informational Packet • • • • Mayor Dave Eller and Yakima City Council Members 129 No. rd St. Yakima, WA 98901 Dear Mayor Eder and Council Members: January 21, 2008 We are writing on behalf of several community service groups who are very interested in seeing the Kiwanis Park complex finished. The groups include Yakima Rotary Trust, Kiwanis Trust, the Lions Trust and Parker Youth and Sports Foundation and as various community partners. We are aware that the City Parks Department has received a legislative grant to initiate the next development phase of Kiwanis Park. Some of the features of the park plan wilt include the construction of multi-purpose softhaltlbaseball fields, a skate board area, and some format for soccer field (or fields) for neighborhood use. The final design wilt address muittpte purposes such as adult slow pitch softball, girls fast pitch softball, including high school league and tournament competition, U -l4 boys' baseball league and tournament competition. youth soccer practice and competition, neighborhood youth informal baseball. softball and soccer use, e.g. the old "sandlot' concept whereby neighborhood youth use the facilities for their informal practice and play when competition events are not scheduled. The Parks Department has already conducted the first phase of their SEPA review regarding the next construction stage for Kiwanis Park. Apparently, they will also be conducting a similar review called JARPA that will specifically focus on mitigations regarding the pond that is a current feature of the Kiwants Park property In both processes, SEPA and DARPA, the Parks Department will have to respond formally to the information obtained from local neighbors, and from various state agencies like the Department of Ecology, etc., before the final design can be accomplished. As you know, per SEPA and JARPA requirements. citizen input and technical input from monitoring agencies must be sought for project design development. We were recently inforrned that the City Council had a study session in August about Kiwanis Park, and you preliminarily constdered some of the SEPA information at that meeting — as well as information provided separately to individual council members by individual citizens who reside in the Kiwanis park neighborhood. Some of the information of that August study session seemed to focus on neighbors concerns over the possible elimination of two distract property features, namely, the vacated city incinerator building and the existing pond. Unfortunately JARPA information and data about the pond were not considered in August because that study has not been initiated yet. Also. the service groups represented here are concerned that the specific multiple purposes for continued Kiwanis Park development, as listed above, were not considered at that August study session. We believe there is a great need to conduct a comprehensive review of project design, based on needs and purposes — as well as neighbors- concerns - before final decisions are made about the project. We believe a final design can be developed to mediate the potential conflict between the neighbors' concerns versus the youths needs for park and playfield development. It is our opinion that mitigations can be devised to address conflicting needs and interests. Eastside Yakima neighborhoods have tong suffered from a lack of the kinds of facilities Listed above. An equity of opportunities for recreational and athletic facilities, activities and events must be established for eastside Yakima neighborhoods and youth. This focus is the primary purpose driving our interest and involvement in the Kiwanis Park project — and has been for years. For instance, the amount of money raised by the individual groups represented here, and applied over time for Kiwanis Park development, is well into seven figures. Just recently $500.000 has been raised collectively for property acquisition and field completion, to supplement the leg stative grant for this project. In short, our groups are committed to the multiple purposes and needs for this complex as outlined above. We respectfully request that the discussion about the next construction phase for Kiwanis Park be put back on one of your upcoming agendas, for example, say, January 29 when you will be reviewing the future of parks funding. It sounds like the August study session was a good first step in collecting information about the Kiwanis project, but much information is yet to be collected. The total body of information, including mitigations related to conflicting needs and interests, should be considered before a final design is approved. Sincerely, r • Hank Hefferlan Presi.; > qty Trust Rotbenbueter Member, Rotary Trust .., _,, .i-tild a'Z' Delmar Pearso/ yA n ---v- ----- Richard Elliott Crrman, Kiwanis Trust Secretary, Li Trust st er Huey Director, Southeast Yakima Community Center Gene Rostvo Athletic Director, Yakima Schools and Parker Fndtn. President, Parker Youth and Sports Foundation Gre uritng 4p,r p/ c 1.e &At rrt Rotary Trust; Parker Fndtn. • • City Council Study Session August 14, 2007 To• Honorable Mayor, Council Members, and City Manager From. Chris Waarvick, Director of Public Works Denise Nichols, Parks and Recreation Manager Subject: Kiwanis Park Study Session The Parks and Recreation Division will be showing a PowerPoint presentation (Attachment "A") during the August 14th Study Session to update the City Council on the current status and future development of Kiwanis Park. Discussions began as early as 1994 when Council directed the Parks and Recreation manager to appoint a Task Force to look at development of a Regional Sports (Softball) complex for Yakima. However, it wasn't -until 1999 and the sale of Larson Park property to the State of Washington for YVCC that enabled the Sports Complex vision to take shape and emerge as a legislative priority and become a reality Attachment "B" shows the sequence of discussions and Council approvals regarding development of Kiwanis Park. Today, Lower Kiwanis Park has four state-of-the-art ballfields, Rotary Picnic Pavilion, fenced parking for 300 vehicles, concession/restroom facilities and a playground. The complex is designed to host city leagues and weekend tournaments. Attachment "C" shows participation and fees and charges.for usage of the facility Upper Kiwanis Upper Kiwanis is designed to serve youth sports and the neighborhood. When fully built out, there will be an additional 1.88 acres of land, a skate park, three or four youth baseball fields, play equipment, a new restroom, volleyball and basketball courts, a picnic shelter and Title 12 improvements along the north side of Maple Street. The City will be receiving a state IAC grant for acquisition and development of Upper Kiwanis. The Rotary, Lions, and Kiwanis Trusts are providing the matching funds for this grant application that was submitted in 2006 (Attachment "H") Staff is now working on updating cost estimates. Within this process discussions have occurred in regard to the incinerator and the pond. Although it has been suggested and a SEPA Review was conducted proposing the removal of the incinerator; it now appears that there is public concern about its removal. The City Council needs to be aware that the structure does not interfere with planned development. However, it is in disrepair and will be fenced off from public access once the park is fully developed. Concerning the pond at the park, staff is working on submitting a JARPA to mitigate the size and shape of the pond (not remove it) so as to accommodate placement of four youth baseball fields. We are in the early planning stages of that phase of the project and staff will keep Council informed of the status of the pond. Staff has also heard concern expressed that the elements currently slated for Kiwanis and discussed above may be in conflict with the Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan adopted by the Council in April, 2006. Comprehensive plan goals and objectives are normally written with great latitude in order to afford a number of avenues toward achievement of a broad vision. This makes the opportunity for carving out select items in apparent contradiction of an "action" a possibility Staff believes the planned projects for Upper Kiwanis are consistent with the goals and objectives identified in the Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan. • Encourage development of non-traditional recreation venues including a white water park, BMX track, skate parks and other facilities for emerging sports and activities. (Chapter V, page 7 ) • Use city cultural and historical landmarks as a corner stone for park development wherever possible. (Chapter V, page 7) • Establish and implement standards for upgrading and replacement of aging park amenities for safety and handicapped access (Chapter V, page 8). • Refurbishment of Existing City Parks. Kiwanis Park: completion of the Gateway Complex, redevelopment of older Upper Kiwanis and construction of youth baseball fields (Chapter V, page 13). • Redevelop Upper Kiwanis and Field #3 into a neighborhood park with youth sports fields, skatepark, new restroom and other amenities (Chapter VI, page 31) • Summary of 2006-2011 Capital Improvement Needs. Kiwanis Park Redevelopment, Priority A (Chapter IX, page 6). Attachments: (A) PowerPoint presentation (B) Kiwanis Park Development Discussions 2002 -present (C) Annual Team Participation Softball Leagues and 2007 Summer Softball Fee Breakdown (D) Current Master Site Plan, however, the service groups have asked us to consider a Four -Field complex for Upper Kiwanis to better accommodate tournaments. We are looking at preliminary drawings now (E) Three-year breakdown of Tournaments at the Gateway Sports Complex (F) Development and Acquisition costs for Lower Kiwanis Park (G) Council Memorandum on Kiwanis Skatepark Funds (H) IAC Grant Application Project Summary ms 08/08/2007 Final Kiwanis Park Study Session.rtf 2 • • Attachment "B" Kiwanis Park Development Discussions 2002 -present Date Occasion Comment December, 2001 City Council Approval of 2002 budget including Kiwanis construction funding. April 8, 2002 Park Commission Update. Commission votes to recommend prompt commencement of. engineering and design assessment. May 7, 2002 City Council Meeting Alex Deccio presents facsimile check for ballfield construction. Authorization of Huibregtse Louman Associates services. June 18, 2002 City Council Meeting First reading appropriating funds for Kiwanis ballfield construction. June 19, 2002 Public Meeting/ YVCC SUB 5:30 p.m. Public Meeting/ YVCC SUB 7.30 p.m. July 2, 2002 City Council Meeting Second reading appropriating funds for Kiwanis ballfield construction. July 8, 2002 Park Commission Update July 17, 2002 Public Meeting S. E. Community Center July 18, 2002 Public Meeting S. E. Community Center September 9, 2002 Park Commission Update. Architect to begin master plan. October 14, 2002 Park Commission Update. Architect presents master plan. December 9, 2002 Park Commission Commissioners vote to endorse cost estimate/ construction plan #2. December 17, 2002 City Council Master plan, cost estimates and timeleine presented. Council votes to adopt cost estimate/ construction plan #2. December, 2002 City Council Approval of 2003 budget including construction funding for Kiwanis ballfields. January 21, 2003 City Council Authorization to execute a contract addendum with Huibregtse, Louman Associates, Inc., for design and final plans and specifications for Phase One development of Kiwanis Park. January 24, 2003 City Planning Department Street vacation application submitted. February 3, 2003 City Planning Department Class 2 and SEPA Checklist for Kiwanis ballfields submitted. February 12, 2003 City Planning Department Street vacation notice mailed. February 18, 2003 City Council Set date for street vacation hearing. March 5, 2003 City Planning Department Class 2 notice mailed. March 13, 2003 City Council Street vacation hearing. May 6, 2003 City Planning Department Notice of Class 2 approval. May 12, 2003 Park Commission Update July 15, 2003 City Council Hearing on sale of Larson/ Noel Field to YVCC. Appropriation of funding for purchase of Noel Field by YVCC. July 28, 2003 City of Yakima Groundbreaking for ballfields. Mayor Mary PIace, Senator Alex Deccio and Park Commissioner Mike Nixon are among attendees. 7/30/07 • Pagel Kiwanis Park Development Discussions 2002 -present December, 2003 City Council !Approval of 2004 budget including construction funding for Kiwanis ballfields. i May 27, 2004 City Council/ Park Commission 1Joint meeting to discuss Parks and Recreation related issues including the Kiwanis development. September 7, 2004 City Council Apple Valley Kiwanis requests block grant funding assistance for skate park design. October 23/24, 2004 Gateway Sports Complex Grand opening. Tuly 19, 2005 City Council Funding plan proposed for Kiwanis improvements fourth ballfield, skate park and Upper Kiwanis redevelopment. November 15, 2005 City Council Approval of $780,000 Councilmanic bond to fund aquatic study, water playgrounds and 4th ballfield. December, 2005 City Council Approval of 2006 budget including construction funding for Kiwanis ballfields. February 28, 2006 City Council Study session for Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plait March 21, 2006 City Council First public hearing/ Parks and Recreation Plan. March 28, 2006 City Council Council reverses 3/ 21/ 06 decision and votes to fund 4th ballfield at Kiwanis. April 4, 2006 City Council Continued public hearing/Parks and Recreation Plan. Consideration of proposed changes to the Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan. April 18, 2006 I July 14, 2006 1City City Council I Council Approval of 2006-11 Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan. Resolution authorizing application for IAC grant. December, 12, 2006 1 City Council Adoption of Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan 2025 December, 2006 City Council Approval of 2007 budget including construction 1 funding for Kiwanis skate park. 7/31/07 • Page2 • • • • Attachment "C" Annual Team Participation Softball Leagues 2007 Summer Softball Fee Breakdown Seasons,1-,t4roili,:iiri - ' K ,.„,,,” ,-- ia" ri , e : ,- :_ ,,,,,,- 4 - '',:' .71,-,---,v--f:4".6-1 T , : ..:.r ,. . --,,,Atirw*ViiViai - -4 ".,-. Year Men's Women's 3rd Season Two Seasons Co-Rec Men's $900 00 1997 92 35 N/A N/A 50 16 193 1998 90 29 N/A N/A 48 16 183 1999 86 28 N/A 12 48 15 189 2000 81 28 N/A 12 46 15 182 2001 78 25 N/A 15 47 21 186 2002 72 25 N/A 16 39 19 171 2003 69 25 N/A 19 48 15 176 2004 70 22 N/A 13 35 16 156 2005 67 20 58 17 30 21 213 2006 60 21 59 17 25 18 200 2007 65 17 61 17 2007 Summer Softball Fee Breakdown Seasons,1-,t4roili,:iiri - ' K ,.„,,,” ,-- ia" ri , e : ,- -JNIIIIIIIM:-:51Q.:;:i-S9f , "- „ „ - ' . agtfesgeP, NO: Game... One Season $250 $250 $500 00 12 $41.67 Two Seasons $450 $450 $900 00 22 $40 91 Three Seasons $635 $640 $1,275 00 32 $39 84 Tournament Field Rental Fee Comparison • r rF.v e. .1 ��ee` •' :{.. Xrn• : �..1?asao``=� :1�iG� •'3.°-'F�:.. ,, ,r�4+, '�`'r',.''''�: =:; �,.•4'.`r,Y` r.l•.. - ;a;` - im +"s'' - a�-.;teat vitt" .A�.,. .4: ie }:1.�., �:Selait .tat•lon. ';,���_ . _. �z. _ ... ... _.. .., Field Rental Fee $20 per game $79 50 per field/per day $50 per field/per day Morning Field Preparation N/A N/A included in rental fee $25 per hour every three games $100 per field/per day $25 per field after every two rounds Required Maintenance Site Supervisor $12 per hour N/A N/A Lights N/A $19 per hour/per field $18 per hour/per field • Tournament Field Rental Example Based on using four fields for a 12 team, 4GG tournament = 30 games Pasco — TRAC $20 per game fee x 30 games = $600 00 $12 per hour site supervision x 16 hours = $192.00 Total $792.00 Yakima - Gateway Sports Complex Field Rental (includes morning prep) _ $636 00 Total $636.00* *Additional balffield maintenance fees may be required at $25 per hour Selah - Carlon Park Field Rental Fee Preparation Maintenance (morning prep) (4 fields x $100 ea. x 2 days) $400 00 $800.00 T al $1200.00* , *Additional ballfield maintenance fee be required qtared at $ 25 per field • • 2007 ADULT SOFTBALL FEE COMPARISON 40, ---- Auburn Parks * ** Men's -- (Playoffs for top half) • 4144' , • y. y .44 Federal Way Parks * Women's Co-ed $910 $930 $o $0 $910 $930 16 16 $56.88 $58 13 Men's $950 $0 $950 18 • $52.78 Coed Fri $950 Coed Sun $620 $o $0 $950 $620 18 10 $52.78 $62 Kent Parks * ** Men's $575 $450(roster) $1025 16 • $6406 (15 people per team, add $30) (plus playoffs) Women's Co-ed Metro Parks -Tacoma $825 EB = Early Bird Prke Men's EB $575 $600 Women's EB $548 (combine w/PCP) $588 Co-ed EB $575 $600 ,‘ Pierce Co. Parks * Men's DH EB $770 $800 EB = Early Bird Price Men's EB $548 $575 $450(roster) $1025 $575 $450(roster) $1025 * Men's DH EB $795 (12 people per team. add SIM $588 Women's EB $548 $588 $1O /player over 12 players $10 /player over 12 players $10 /player over 12 players 16 16 $64.06 $64 06 EB $795 18 EB $44 17 $825 EB $575 $600 EB $548 $588 $10 /player over EB $575 12 players $600 - - $0 EB $770 $800 $0 EB $548 $588 $0 EB $548 $588 $45.83 10 EB $57 50 $60 10 EB $45 67 $49 10 .EB $57.50 $60 20 EB $38 50 $40 12 EB $45 67 $4 9 12 EB $45 67 $49 EB $45 67 $49 Co-ed EB $548 $0 EB $548 12 $588 $588 _ Puyallup Parks * ** Men'sDH $1080 P-* $0 ' $1080 18 (non-resident price) (plus playoffs) Men's $660 Women's $660 Co-ed $594 $0 $0 $o $660 $660 $594 10 10 9 Price comparisons are for a Tacoma based team playing m each park program. * Provides softballs ** Provides Scorekeepers $60 $66 $66 $66 Attachment "D" Yakima Patkg. City of Yakirel Sc,nematicd.Iarn 1;ata1'49oft fluibr_cglaf', Lowzwi A•0+641-04'y:,lnc. Yi4 iiei 5`ti1d 1CiM,. l.ap*,ipc• Atchiueu. Ikepalrhgt Dr/ • • • • • • DATE TYPE Gateway Sports Complex Attachment "E" 2005 Tournaments SPONSORING ASSOCIATION TOTAL # OF TEAMS OUT-OF-TOWN TEAMS April 9-10, 2005 April 23-24, 2005 April 30 -May 1, 2005 May 21-22, 2005 June 3-4, 2005 June 11-12, 2005 July 2-3, 2005 July 8-10, 2005 July 16-17, 2005 July 30-31, 2005 August 27-28, 2005 October 1-2, 2005 October 15-16, 2005 January 22-23, 2005 April 2-3, 2005 May 14-15, 2005 June 18-19, 2005 July 23-24, 2005 August 6-7, 2005 August 20-21,.2005 September 17-18, 2005 October 8-9, 2005 Prepared by riberra 11115/06 Men's Slowpitch Girl's Fastpitch Girl's Fastpitch Girl's Fastpitch Girl's Fastpitch Men's Slowpitch Men's Slowpitch Girl's Fastpitch Girl's Fastpitch Adult Slowpitch Adult Slowpitch Adult Slowpitch Adult Slowpitch Men's Slowpitch Men's Slowpitch Men's Slowpitch Men's 50/0 Slowpitch Men's Slowpitch Men's Slowpitch Men's and Women's Slowpitch Men's Slowpitch Men's Slowpitch Co-Rec Slowpitch ISA John Knox NSA Steve Jensen GYGSA Scott Busby GYGSA Scott Busby State WIAA ASA Greg Harvey ISA John Knox NSA Steve Jensen GYGSA Scott Busby NSA Steve Reed ASA Greg Valenzuela NSA Steve Reed NSA Steve Reed Parks and Recration Tournaments Snowball Earlybird Gateway Heat Series Gateway Heat Series Gateway Heat Series Gateway Heat Series Gateway Heat Series Late Gateway Blast Kiwanis Classic Equalizer Great Pumpkin TOTALS 8 18 14 14 16 18 6 32 16 11 10 11 12 19 12 15 20 9 11 18 11 3 15 6 16 8 8 14 2 5 30 14 8 2 2 4 17 8 12 19 6 6 13 7 2 8 319 217 Page 1 DATE March 18, 2006 April 22-23, 2006 May 19-20, 2006 May 26-28, 2006 June 3-4, 2006 June 24-25, 2006 July 22-23, 2006 July 29-30, 2006 August 12-13, 2006 August 25-27, 2006 October 7-8, 2006 January 21-22, 2006 April 1-2, 2006 May 6-7, 2006 June 10-11, 2006 July 8-9, 2006 August 5-6, 2006 August 19-20, 2006 October 14-15, 2006 Prepared by ribarra 110 TYPE Gateway Sports Complex 2006 Tournaments SPONSORING ASSOCIATION TOTAL # OF TEAMS OUT-OF-TOWN TEAMS Girl's Fastpitch Girl's Fastpitch Girl's Fastpitch Girl's Fastpitch Girl's & Men's Fastpitch Men's Slowpitch Men's Fastpitch Men's Slowpitch Men's Slowpitch Youth Baseball Men's Slowpitch Men's Slowpitch Men's Slowpitch Men's Slowpitch Men's Slowpitch Men's Slowpitch Men's Slowpitch Men's Slowpitch Co-ed Slowpitch East Valley High School NSA Steve Jensen CWAC District (highschool) State -Carol Finney (highschool) NSA Steve Reed NSA Steve Reed ASA Mark Seward ASA Doug Weiss NSA Steve Reed Scott Wilson NSA Steve Reed Parks and Recreation Tournaments Snowball Earlybird Gateway Heat Series Gateway Heat Series Gateway Heat Series Gateway Heat Series Late Gateway Series Great Pumpkin • TOTALS 6 43 12 16 16 10 14 12 20 6 16 14 13 10 7 8 11 6 10 2 37 0 14 10 8 11 2 16 5 12 10 9 5 4 3 11 4 7 250 170 Page 1 • Attachment "F" • Kiwanis Park Project Land Acquisition Phase Phase 1-1999 Property Acquisition (4 parcels) IAC Grant $120,000 Kiwanis Club $120,000 Service Club - Clean-up $ 50,000 Total Phase 1 $290,000 Phase 2-2000 Property Acquisition (29 parcels) IAC Grant $489,130 Rotary, Lions, and Kiwanis Clubs $489,130 Total Phase 2 $978,260 Phase 3-2001 Property Acquisition (1.29 acres) IAC $ 71,050 Service Clubs $ 65,000 Total Phase 3 $136,050 TOTAL ACQUISITION $1,404,310 IAC Grants $ 680,180 Service Clubs $ 724,130 Development Phase Phase 1-2003 Construction of Sports Complex including three softball fields and support features CTED $1,250,000 Sale of Larson Park $ 883,000 City General Fund $ 140,000 Parks Line of Credit (5 yr payback) $ 130,000 Total Phase 1 $2,403,000 (approx) Phase 2-2005 Construction of the 4th Ballfield Council Bond REET 1 Actual Revenues over Year End projection City Savings from cancellation of Joint Assembly HaII project Miller Park savings Total Phase 2 Total Development Costs Total Kiwanis Project Costs to Date Total Service Club Contributions to Date DNlms July 19 2007Kiwanis Park Project Total Cost Table.rtf $ 200,000 $ 130,000 $ 400,000 $ 20,000 $ 750,000 $3,153,000 $4,557,310 $ 724,000 Attachment "G" City Council Memora dun► June 28, 2007 TO Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council Dick Zais, City Manager FROM. Chris Waarvick, Director of Public Works Demse Nichols, Parks and Recreation Manager SUBJECT Status of the Kiwams Skatepark In 2006, the City of Yakima hired Grmdline Design firm to work with the Yakima skaters to design an appropriate skatepark for Kiwams Park. The design and construction documents are complete. The design process was paid for from Community Block Grant dollars. Furthermore, m 2006, the City applied for an IAC grant for development of upper Kiwams. The skatepark was included m that grant proposal. The City was successful m receiving the IAC grant and contract documents will be signed in July allowing the City the ability to begin development. The finances are as follows. Revenues $225,000 Council Bond for skatepark $ 14,500 remaining from Block Grant $ 12,000 from Kiwams .-i Ij— (.334z4Lrynct $ 700 from community donations $252,200 Total Expenditures The architect has estimated the base bid to construct the skatepark at $272,800 This estimate does not include tax, necessary permits and contingency Ongmally we had told the architect that we had approximately $250,000 for this project. Cost of materials and supplies has nsen sharply over the past 18 months that accounts for the mcreased architect estimate. Our task now is to work with the architect to scale down the design to stay within allocated resources or seek out further community donations. Please contact Denise Nichols at 575-6020 with questions on this update. Thank you. FOR COUNCIL INFO ONLY C C9 ES DATE • • • Interagenry Committee for OUTDOOR RECRERTION l llashington Wildlife and Recreation Prt-gram Local Parks Category Application Project Summary • _E: Upper Kiwanis Park Redevelopment/Phase 1 NUMBER: 06-1687C (Combined) STATUS: Application Submitted Attachment "H" APPLICANT Yakima Parks & Recreation CONTACT Denise Nichols (509) 575-6020 COSTS: • IAC $500,000 39 % Local $792,500 61 % Total $1,292,500 100 % SPONSOR MATCH: Bonds - Council $225,000 Cash Donations $510,000 Donated Labor $25,000 Force Acct - Equipment $10,000 Force Acct - Labor $15,000 Force Acct - Materials $7,500 DESCRIPTION: The Upper Kiwanis Park Redevelopment Project/Phase 1 is step two in a Tong -range community plan to expand and develop Y,akima's "1-82 Corridor" as a recreation hub. This particular project foctlses on the needs and desires of the neighborhood residents. In addition to adding nearly two acres to the property known as Upper Kiwanis, it equips the park with modern, attractive recreational amenities including an 8,800 square -foot skate park, a youth baseball field, a volleyball court, basketball court, play equipment, a new restroom and parking. The goal is to provide an attractive, inviting neighborhood park for the citizens of this densely populated and economically depressed portion of Yakima. Possibly the most unusual feature of this project, however, is the extent of community support for the proposal and the accompanying Tong -range plan for the Kiwanis area. Members of the Yakima Lions, Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs have joined forces to spearhead and advocate for the improvements this project brings and to provide $500,000 towards the costs. This is in addition to the $700,000 they contributed to the initial Kiwanis development which, completed in 2004, added 10.2 acres an upscale softball complex and paved parking to the park. Speaking on behalf of its citizens, the Yakima City Council has also authorized $225,000 in bond funding for this proposal. LOCATION INFORMATION. Central Yakima COUNTY Yakima SCOPE (ELEMENTS). Allowable land costs Parking Signing Architectural & Engineering Permits Site Preparation Athletic Fields Playground Trails Incidentals Restrooms Utilities Outdoor Courts & Athletic Areas Sales Tax PERMITS ANTICIPATED. Building Permit Other Required Permits SEPA LAND CHARACTERISTICS. ANTICIPATED Existing Acres To Acres To Acres To ACREAGE TYPE Acres Acq Dev/Restore Renov Total Uplands 8 60 1 88 1 88 8.60 10 48 LAND COMMENTS A steep bank divides the property into two relatively flat sections. The upper portion, along Fair Avenue, is approximately four acres. The lower portion. to the east is slightly larger The bank occupies the remaining space. • AST UPDATED: June 29, 2006 DATE PRINTED: July 3, 2006 0 Kiwanis Park velopment • Kiwanis Park 1999 19 5 acres • 3 out-of-date softball fields, 2 with lights, restrooms and concession stand • Play equipment • Basketball court • Sand volleyball court • Picnic shelter • Restroom 0 1 1999-2006 Development Additions 12.9 acres/32.4 total • 4 lighted softball gelds (loss of 1 existing field), new restroom/concession stand, tournament director's office and flag plaza • Title 12 improvements • Paved parking for 300 • New play equipment • Picnic shelter The ball started rolling in the 1999's with the sale of Larson Park's ballfields and tennis courts to YVCC. $883,000 of the purchase price was earmarked for construction of replacement ballfields. • 2 • 1999 Phase 1 Property acquisition at Kiwanis started that same year. Four parcels of land on the south side of Maple Street were purchased with IAC grants matched by donations from the Kiwanis Club 2.7 acres IAC $120,000 Kiwanis Club 120,000 Service Club Clean -Up 50,000 • 2000-2001 Phase 2/3. Property acquisition was completed and a massive clean-up got underway. 12.9 acres casesCr. ems - - .., ..._,.�. _ 'irth•-"�: e+w• CC 'v.. IAC $680,180 Service Clubs $724,130 Total $1,404,310 • 1 2001 This dream fell short. 2002 Master plan developed Kwams Park Development A new dream emerges • • • 2 • July, 2003.. . ... ground is broken and development of the property gets underway. • Construction continues throughout 2003 and well into 2004. • 3 October 23, 2004, Senator Alex Deccio throws out the first ball while fans enjoy the first game. Regular league and tournament play at the Gateway Sports Complex begins the following spring The fourth ballfield .. . construction begins June, 2006. ready for regular league and tournament play May, 2007 funded by $350,000 from state and $200,000 from 2005 Councilmanic bond. • 4 • Upper Kiwanis 2007 • New property Parking Volleyball court Restroom Play area Skate park The Concept Picnic Basketball Maple Street area court improvements • 5 2007 SEPA Checklist reveals opposition to removal of the Kiwanis Incinerator The decision is made to leave it as it stands as redevelopment project moves forward Upper Kiwanis Redevelopment gets underway with the skate park in fall, 2007 • • • 6 • The 2007 BAC grant: Property acquisition $200,000 Development $300,000 Total $500,000 • Funding for Upper Kiwanis Project * IAC grant Lions, Kiwanis, Rotary Trusts Apple Valley Kiwanis (skate park) Council bond (skate park) Donated labor/equipment Force Account TOTAL $500,000 $500,000 $12,000 $225,000 $35,000 $22,500 $1,294,500 * This is for Phase 1 Does not completely redevelop Upper Kiwanis. • 7 Next steps . . . • Class 2 Review for skate park (in progress). • Sign agreement with IAC (August) • Groundbreaking for skate park (late fall) • Final approval of plans for construction of remaining elements (before year-end). • Construction of remaining elements (2008-09). Future considerations .. . • Construction costs continue to rise Current funding will not complete the park development. • Yakima's service groups have a strong desire to continue development of a "recreational corridor" along 1-82. Future funding is unknown. • • • 8 • Kiwanis Development History • • 1994 • Responding to a request from a citizen, the City Council directs Parks and Recreation to research the possibility of a sports complex for Yakima. 1995 • Committee reports on progress to Parks and Recreation Commission. It had looked at three sites and made tentative plans for facilities for slowpitch tournaments, girls' fastpitch and soccer 1997 • Greg Luring attends Park Commission's Sept. 8 meeting to update them on a preliminary feasibility study for a Yakima Sports Complex received from Rectech, Inc. of Tuscon, Arizona. The proposal called for six baseball fields, ten youth baseball/softball fields, seven soccer fields and a variety of other amenities at an estimated cost of dust over $8 million. 1998 • Feb 23, Park Commission meets with Yakima Valley Community College to discuss Larson Park ballfields. 1999 • Twelve tennis courts and one softball field are sold to Yakima Valley Community College for a proposed higher learning education center • The Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation awards Yakima Parks and Recreation a $120,000 grant for purchased of three parcels of land along Maple (July). Property purchased. 2000 • One additional parcel south of Kiwanis is purchased with IAC assistance. • Yakima Kiwams, Lions and Rotary clubs announce they have committed over $700,000 to purchase property for future expansion of Kiwanis Park (June). • The City of Yakima receives a check for $2.5 million from the sale of a portion of Larson Park to Yakima Valley Community College. The proceeds from this sale will be directed to development of ballfields at Kiwams Park, construction of Kissel Park and improvements to the remaining portion of Larson Park (July). 2001 • Yakima City Council approves a resolution that transfers the land purchased by the service clubs to the City Clean-up has already begun on the land thanks to the service clubs (January) • Scott Wagner attends February Park Commission meeting to tell them about the Big League Dreams -style sports complex that had been proposed for the Kiwams site. Calls for replicas of actual major league ballparks. One group from Yakima had already visited such a complex in California. A second group was set to go Feb. 21 • Yakima Herald -Republic endorses Big League Dreams (March). • In May City Council voted to send a one percent utility tax increase to fund a BLD project to the voters in the upcoming September elections. Mel Wagner heads up committee to promote the ballot measure. Issue sparks an unprecedented letters -to -the -editor campaign with pro and con opinions in abundance. • So Tired of Paying (STOP) emerges to oppose BLD proposal (July). • The State Interagency Committee for Outdoor recreation awards Yakima Parks and Recreation a grant of $490,000 for the purchase of additional parcels south of Maple (July). • Demolition crews hired by the three service clubs begin clearing Kiwanis Park's newly acquired acreage (August). Yakima Herald -Republic urges public to vote for the BLD • Voters reject Big League Dreams by 2 -to -1 margin (8,175 to 3,242 or 71% to 29%) in September 2002 • State Senator Alex Deccio acquired $1.25 million in additional funding for construction of new ballfields at Kiwanis Park (March) and the City transfers two additional Larson Park ballfields to Yakima Valley Community College. • The City Council authonzes hinng of Civil Engineers Hmbregtse, Louman Associates to begin preliminary planning and site work (May). • Clearing of the land continues. Building, brush and debris are removed and the land of prepared for development. • A scaled-back master site plan is developed and presented to citizens, Park Commission and City Council (Fall). 2003 • The modified proposal — three fields, lighting, parking and restrooms —goes out to bid (May). • Bids are opened and the construction contract is awarded to Ohno Construction of Seattle (June). • Ground is broken and the project is underway (July 28, 2003). Funded by remaining dollars from Larson Park property transfer, a $1.25 million CTED grant for the transfer of Dunbar and Field #4 to YVCC and a $350,000 state appropnation for the transfer of Noel Field to YVCC. (Grant eventually disappears when money is not reappropriated by the state Legislature. Replaced with REET funds by City Manager in 2006 so the fourth ballfield can be constructed. Kiwanis Development Timeline •1/24/08 • Page 2 • • • • • • 2004 • Oct. 21-22. Grand Opening. Pro -Celebrity Game and Great Pumpkin Tournament 2005 • March. fields go into use for tournaments and Parks and Recreation slowpitch leagues. East Valley girls fastpitch invitational is the first event on the fields. • June: WIAA Class B state high school girls fastpitch toumament. • The 2005 State Capital Budget includes $350,000 for construction of the fourth baseball field at the Gateway Complex. • In July the City Council approves inclusion of $200,000 for the fourth field in a $780,000 Council General Obligation Bond. • First season. 18 or 22 available weekends were booked for tournaments. 2005 • February- fourth field goes out for bid. • June: construction begins. • August: fencing, imgation and turf underway • End of October completed. 2006 • In May Parks and Recreation applied for an IAC/RCO grant for $500,000 for Upper Kiwanis land acquisition (1.88 acres on the park's northwest corner) and improvements (skate park, youth baseball field, volleyball court, basketball court, play equipment, restroom and Title 12 improvements along Maple Street). 2007 • A SEPA Checklist proposing the demolition and removal of the old city incinerator building was submitted to the city planning division. In July, a mitigated determination of nonsignificance was released. Comments from the public, however, prompted the city to drop the proposal. • Early this spnng, members of the Parker Foundation asked if the Kiwanis Pond can be reconfigured or changed so that four ball fields can be easily accommodated as part of the Upper Ki warns Redevelopment Project. Staff meets with a Department of Ecology representative to begin exploration of this proposal. • Fourth field goes into play starting with WIAA spring girls' fastpitch play-offs. Kiwanis Development Timeline •1124108 • Page 3 • IAC/RCO notifies Parks and Recreation that the grant application was successful and that funds would be available by late summer Rotary pledged $500,000 and the City provided $225,000 (for the skate park) plus 100,000 REET 1 dollars in matching funds for the grant • In June Rotary acquires four of the five parcels for the acquisition element of the Upper Kiwanis Redevelopment. By the end of the year, acquisition of the five parcels by Rotary is complete. • December, skate park plans are submitted to Planning for pre-bid and construction review and Parks and Recreation was notified that its application for a $25,000 Tony Hawks skate park grant had been successful. 2008 • Council approved a resolution authonzing the signing of the grant contract with RCO (IAC) at its January 15 meeting and that document was signed by the City Manager January 17 Signing the contract allows the city to seek grant reimbursement for work done on the project after that date. (Contracts for this round of grants were issued six month later than they have in the past which has created a delay in progress on this project.) • Discussions by members of the Parker Foundation reopened the question of removal of the incinerator and reconfiguring or eliminating park's pond. Staff and representatives of the foundation meet with a DOE representative at Kiwanis Park. Kiwanis Development Timeline •1/24/08 • Page 4 • • • • • • Aujus-L-- sI, 2.00 7 LS /LA s70 (-) 3: Kiwanis Park— Current Status and Future Development Council Member Lover had requested this update of Kiwanis park development due to the number of citizen calls he received following the posting of the SEPA Review sign at the park. Denise Nichols, Parks and Recreation Manager, gave a power point presentation on the history of the project. In 1999, Kiwanis Park had three outdated fields on approximately twenty acres From 1999 to 2006, we started acquiring property with service club partnerships with a goal of twelve lighted fields. The project started moving forward in 1999 with the sale of the Larson Park tennis courts to Yakima Valley Community College The money from that sale was earmarked for replacement ball fields With $120,000 donation from the service clubs, and an IAC grant for an equal amount, they purchased the first acreage to begin the expansion. Mrs Nichols described the steps taken and the development of a master plan with new goals Groundbreaking was in July 2003 and the actual development began. They received money for a fourth ball field and construction began in June of 2006 From the start, the concept was to use lower Kiwanis for league tournament play and develop the upper area as a neighborhood sports park serving the east side community They purchased five parcels with plans for many amenities In addition, they wanted to add three or four youth softball fields. This year, a SEPA checklist for the removal of the incinerator received community opposition and the decision was made to leave it as it stands. Keeping the structure does not interfere with the plans for the park. Upper Kiwanis redevelopment is scheduled to get underway with the skate park in late fall 2007, once the IAC funding and the bid process is completed They hope to complete the first phase of the skate park early next year, and finish the remainder of the upper Kiwanis area in 2008 and 2009 Because of the continued rise in construction costs, the current funding will not complete the park development. Yakima's service groups have a strong desire to continue development of a recreational corridor along 1-82, but future funding is unknown Discussion following the presentation covered the following points ® Skate park details © Service club funding described by Greg Luring. • Service club dreams for the future of Kiwanis Park ® The need to mitigate the pond © Community support a The need for girls fast pitch ball fields by Gene Rostvold o Economic benefits Council Member Lover mentioned that citizens involved with historic preservation had expressed concern with the incineratorand the ten acres that includes the pond He expects them to get involved to protect the pond. Lynne Quesenbury supplied research information on the pond. In 1954 the City deeded several pieces of property, including the ten acre site, over to the Metropolitan Park District (MPD) for use as a public park. In 1970 it came back to the City as a park. U 1 / / 200 7 - / n 0.71—es usIn eSS ORDINANCE NO 2007-35, AN ORDINANCE relating to Traffic Regulation, creating a Downtown Yakima Parking Commission to serve as an advisory committee to the Yakima City Council regarding downtown parking issues, and enacting a new chapter 9 49 of the City of Yakima Municipal Code 17 Other -Bushiess:;. *A. Consideration of Resolution authorizing the sole source purchase of personal protective equipment (bunker gear) for the Fire Department RESOLUTION NO R-2007-106, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager to purchase Firefighter Personal Protective Equipment from Sea Western for an amount not to exceed $40,000 plus sales tax per year for the next five years as a sole source without calling for bids and further authorizing the City Manager to execute all appropriate and necessary documents to complete the purchase transactions *B. Consideration of Resolution granting a public fireworks display permit to Eagle Fireworks at the July 28, 2007 Yakima Bears baseball game RESOLUTION NO R-2007-107, A RESOLUTION granting a public fireworks display permit to Eagle Fireworks on behalf of the Yakima County Stadium, Yakima Bears Baseball *C Second reading of an Ordinance amending the 2007 Budget and appropriating funds to provide for negotiated wages and benefits for the Yakima Police Patrolman's Association An Ordinance amending the 2007 budget and appropriating funds to provide for negotiated wages and benefits for the Yakima Police Patrolman's Association, previously having been read by title only, was brought before the Council for a second reading ORDINANCE NO 2007-36, AN ORDINANCE amending the 2007 budget for the City of Yakima, and making an appropriation of $185,000 in the 000 —General Fund for expenditure during 2007 to provide for negotiated wages and benefits for Yakima Police Patrolman's Association (YPPA) �Ciariis Park Council Member Lover raised an issue of a memo received from Parks about Kiwanis Park and the incinerator,;, He spoke "straight to the comprehensive plan," which is what guides the Parks Department. He then read something he had written regarding the objective in Chapter 6 After a long dissertation, Mayor Pro Tem McClure asked if he was recommending a study session Following a lengthy discussion, it was determined they would split the study session scheduled for August 14th and add Kiwanis Park. City Manager Zais complimented Connie Little with respect to a letter on this subject, and thanked her for sending a check in the amount of $505 to benefit the graffiti eradication effort. • • • • • WASHINGTON STATE ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT MITIGATED DETERMINATION OF NONSIGNIFICANCE CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON July 25, 2007 PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Demolish and remove Kiwams Park incinerator, retaining walls, and eliminate unimproved access drive-through. PROPONENT: City of Yakima Parks & Recreation LOCATION: 1500 E. Maple Street, Yakima, WA. LEAD AGENCY: City of Yakima FILE REFERENCE NO. UAZO EC#01-07 DETERMINATION: The lead agency for this proposal has determined that the project does not have a probable sigmficant adverse impact on the environment and an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is not required under RCW 43.21C 030(2)(c). This Mitigated Determination of Nonsignificance (MDNS) is hereby conditioned upon the following mitigating measure(s), as authonzed under WAC 197-11-660 and Yakima Municipal Code (YMC) 6 88 160(B)(5) as supported by these findings and policies. FINDINGS: 1 This environmental review concerns the demolition and removal of the Kiwanis Park incinerator, retaining walls and the elimination of the ummproved access drive-through, located at 1500 E. Maple Street, Yakima, Washington. 2 The existing adjacent bathroom is connected to sewer running southwest to the alley 3 The proposed facihty is located greater than than 300 feet from the ordinary high water mark of the pond, and does not require Critical Areas review 4 This application is exempt from Critical Areas Review (YMC 15.27.202 and 15.27 310) 5 There are no traffic -related issues associated with this proposal. 6 IBC 3303 4 has been amended to read "basement walls, footings and foundations may be required to be broken into pieces less than 24" in size if anything is to be burred." 7 Permission from Clean Air Authonty must be given before issuance of a demolition permit. 1 8 An asbestos survey must be conducted prior to any demolition or renovation work being performed. If no asbestos is found, YRCAA notification is still required. 9 All asbestos must be removed prior to demolition. 10 Pnor to demolition of the incinerator, samples of the accumulated soot in the building and chimney should be taken to determine proper disposal. Samples should be tested for Dioxins, Furans, and PCBs. Disposal of the material should be dependant upon results of the sampling. 11 Contractors doing the demolition and site restoration work will need to obtain and file a Dust Control Plan with Yakima Regional Clean Air Authority (YRCAA) 12 The Department of Ecology/Water Resources Program has expressed concern regarding existing water rights In some instances water may need to be obtained from a different area and hauled in or from an existing water right holder 13 A water right permit is required for all surface water diversions and for any water from a well that will exceed 5,000 gallons per day (Chapter 90 03 RCW Surface Water Code and Chapter 90 44 RCW Regulation of Public Ground Waters). Temporary permits may be obtainable in a short time -period. 14 This proposed demolition is not subject to compliance with Transportation Concurrency Ordinance 15 The State Histonc Preservation Officer (SHPO) advises that the incinerator building is eligible for placement on the National Register of Historic Places. 16 Removal of the incinerator poses an adverse impact to the historic structure's National Register eligibility 17 If this project becomes obligated with Federal funds, you will be required to consult with us under the requirements of 36CFR800 POLICIES: 1 Promote the preservation, restoration and enhancement of our historic, cultural and archaeological resources, tangible and intangible, to provide a living link with our past. (Policy L2 3) MITIGATION MEASURES: 1 This application is exempt from Cntical Areas Review (YMC 15 27.202 and 15.27 310) 2 All stormwater or water used for dust control shall be maintained in the immediate vicinity of the demolition site and shall be prevented from flowing into the pond. 3 An asbestos survey shall be conducted prior to demolition or renovation work being performed. If no asbestos is found, YRCAA notification is still required. 4 All asbestos be removed prior to demolition. 5 Samples of accumulated soot in the building and chimney should be taken to determine proper disposal. Samples should be tested for Dioxins, Furans, and PCBs Disposal of the material must be dependant upon results of the sampling. 6 Contractors doing the demolition and site restoration work must file a Dust Control Plan with Yakima Regional Clean Air Authority (YRCAA) • • • • • • 7 Check with Department of Ecology/Water Resources to insure legal right to water, and obtain water rights permit for all water diversions and wells that will exceed 5,000 gallons per day 8 Applicant must consult with State Histonc Preservation Officer (SHPO) if project becomes obligated with Federal funds under the requirements of 36CFR800 This decision was made after review of a completed environmental checklist and other information on file with the lead agency This information is available to the public on request. This MDNS is issued under WAC 197-11-355, Optional DNS process There will be no additional comment period for this MDNS There is no further comment period on the INNS. APPEALS: This determination may be appealed to the Hearing Examiner, 129 North 2nd Street, Yakima WA 98901 in writing no later than fifteen (15) days after the date of this mailing (5:00 p.m. on July 10, 2007). You should be prepared to make specific factual objections Contact Vaughn McBride, Associate Planner (509) 576-6315 for more information. RESPONSIBLE OFFICIAL: William Cook POSITION / TITLE- Director Community & Economic Development TELEP':iONE: (509) 575-6113 ADDRESS: 129 North 2nd Street, Yakima, WA 98901 DATE: June 25, 2007 SIGNATURE: • • MEMORANDUM July 2, 2007 To: Dick Zais, City Manager From. Chris Waarvick, Director of Public Works Denise Nichols, Parks and Recreation Manager Subject: Kiwanis Park Incinerator /UAZO EC #1-07 In early February, 2007, Parks and Recreation submitted an Environment Checklist regarding the incinerator building at Kiwanis Park to the City's Department of Economic and Community Development. The checklist proposed the demolition and removal of the building, its wing walls and the gravel drive through that provides vehicle access to it. The project proposal was made in conjunction with redevelopment for the portion of the park known as Upper Kiwanis. Anticipated improvements include a skate park, paved parking, a restroom, play equipment and picnic shelter on the section of the park near Fair Avenue and youth ball fields on the lower portion. The subject of the long -defunct incinerator's future arose last year during discussions about the proposed redevelopment. Service group (Rotary) members advocated for the improvements and the club pledged $500,000 to help fund the project and, in turn, provide matching dollars for a state grant application. Along the way, a suggestion was made that removal of the incinerator would increase the land surface available for development and would increase the possibility of constructing a combination of four youth baseball and girls' fastpitch fields instead of the three originally anticipated. Accordingly, the SEPA was drawn up and submitted to unveil the technical, legal and political landscape March 14, notice of the application to SEPA reviewing agencies, adjoining neighbors and Parks and Recreation was issued with a preliminary mitigated determination of nonsignificance. May 31, Parks and Recreation and the other addressees received notice of withdrawal of an April 11 mitigated determination of nonsignificance and a revised preliminary mitigated determination of nonsignficance due to an oversight rn posting the requisite signage at the site. Parks and Recreation received neither prior notice of the need to post signs nor notice of the April 11 determination. The May 31 notice indicated the comment period would extend through June 20 May 31, Parks and Recreation staff, at the request of the Planning Department, posted the required SEPA signs at Kiwanis on the Fair Avenue and Maple Street sides of the park. One of reviewing agencies, the Department of Ecology (Richard Granberg, Hazardous Waste Inspections) visited the incinerator March 26 for a preliminary inspection for hazardous materials. He indicated no obvious indications at that time. Ecology (Don Abbott, Toxics Cleanup) visited the site a second time June 5 No official results have been received. Staff contacted Russell Crane rn April and the firm responded with an April 16 letter indicating demolition and disposal of the incinerator would cost approximately $8,500 Russell also said it could perform a required asbestos inspection for $500 Removal of hazardous materials would be in addition to those costs. The State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation is also among the agencies contacted as part of the planning process. In this case, because of the grant from IAC, a second contact was required. As a result, Parks and Recreation completed a Project Review Sheet (Form EZ -1) and Determination of Eligibility Form (EZ -2) for the project which IAC then submitted to DAHP May 21, IAC was notified that, in the reviewer's opinion, the incinerator is eligible for the historic structure's National Registry The agency indicated removal of the incinerator would have an adverse affect on that eligibility Eligibility does not guarantee a listing and a lengthy — possibly years — application process is required. DAHP notes the requirement to consult with the agency in the event federal funds become involved, an unlikely possibility If discussions about the incinerator proceed to that level, the future of the incinerator hes ultimately in the hands of the City Council. Three options come immediately to mind. 1. Demolition and removal as proposed in the SEPA. An alternate to this course of action has been proposed. demolition of the building but retention of the smokestack which appears to be sound. Brick from the building could be used to construct a base around the smokestack and a marker could be added to explain the history of the site. 2. Renovation into a functional facility However, the unusual floor plan, the lack of utilities (except for limited electricity) and the condition of structure — original and current — pose a number of likely, possibly prohibitively, expensive considerations which would be complicated further if there is a desire to maintain historic registry eligibility 3 Continuation as is. Even leaving the structure as it currently exists carries some cost. At a minimum it should be fenced to ensure safety for park visitors. As Upper Kiwanis is redeveloped and the incinerator is surrounded by new amenities and features, its appearance will become and increasingly unattractive contrast. Graffiti removal will continue to be an expensive nuisance. It is important to know this is not the only land use application that will be submitted in regard to Upper Kiwanis. It is the first of three. The second (Class 2 Review) which will be submitted soon is for only the construction of the skate park on the corner of the park bordered by Maple Street and Fair Avenue. This construction, however, is not contingent on the proposed demolition of the incinerator The skate park has been designed to accommodate most of the features currently existing at Kiwarus — the old restroom, the incinerator and the existing trees. The third (Class 2 Review) to be submitted later encompasses the full redevelopment of Upper Kiwanis including a new restroom, play equipment, sport courts, paved parking and youth ball fields Kiwanis neighbors will see a series of three of the highly visible "yellow signs" during the balance of this year • • • DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS PARKS & RECREATION DIVISION 2301 Fruitvale Blvd., Yakima, Washington 98902 Phone (509) 575-6020 Fax (509) 575-6238 "THE BENEFITS ARE ENDLESS" July 30, 2007 Marguerite Austin R. C. O P 0 Box 40917 Olympia WA 98501 Regarding Grant 06-1687C/Upper Kiwanis Park Redevelopment/Phase 1 Dear Marguerite: I am writing to update you about the proposed removal of an old city incinerator from Kiwanis Park here in Yakima. We recently submitted the action to the City Planning Department for SEPA review One of the benefits of this process is the ability to receive public comment which we certainly did. The public's sentiment for the incinerator and its towering chimney is such that we have opted to withdraw our application for further review The incinerator will remain as is and development of Upper Kiwanis will take place around it. Thank you and your staff for your assistance. Sincerely, Lyrin Quesenbury Parks and Recreation Administrative Associate c: Dan Haws Denise Nichols Athletics 575-6020 • Aquatics 575-6046 • Community Enrichment 575-6020 • Fisher Golf Course 575-6075 . Pnrit Miintcnnnee 575-6020 • Senior Citizen Center 575-6166 • Tahoma Cemetery 575-6026 Yakima an-nmericacnr 'HU' MAY -28-2007 MON 10:38 PM IAC SALMON RECOVERY FAX NO, 4 P. 02 RECEIVED MAY 2 4 2007 STATE OF WASHINGTON INTERAGENCY COMMITTEE DEPARTMENT OF ARCHAEOLOGY & HISTORIC PRESEPICIATIMPR RECREA11oN 1069 S. Capital Way, Suite 108 Olympia, Washington 98507 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 48343.Olympia, Washington 9504.8343 (360) 5864065 • Fax (360) 586-3067 • Website www.dahp.wa.gov May 21, 2007 Ms. Marguerite Austin IACOR 111 Washington Street SE PO Box 40917 Olympia, WA 98501 In future correspondence please refer to' Log: 052307-05-IACOR Property- Upper Kiwanis Park Development Re: Determined Eligible Dear Ms. Austin: Recently, the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) was contacted concerning the Upper Kiwan is Park Development Project in Yakima. We reviewed the project on behalf of the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) under the guidelines of the Governor's Executive Order 05-05 (GEO 05-05). Upon review of the materials provided to our office and we concur that the Kiwanis restroom facility is not eligible for listing to the National Register of Historic Places. We do feel, however, that the incinerator building is eligible to the National Register of Historic Places. As such, the removal of the incinerator poses an adverse impact to the historic structures National Register eligibility We look forward to further consultation with you regarding plans to avoid, minimize or mitigate these effects. These comments are based on the information available at the time of this review and on behalf of the State Historic Preservation Officer pursuant GEO 05-05 If this project becomes obligated with Federal funds, you will be required to consult with us under the requirements of 36CFR800. Thank you for providing us the opportunity to review and comment. If you have any question pleas call me. Sincerely, Russell Holter Project Compliance Reviewer Russell.Holter@clahp,wa.gov Cc: Vaughn McBride (Yakima) DEPARTMENT OF ARCHAEOLOGY & HISTORIC_PRESERVATION _ Protect the Past, Shape the Future 0 Old incinerator can stay, says parks director By CHRIS BRISTOL YAKIMA HERALD -REPUBLIC Yakima's parks director says she would still like to tear down the old incinerator at Kiwanis Park, but it's no longer necessary to do so to accommodate a new skate park and baseball fields. "It's not a deal -breaker," Parks and Recreation Man- ager Denise Nichols said Monday. "We will just work around it." Nichols' comments came on the eve of an important deadline for appealing the proposed demolition of the incinerator, a two-story brick landmark of sorts on South Fair Avenue that was built in 1936 but now is boarded up and used only for storage of city property. The deadline passed Tuesday without any appeals filed, meaning the city can apply for a demolition permit whenever it wants. That day could be a ways off, however. Preservation- ists have voiced some opposition to tearing it down, and the city has not actually set aside the money for what could be a costly demolition. A review by city planners concluded the environmen- tal impact of a teardown is "insignificant," although an asbestos survey and soil testing are still necessary. The review also found the incinerator is eligible for place- ment on the National Register of Historic Places. Previously, Nichols has described the structure as an eyesore that attracts graffiti and presents some chal- lenges to ongoing improvements to the upper section of the park. However, she remains supportive of saving the incinerator's No. 1 feature, a 100 -foot smokestack adja- cent to the building. Among the improvements are the installation of four Little League baseball fields in place of an existing soft- ball field as well as installation of a new skate park, the city's second. Nichols said she firmly believes another improve- mentto the aesthetic quality of the park would be to get rid of the incinerator. If that's not possible, it needs to be fenced off to impede vandals or taggers, she added. Ultimately the fate of the structure is the city coun- cil's call, not hers, she said. "At this point, the building doesn't interfere with the development," she said, adding, "If council decides it will stay, we will work with it." • Chris Bristol can be reached at 577-7748 or cbristol@yakimaherald.com. ANDY SAWYER/Yakima Herald -Republic )rps workers Freddy Lustre, 14, Jessica Ornelas, 15, ante Mena, 15, pick up litter along U.S. Highway 97 bout 500 teenagers applied for the summer job. It really true. is grossing Oto rine, s, he lat details )that too in setting his young employees on the right track. "It's kind of a thankless job, but I get satisfaction out of it because I'm teaching the kids how to be. I'm teaching them life skills on how to be a good worker, a good citizen," Hankinson says. "This is the be- ginning for them." • Erin Snelgrove can be reached at 577-7684 or esnelgrove @ yakimaherald.com. ANDY SAWYER/Yakima Herald -Republic file The nlri inrinc ratnr et,nrie Wiwnnic Oft ri• ers Pet ierald. fled by !public of the family Epers. Jr �r Dm nt Treat old building as asset To the editor —Regarding the demolition of the incinerator plant at the Kiwanis_Park I strongly disagree with the city ofYakima's stance thatthe building is unsightly and ugly Another hole in the ground would do wonders; just cast your eyes at the old Montgomery Ward building site: Maybe Yakima officials should take advice from Seattle. They managed to take a bunch of rusted old boilers and create a park: Gas Works park It happens to draw crowds of people. keeps the past alive and serves as a landmark. I sincerely believe that the building could be incorporated into the design of the park. per- haps serving as an information center, a covered hangoutforpatrons, etc: Or perhaps another deep scar in the ground, with chain link fencing rattling in the wind, col- lecting trash, with a sign station, "Sorry, we ran out of money:.:: again. AVELSEGURA Moxee Replace lackluster structure To the editor -Re: The May 20 article, "Ren- ovation or demolition?? I agree with Barbara Greco that downtown Ya- kima needs places for small businesses to locate to draw pedestrians, but to preserve a building.. simply because it is old, a building with no intrin- sic architectural or historic value. is not the an- swer. Eventually using the lot for administrative offices will bring potential downtown users to the area during the day. Why can't the county build a multiuse building with shop and cafe spaces on the ground floor and offices above? This would create a user-friendly street appeal.' Many of our current government buildings are oppressive monoliths. Breaking up the street level with a human -scaled collection of spaces invites residents and tourists to use our down- town. Constructing new buildings with an energy efficient design makes far more sense than � ,, spending more money to preserve an unexcep- tional structure. Creating a green space until the new building is needed provides a friendlygath- ering space and dissipates the heat that builds downtown in the summer. I appreciate the efforts and successes of For a OUR RIAF0[• Better Tomorrow, but preserving this building is not a sensible step. For a real impact downtown, bring in a Whole Foods or Trader Joe's. Many communities smaller than Yakima support one. or both ofthese stores: It is time for Yakima to have real options in shopping. MARY MILAM Yakima Lack of Zillah event coverage To the editor— I was disappointed by your newspaper's lack of coverage in the May 13 edi- tion forZillah's Community Days. Volunteers and city personnel work hard to pull off the one "big event of the year" Your coverage was one small picture with a caption. The queen identi- fied in the picture was not even from Zillah. The caption does not say where she was from, but gives plenty of information about the car that carried her through the parade. There was a large breakfast event, a carnival at the park and other activities. There were no winners of the 5K and 10K foot race runs listed. JEFF MILES Zillah `Welcome to Yakima,' indeed To the editor= "Welcome to Yakima," and we mean it! If you haven't already checked them out, take a look at the new Welcome to Yakima signs at the entrances to the State Route 24/Interstate- 82 interchange (Nob Hill Boulevard). Designed by artist Daniel Patton working with ASAP Metal Fabricators, the signs are part ofa larger art installation also created by Patton and ASAP: a pair of spectacular sun sculptures to be installed on the bridges laterthissummer. Created ofstatnless'steel and columnar basalt, the new welcome signs make a visual statement: about our pride' in the natural beauty our Valley. The recent: unveiling ofthe-signs — along. with stunning Welcome to Yakima sign in- stalled last summer on East Yakima Avenue— is noteworthy because community investment is responsible for adding much needed "curb ap- peal" to two of the gateways to our city. row Tra mit for. kim lool a C( that mal alsc bett De I May wan sacr Kris dog, sit, s t3'I Kris that Her rien resp 1. Dog or to new py n they they of tit ect IM1r ind nev den • )ad choice Karen Garza's July 8 choices," she says she hoose to take the life of it some, that is the only t about adoption, what i such as birth control we her son each time he Ily good at teaching her fun but not get caught. t who will work to iecause that will show OUR READERS this unborn child, not get rid of it. We all get irate when a baby drowns in a swimming pool or dies in a car wreck or gets abducted and taken away, but somehow it doesn't mean much when we abort thousands of babies each month. How sad! Scott Peterson was convicted of two murders by killing his wife, Lacy, and their unborn child. How is this different when you only take the baby's life? Very same thing! RICHARD SIEKAWITCH Yakima e ill w them choices gust not true King is best man for the job in taking the life of that ie love for human life? yexercised her choice, -otected sex. When she then needs to protect D -REPUBLIC ID Editorials on this page representthe. views of the. Yakima Herald Republic's editorial board.Let- ters -from Letters-from readers , and bylined columns represent the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the edrtonal position of this newspaper. 'OR Jr. The Yakima Herald - Republic is published by. Yakima Herald -Republic Inc.. a member of the Seattle Times family of newspapers. To the editor — Please allow me to offer my personal observations of Curtis King. Most people know or have read about his accom- plishments in our community; that he has a master's of business administration degree and is a successful businessman. His track re- cord is long and his accomplishments many Only people who have had the opportunity to work orplay with Curtis can really know of his sincerity I have known Curtis for about 25 years, from a business relationship as well as a friend and tennis opponent itis from this -exposure that I can say; • Curtis is a man of his word: • He is a man of the highest integrity and a man who I can trust to do what is fair and right. • Curtis is nobody's lackey -he will work for the people he represents: I believe it is time for a change in Olympia. We need to stop the "business as usual attitude and start getting things done for our community, Curtis has the business and people skills to get that done. He is the best man for the job! FRANK ROUSE Yakima Saving a piece of local history To the editor—A thank you is due all of you who wrote or called City Hall or contacted the State Historic Preservation Officer in Olympia about your concerns that the Kiwanis Park's historical feature - the incinerator and smokestack— were to be demolished. There were three different legal notices and the last one indicated only the incinerator was to be demolished. This writer took 29 pictures of the upper western side of the park where families were gathered at picnic tables andchildren swinging near the smokestack near the trees providing shade so the City Council could get a good view of what would destroy the lovely trees and the historical significance of this small park. I offered to make the appeal, which would cost $505, but after staff discussed it they told me that they didn't want to have me use my money for the appeal, I decided that all that I had written and knowing all of you were writing and phoning, I would let it go. And then the news article came to tell us that the Parks and Recreation folks plan to work around and Ieave the incinerator and smokestack. Congratulations! I would like to see the incinerator with a band of paint at least 12 feet from the ground painted with the paint that is washable for graffiti. The $505 I budgeted for the appeal may be used for that purpose. Thank you, again, to all who acted quickly as did this writer, CONNIE LITTLE Yakima To submit a letter The Herald -Republic welcomes letters from our read- ers. To be considered for publication: ■ Letters have a 250 -word limit and may be edited for _grammar and clarity. ■ You must sign your full name and include your street address (although only your city will be printed) as well as a daytime phone number for verification. ■ Letters should be on topics of general interest to readers in the Yakima Valley, and must be in good taste. Letters that defame individuals, ethnic or reli- gious groups, quote extensively from another printed source or that contain significant factual errors will not be published. 1 Writers are limited to one published letter per cal- endar month. Mail- To the Editor, P.O. Box 9668, Yakima WA 98909 E-mail: opinion@yakimaherald.com (Do not send attachments.) Fax: 577-7767 (Label as "Letter to the Editor.") • • • Nichols, Denise From: Waarvick, Chris Sent: Tuesday, July 3, 2007 10.17 AM To: Zais, Dick; Zabell, Dave; Cook, Bill; Maples, Doug; Nichols, Denise Subject. Re: Kiwanis Park legal notices per my observation (7/01/07) Dear Denise, Can you constructively add to this discourse? We seem to keep upsetting the "save the refuse incinerator" constituency I told Connie that without Council approval nothing would happen to the incinerator That is still true. Chris ----Original Message— From. Zais, Dick To. Zabell, Dave; Waarvick, Chris; Cook, Bill, Maples, Doug Sent: Tue Jul 03 1013:28 2007 Subject: Fw. Kiwanis Park legal notices per my observation (7/01/07) Good morning guys. This issue keeps coming back! Please coordinat a response to Connie today and forward the original message and your response to the Council tonight. Thanks. Dick —Original Message— From: Connie Little <clittle@bentonrea.com> To. Zais, Dick Sent: Tue Jul 03 0008:34 2007 Subject: Kiwanis Park legal notices per my observation (7/01/07) Honorable Mayor and Council Members of the City of Yakima THROUGH Richard Zais, City Manager It is very interesting that each of th three legal notices t t began for demolishing the incinerator and smokestack have changed several important pa . an earlier version the legal notice speaks about skateboarding but does not in the the third and last one. Someone is very determined to get this complex demolished and needs to heed public opinion. You certainly don't want another community reaction like you had over the Congdon annexatio or the publicity when a big part of Larson Park disappeared at 16th Avenue and E. Nob hill Boulevard! I took my husband to sit in the car in the shade on June 28th and circled the incinerator/smokestack and it certainly is much more attractive than the description made for the public to view The people who use the park and the caretaker who maintains it are to be congratulated on their respect for this small piece of park. I want you to know that everyone with whom I am speaking agrees that the incinerator/smokestack should not be demolished. Especially those who lived on this side of the tracks or still live here. Several spoke of their resistance to saving homes as old as 100 years even though they are looking for materials to match needed materials to make buildings look like the originals. One person who happened to be involved in this kind of restoration spied a pile of old lumber we had left from a building we destroyed years ago, just sitting there. The person took a board to check to see if it Page 1 would match something they desperately needed You folks and I are not into restoration but we must not stop those who have the energy and wish to retain the history of the east side of the tracks! This binder includes my earlier comments to a previous advertisement and the recently taken pictures. If there is any doubt about what you are seeing along with my script, go see the incinerator and smokestack yourselves. A weekday with the kids out of school will show you what I saw is true. You may wiggle for some important folks who want the incinerator and smokestack gone, but we will be losers. A ball park and a skatepark cannot replace a grove of beautiful trees which protect folks from the hot sun and the building peeks neatly from openings in the grove. It is not "unsightly " I hope you take time to see the campaign I have to finish to get Ben Soria and the board members of Yakima School District No 7 to make a decision. I was just looking back and some of the letters in it are almost a year old now There are comments in this report that could be useful in relation to your legal notice about Kiwanis Park. Two of the folks who made comments re Jefferson and Child's School came to see Royal, today, and we talked about the incinerator and smokestack problem. We agreed, again, that if we don't speak up, everything that means anything we care about the last 50 years will be gone! Our guests are in their early 60's, as are our two daughters.The were writers re Childs School. It even appears in the report I got that there will be no public discussion on this subject. Honestly, we need to bend or change the law, if true. I am sure that the Rotary, Lions, and Kiwanis clubs will be found to be the ones who have requested this and very likely not one of their members lives in this area. Thank you for listening to me. Respectfully, Constance E. Little 2002 Simpson Lane Yakima, WA 98901-3908 (509) 453-2815 Page 2 • • • • Nichols, Denise From. Zais, Dick Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2007 3 52 PM To: Waarvick, Chris; Nichols, Denise, Cook, Bill, Maples, Doug Subject: FIN. Incinerator -smokestack news ( 6 26 07) From: Connie Little [mailto:dittle@bentonrea.com] Sent: Tuesday, June 26,2007 -11:20 'AM To: Zais, Dick Subject: Incinerator -smokestack news ( 6.26.07) Dear Dick: By now everyone in the city council office has seen the four page report I sent on the above subject. I was really dismayed, yesterday a.m., when I saw the third legal notice with information about the "historic preservation" issue. I thought that was a great part of the legal notice and gave me hope that we could have the above "landmark" registered instead of being demolished I really wanted to write someone but I didn't have a clue how to handle this new information I finally decided to call the Olympia office where the State Historic Preservation Officer was located. I found the correct person This morning I got hold of Greg Griffith in that office and turns out he remembered me when I was working on video footage on the Painted Rocks out near Gleed. He knew who I was and what a great feeling that gave me. He knew there was more interest in the above structure in this county than they had in five years! He gave me the names of some of the people and organizations who are working toward making the above a historic structure and are against demolishing same I am certainly in agreement. Page 1 • I am sending the four page report to Greg and to Russel Holter, to whom he introduced me on the telephone and we had a three way conversation. Isn't this amazing? I then told him I would send him the photos I did about 8 - 10 years ago on the Painted Rocks, when I was working on the A.E. Larson video at YCTV I don't know which one but it was in Larson's video because he was the one who got the railroad to deed the property to the county in 1934 He gave Yakima county I think it was $40,000 to maintain the Painted Rocks. That is how I came to take the photos and later use them in the video. I have the dates but I don't want to take time to look them up now I have a lot more to discuss with him about other historic places I have filmed but the most interesting I talked to him about and he was quite excited. I am getting him a copy of the Boy Scout to Fighter Pilot (Fighter Pilot, WW2) with the idea of getting some part of Grant County International Airport renamed for Major Donald A. Larson. Daryl Parker suggested this to me sometime ago when I was telling him what I was doing about the Ruth Childs and Jefferson schools that were torn down and a new school erected in their place and named for Martin Luther King, Jr over the protest of folks in this community I don't think I sent you the packet on this but is one of the best packets 1 have made on an issue that was very unjust. I am not done with this issue and will share later The Herald Republic referred a request about Major Donald A. Larson to me as the best informed in his history and the fellow and I are on e-mail with excellent terms. He and another fellow who served at Larson Air Force Base (Moses Lake) in the 1960's when it was still under that name are coming to Washington to see the old place. He is going to write a chapter for the book I am currently putting together about the Major This has a lot more information about Don Larson than the video I did but the video is more fun to watch. 1 am also in touch with the 339th Fighter Group that has yearly reunions and to which Don would be going if he were still alive. Occasionally, since I am getting their quarterly newsletter, somone who flew or served with Don will provide a photo and a lithe story I was also once invited to come to the reunion and the flyer who struck Don's plane offered to pay my way to come. I couldn't because Royal wasn't able to travel and I wouldn't leave him. Instead, I made a short video for the reunion. The editor of the newsletter flew with Don and on his first flight, he landed in the North Sea and was rescued by the British. He provided me with this story and it will be in the book. I am absolutely dumbfounded with all the people who connect with me and their interest in those events more than 60 years ago. I also furnished a copy of the video several years ago for the Flight Museum in Seattle and am getting a DVD to send to Bonnie Dunbar, the current administrator People who have seen it are really impressed with the footage that Don shot of actual scenes with trains and buildings and tracers from his plane. Page 2 • • • If there is anything you care to share re the incinerator -smokestack, I would appreciate hearing. I would love to video it for a video but Royal has to sit in the car and it is too hot at this time of the year All I can do is phone or e-mail or use WORD to help in the campaign. 1 can't understand how the Park and Recreation Supervisor can tweak the City of Yakima's structure as she is doing. I believe she lives in Selah and is on their City Council, isn't she? My life is not dull, even though 1 am a full time caregiver which includes being a "special nurse." I am downsizing and going through boxes and boxes of papers that I have saved from way back to high school. I am putting these into date order with souvenirs, etc. I hope I can live at least another three years to finish I have so much to write about that may be amusing or informational. Just wanted to touch bases with you and make certain that you know I am campaigning in a nice way to make certain that the incinerator -smoke stack remain just as they are where they are! 1 even sent the packet I sent you and the council to Stan May to share with retired police officers (I knew many, but many are now deceased) I wrote him to thank him for writing such a nice letter to the editor in your support! What with the recent spat of officers re various issues by their union, that was very gracious. I also indicated in my letter that I was writing a book which will include my years at the YPD Stan May's father was a WA DOT employee in Kittitas county whom my husband knew when he was working in the Union Gap shops. Stan wrote an excellent letter and what he said was all true! Take care of yourself and have a great summer Fondly, Connie Little Page 3 • FIRST KIWANIS MEETING PLACE The Commercial where Yakima Kiwanis met weekly in the 'first days of Kiwanis in Yakima' Lines, was a member of the Yakima Kiwanis Club He had formerly worked in St Louis, where he was associated with a veru aggressive Kiwanis Club They had been con- ducting a Bridge Social for several years George made the presentation to his new Yakima Club and it was met with "instant approval " The event began after Christmas and continued weekly for three months It was arranged that you never played more than once with the same couple Final rounds were played m April 1948 The Kiwanis Bridge Social vas so well accepted that it has continued to this day It is a highlight event in the iwanis Calendar Many wonderful dships have been developed h Kiwanis Bridge THE YEAR WAS 1952 Yakima, Washington Yakima Kiwanis, now 31 years old, became interested in the public parks of Yakima In 1952, Yakima's park system was limited The population was growing rapidly Park expansion was urgent, especially on the East side of \ akima 4 Kiwanis Park, an oasis of natural tranquility In 1952, an elderly resident of East Yakima made it known to Kiwanis that his part of the city should have a park He suggested to Kiwanis Presi- dent John Pinkerton, that a small acreage on Fair Avenue, already owned by the city, might be expand- ed into a park When approached, ci- ty government agreed to the proposal and Kiwanis went to work. Early in 1953, Fred Westberg, then President of Yakima Kiwanis, assisted and encouraged by members Aubrey Shelton and Pete Moore, began making contact with residents of the area near the proposed park. They wanted to know if the people, who owned additional property in the planned park area, would sell or donate. their land The first to be contacted, a widow with two sons in high school, ac- cepted $2,500 for her 2 1/2 acres She said it would be a source of great pride for her, to know that her land would help bring a needed park to the neighborhood An elderly gentleman, of foreign birth, was next on Pinkertons list J • • DEE VLOPED BY 'YAKIMA KIWANIS CLUB Sherman Memorial Park, another Kiwanis pro- ject for all to enjoy The proposal was explained to the gentleman and his son The language barrier was overcome when the son said, "Dad, if you sell your home to help make this park possible, you will help this part of Yakima have a park of its very own " The old gentleman was happy to sell, and at a very modest price 1953 was a good year for Kiwanis Yakima had been the location for the Northwest District Convention Pro- ceeds of the registration, meals and events exceeded costs by a con- siderable amount Along with money earned through other Kiwanis com- munity service fund raisers, funds were available to move ahead with the land acquisitions Otherwise, the park activity might never have happened The new park was named "Kiwanis Park." Today, it is one of the most popular parks in Yakima. Softball almost every evening a beautiful, spring fed pond a well fed colony of ducks trees and beautifully maintained grassy areas It is now part of the City of Yakima Park System 5 Since 1953, Yakirn, [wants has financed many imp..,vements to Kiwanis Park. Bleachers for people to enjoy during softball games playground equipment for small children Kiwanian John Sherman, a very generous man, wanted the people of Yakima to have ample space for sports and recreation Before his death, he established a Kiwanis Ad ministered Trust Fund to be used for park development John Sherman would be pleased to know that this bequest has stimulated the formation of another park, also on Yakima's East side Work on the John Sherman Memorial Park, a Kiwanis Project, started in 1983 and the park opened in 1985 With the support of the Kiwanis Board of Directors, funds from the John Sherman Trust were made available to the Yakima River Greenway Foundation, to help create an 8 1/2 acre park on the banks of the Yakima River, with its entrance directly across from the entrance to K -Mart Funds supplied by Kiwanis have pro- vided an underground sprinkling system plus seed and trees for plan- ting Fred Westberg, a Kiwanian for many years, has guided the develop- ment of this park, known today as Sherman Memorial Park, a Kiwanis Project The parks existence is due in large measure to Fred Westberg, Yakima Kiwanis, and to the many, people who have volunteered money and services Volunteer helpers have included fruit growers, boy scouts, retired educators, the Yakima Valley Audubon Society, John Sherman's foresight, Gene Shields and the employees of Shields Printing Kiwanis Park, beside the freeway, where you'll find year around activity and natural beauty and people enjoying it THE YEAR WAS 1952 Yakima Washington THE BELLS TOLLED AND THE POTS FILLED! The ringing of the Satiation Army Christmas Bells has become an an- nual Kiwams event Throughout the Christmas Season, you will hear, then see Kiwantans, standing by the bright red Salvation Army Pots, bundled against the winter's cold, ringing the bells and greeting the holiday shoppers with a "Merry Christmas" and an invitation to fill the pot with silver and paper to help make Christmas more memorable for truly needy community Pete Moore, former Yakima Fire Chief and member of the Yakima Kiwanis Club (formerly secretary) informs us that, in 1952, John Pink- erton, President of the club, origi nated the idea of having Kiwanians take over the "POTS " The project proved so successful it became an annual event From its origin by the Yakima Kiwants Club, bell ringing for the Salvation Army has become a National Kiwanis Event The Salvation Army has encouraged the spread of this Kiwanis Project When Kiwanians Ring The Collections Increase Dramatically Every Kiwanian is rewarded by the knowledge that many truly needy families are receiving help because Kiwanis and the Community Truly Cared Enough! fi • Sherman Memorial Park, a Kiwanis Project. Between the Freeway and the Yakima River acres of beautiful play and picnic grounds THE YEAR WAS 1959 Yakima, Washington KIWANIS CREATED NEW AGRICUL- TURAL SCHOLARSHIP! The idea for the establishment of a scholarship for a Yakima Valley Community College student, graduating in agriculture, and who was planning to continue his educa- tion and obtain his degree in agriculture from Washington State University, was the brain child of Ron Kershaw, a large fruit grower It was presented at a meeting of the Agriculture Committee of the Yakima Kiwanis Club in the summer of 1959 Farwell Darby, a fruit grower and chairman of the Ag committee, took the suggestion to John Griffith, head of the Y V C C Ag Department and the Scholarship Program was set up Of the 24 scholarship winners, four- teen are WSU graduates living in the dik Ronald Kershaw Farwell Darby State of Washington, nine in the Yakima Valley Each year the Kiwanis Scholarship Committee meets and interviews the candidates for this scholarship The candidates are recommended by the faculty One is selected each year Recipients from 1960 through 1982 have been Alan Mortensen John Deason, Marvin Lapp, Dennis Rol David Kneyon, Raymond Cooper, John Keith, John Eaton, Bernard Schaff Wayne Meyer Larry Keever, Larry Carlyle, Bruce Mor tuner Randy Thompson, John Grif- fin, Greg Clark, Donna Bick Terri Nish', Rick Orozco, Mike Hays Paul Nelson Dan Ho0Charles Neubauer • Incorporated P.S. Site Planning Urban Design Park and Recreation Planning FAX TRANSMITTAL LAN IllSGA+PE AR@FHTECTS Principals: David McNeal, FASLA Theodore Wall, ASLA Associates. Craig Lewis, ASLA Attention. Demse Nichols, Manager Date 6-8-07 To Parks and Recreation, City of Yakima Fax: 509-575-6238 From. Ted Wall, Principal Project: Upper Kiwanis Fields Re• Schematic Drawings - Options A and B These documents are ❑ For your approval 0 For your mformation 0 For your use 0 As requested ❑ For review & comment ❑ As discussed Message Demse, See enclose. etc es o Option • an B Option B probable shows -he least desirable option from a cost pomt for the two 250' ie • s. . ey wo • involve filling parts of the pond and installing walls along the incinerator roa• secause o e steep s ope m at ocation. ven t e 11 ie • # 3) would get into the steep slope and require some kind of wall. There would only be one wall required at field #3 if all the ie • s were am t to 11 ou. e . s. ' any more arge trees wou • De save. Option A would push field #4 away from the slope and the pinwheel configuration. This would be less expensive than Option B pinwheel. The open area could be used for concessions, trees to provide shade, etc. Under both Options A and B the clistatwbetween e field foul lines was reduced to 80This distance is 100' on the new fields to the southwest. We decided to reduce this distance to help make the fields fit and .ecause e ie •s wou ..e sm. er an• use• or itt e eague an• younger baseball/Softball players with less power Your thoughts?? What about the fl arge e • we s ow int e master p an. I know we didn't talk about a fee proposal so I don't want to go any further until we have a chance to talk. cc We are transmitting 3 pages includmg this cover sheet. If you do not receive all of this transmittal, please call us at 425 454.5723 Confirming copy to be transmitted. No X Yes, via U S Mail , Courier , or Express 204 — 111th Avenue NE Bellevue, WA 98004 Tel. 425 454.5723 Fax: 425 454 4685 E-mail. jgm@jgm-inc.com Web Site: www jgm-inc.com FtU, ?OD P -➢GE. 5 -jt? 51-995 It4GtLjAr-A'['o lz- t -100 LAND$ S'Er RCHITECTS 2800 Northup Way Suitc 100 13c110'uc \N. A 98004 • 425-454 5723 • 'Vdvv / btu.. PoKD mx.e. 'I wANas orpoh % 60-6-01 • • • 4 LAN RIFE CTS 2800 Northup Way Suite 100 {3cllcnm \\-A 98004 425.454.5723 • Pi4 5 ?Atm ornot 'A' - Quesenbury, Lynn From Quesenbury, Lynn Sent Wednesday, May 30, 2007 3 20 PM To Larry Mattson (E-mail) Subject FW Kiwanis Pond From: Rose, Al Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2007 3 09 PM To: Quesenbury, Lynn Subject: RE Kiwanis Pond Lynn r• I have researched all the records we have available in Engineering and the Old Jail area. The aerial photography we have available in various formats goes back to 1949 I made copies of 1949, 1967, 1970 and 1976 I have also made a copy of the project drawings for the construction of the Well in 1961 The pond was in existance in 1949 before the Park was improved (at least it looks that way on the photo) We have no information regarding the source of water except to say it most likely is spring fed or is at the level of the Yakima River (ground water source) As you might know most of the area around downtown was once, according to word of mouth, part of the river We encounter a lot of large smooth cobble rock and coarse sand during construction of our utility projects in this area. That indicates river influence I will send the packet by in-house mail Hope this helps, Al Rose, Project Engineer City Engineering Div 575-6139 • • • • • • Nichols, Denise From Benson, Bruce Sent Wednesday, November 22, 2006 4 51 PM To Nichols, Denise Subject Kiwanis Park Lake Good afternoon Denise, As you requested I've been trying to find out what I can about the lake When I go to some of our older maps the lake feature is not shown so I'm fairly certain that the lake is man made In your experience has the lake ever gone dry? If so, we can pretty well assume that there is no spring involved and that the water that is there is likely to be the result of drainage I spoke with Al Rose and he seemed to recall that there are drainage pipes that entered were responsible for the water If the lake is the result of drainage our critical areas regulations indicate that the lake is not to be considered a wetland Unfortunately, however, there are agencies that would like to dispute this issue The primary question is where does the water come from? If it is drainage where does it drain from and is there a continuing need to maintain the lake for irrigation or storm water storage If you haven't tried the County yet I'd have someone go over to talk with someone in public works that's knowledgeable about their Drainage Irrigation District (DID) pipes Please keep me appraised of what you discover from either Cathy Reed or the County I haven't given up on trying to see if I can find other information but thus far I'm not having much luck. Happy Thanksgiving Bruce Benson Supervising Planner City of Yakima 509 575 6042 voice 509 575 6105 fax bbenson@ci yakima wa pis Page 1 C� p ciA (2'.c)"`> • STATE OF WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY 15 West Yakima, Suite 200 • Yakima, Washington 98902. ( • (509) 575-2490 August 17, 1998 Denise Nichols City of Yakima Office of Community and Economic Development 129 North Second Street Yakima WA 98901 Re Kiwanis Park Pond Dear Denise: Thank you for the opportunity to meet with you last month on site to discuss the character of the wetland and the issues which could anse as a result of future development and expansion of the Park. It is so much easier to identify issues before final plans are made. This letter is written to document some of the items discussed during our field visit, which occurred on July 10, 1998 Background information. The pond is estimated to be about 3 acres in size. The amount of wetlands around the pond would be less than that amount, with wetlands extending into the pond until a depth of 6 feet of water is reached or in this case, where the growth of vegetation from the bottom of the pond ceases. The source of water for the pond is probably a combination of stormwater influx and regional groundwater influence due .to irrigation water and the pond's proximity to the Yakima River corridor The ongin of the pond is uncertain, however, the pond has been manipulated in the past with excavation and use of the pond for irrigation water Underlying soils indicate that the area was historically a part of the active nver floodplain. The wetland is a Category III wetland (based on the Washington State Wetlands Rating System for Eastern Washington, October 19911 with functions of water quality improvement, (nutnent uptake and sediment retention through the stormwater attenuation function) and insect, small mammal, bird and amphibian habitat. Ecology recommends that Category III emergent wetlands be replaced at a 1 5 to 1 ratio Options Avoidance - Ecology always recommends avoidance and minimization of impacts, if at all possible The pond as it exists right now is a special feature of the Park and replacing it will take time and money • • • • • Denise Nichols - City of Yakima August 17, 1998 Page 2 Rotating the pond orientation - keeping some of the wetland intact and constructing a new lobe would be preferable to filling in all of the wetland. Keepmg a portion of the old pond would aid in reestablishment of the pond ecosystem and a lesser amount of mitigation acreage would be required. Replacement - the functional values could be mitigated by creating a new pond at another location. The structure and functions of this wetland are fairly simple; however, there would be a loss of wetland function in the "short term" (from five to ten years, assuming that the pond is appropriately designed) while any newly created wetland reestablishes its habitat and nutrient recycling function. The stormwater / nutrient uptake function could be duplicated with an appropnately engineered swale system if necessary Restoration — this option was not discussed during the site visit. However, if the City already owns or could purchase degraded wetlands in the area, this option could be explored. Usually, a larger ratio of wetland restoration acreage would have to be improved upon in order to offset the original wetland acreage loss. (3 1 ratio would be a starting point, but the ratio would depend on the current quality of the wetland to be enhanced.) Enclosed with this letter are several fact sheets, which discuss the types and contents of wetland reports that are generally required for developments that impact wetlands. Also enclosed is a partial list of wetland consultants who are willing to work in Eastern Washington. Please call me at (509) 575-2616 if you have any questions about the contents of this letter or if you have additional questions about wetlands. Sincerely, coti„. Catherine D Reed Shorelands and Wetlands Specialist Shorelands and Environmental Assistance Program CR.ska 980810 Enclosures. List of Wetlands Consultants Hinng a Wetlands Consultant Prepanng Wetland Reports r i i HAWAIIAN ROYALITI—Lee Olstead coyly ignores newly crowned King Gordon Carlton and Diana Parker while Cecilia Fuchs performs the hula. The youngsters are shown in Lions Park yester day where the Metropolitan Park Service staged a Hawaiian party Queen THer.id rnotoi Worth of Yaidma's summer playground program is strildngly shown by the statistics worked out LIDavid N'adero. director. During the summer 69,993 persons par- ticipated in various activities with 63,020 of them youngsters under 14 years of age. The playground keepings the kids off the thus toc streets and, no r in -doubt, contributed to Yakima's traffic safety record. Pattern for parks, whether in Yakima or elsewhere in the Valley is clearly outlined in the report. What the people want is 'ac- tivity" parks, places where familie and chil- dren can do things. Larson fi-.;"-.,'e city's main activity park though it ave a swimming pool, drew a fou4 who used the parks. Miller Park, have a -pool along with many act ores, came second. Check the parks down the length of Valley Activity parks get the biggest pa- tronage. I b Park f'b Close Pool After Sunday Session Lions Pool will be closed to the public for the season Sunday E. V IPutman, superintendent of the Met- ropolitan Park District, said last Inigbt. The pool will be open from 3 p.m. to 6 p m. on the last day and from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. today Miller pool closed Aug, 30. Put- nam said school classes will con- tinue to use Lions Pool as long' as weather permits but there will be no public sessions after Sunday I Golf Balls Found In New Cit -r Park. new ` I' The Pari bea- Franklin Jun - tor High School isn't supposed to be a golf course but apparently! some people have been using it for one, Park Superintendent E. V Put- nam said the mowing machines !had run into three or four lost golf balls, chopping them in half, when the grass was cut there this week In addition, Putna_n. has found a number of undamaged golf balls there. 'Maybe some people have thought this was the new golf course Commissioner Stephen Hu- za was talking about," Putnam added, jokingly 'Gradin 2t,nLte .4 .1 At Kiwanis Ldgoon Work started Wednesday in grading the east side of the la- goon in Kiwanis Park. All but is little of the west side has been rough -graded, according to Ed !Putnam, superintendent of the Metropolitan Park District of 'Yakima. Most of the heavy ballast has been moved, he said, but some cutting remains to be done. The lagoon's west bank was lowered considerably The hank was 121 feet high, but now tapers down 7056 / fD6 �� _/✓ 414.L'.64//�</2' c3 ris ?/4,1' t1( vc/f.YC a k r Err C-. Lions Park yesterc The Metropolitan sponsored the part and Gordon Carltor by the youngsters queen. The six 5, the voting formed and led a grand ma Costumes for th made bo the childre mer craft program hula skirts and lei: from the comic s Morning Herald The party was dir lene Dexter and Bs play leaders. About witnessed the even' Park After AUG 1 The summer recrea held by the Metro! District of Yakima tendance of S9,693, Dave Yaden, recreatio That was 2,130 mo year, not including 2,000 which attended circus not held on a Yaden said that par der 14 years old ac 69 per cent of the total Adult participants acct per cent. Spectators a 19 per cent. The program opened closed Saturday 'Zech July was the heavy lowed by June althout by cold weather at t This is how the att recorded at each pa July and August: Big Vail T©BeP1 Part of the matchE nual Valley tournamet ima Tennis Club stat from today will be l lights, it was learne Putnam, Metropolitan intendent, announced the 'installation of ti the Larson Park cow completed Monday Special ceremonies completion of the ms be held but no date h L. B Chamberlin. pre Yakima Tennis Club, Meanwhile, Loren eral chairman of the sent forward with _p1 big event, which he s� would draw more Ivor than ever before. All of the charnpi Doris P o p p i e, Po women s singles tide return. The champions re elude: Junior veterans ch Master Sgt. Bill Millikc General Hospital Fort Singles champion — I Spokane. Men's doubles—Patto Hodldns, Portland. Mixed doubles — H Barbara Lum, Portier. Junior veterans — E Henn. Neer _alama Junior singles — Dos Seattle. Other stars slated 1 are Janice Hoppe, Se • • 'ark ped 1959 Regional Li- olitan Park and to get .ear than .her will get er Owen 0 reported work has ere millage the library requested a levy for the he the same IIs. But be - ,sed •value - n -e money— »1,549.35. will get a the higher an increase nill levy to a this year's d the in - d parks are ,n the street are part of s allowed to The street er •evenue are of gaso- ssioner . Huey arks has s levy from 2.6 mills for er reduction year 'No in compare said. g 'done de- .owth of the ng more on on equip - 1, and he's tax money ding Perk ,ode to seed ranklin Jun - t spring, ac :nam, super Dpolitan Park He said he area disced •e backfilling =nches today ed yesterday. tailed at the 1 the tests 'atlon system I • 057 The baseball sti dsonso 141. 'as Yakima is concerned is over but they've lit up the old Hot Stove League. 5o gather around. The first subject? Why Ed Put nam, who's known now as Mr BIG in Yakima s Metropolitan Park De- partment! He's the man who once beat the famed Satchel Paige, greatest of all the Negro pitchers who seems to go on, and on, and', on, as the relief ace of the St.' Louis Browns. It was back in 1940 in Siclt's Stadium, Seattle, that Putnam, who spent some 10 years pitching for teams in the old Northwest League after several seasons as the University of Washington s ace moundsman, performed that feat —and more. He not only beat Paige, but he shut out Paige's team, the famous liansas City Monarchs, 0.0. Now that was something of a feat—to beat the Monarchs of that day with their Josh Gibson, a catcher who was better than j any backstop in the majors gigantic Mules Shuttles, the Babe, Ruth of Negro baseball BiIlJ Wells, a shortstop any big league manager would have lilted, and "Smooth Papa" Bell, the fleet. footed outfielder. Putnam was Paige's rival in the pitching box no less than si> times, the first in 1932. How old did Paige look at that time to Putnam" "He nmst have been 35 then," said the present day Yakiman. * * * Franklin Water System FJyei2OCT Completion of the irrigation sys- tem at; Franklin Park was re- ported Monday evening by Ed- ward V Putnam, supervisor for the Metropolitan Park District. He made; his report at the district boardJs Meeting. The irrigation s y s t e m cost $18;4+70.151, Putnam said work started in May He reported also that; 1;783' feet of the Naches-Cow- iche. Canal', have been covered with a sidewalk leaving 186 feet yet to coven. This has cost 95,503.87 All• costs on the park so far in- cluding grading, top soiling and buying 'water stock have been $26,618.75: Putnam said the ground is. now being worked in anticipa- tion of spring seeding. The board went on record as favoring the recording of deeds by which park property was trans- t'erred,'from the city to the district. Kiwanis Club Assures Park OCT 9 1952 A park for families in the Sumach area in East Yakima was virtually assured yesterday by action of the Yakima Kiwanis Club and the Yak- ima City Commission. City commissioners agreed to transfer to the Metropolitan Park District land surrounding a natural lagoon, land adjacent Lo and join- ing the •old city incinerator prop- erty to the -lagoon, and to lease, for a minor fee, the incinerator 'property itself. Land Offer Made The Kiwanis Club, climaxing months of work by the community service committee of which Fred Westberg is chairman, offered to give to the park district 21/z acres in a strip .east of the lagoon prop- erty and adjoining Sumach Lane. 'The club has options on that 'property In addition, the club has options on 155 lots and is obtaining options 'by mail on another 159 lots north of the incinerator property which it will give to the district when nego- tiations are completed, according to John Pinkerton, Kiwanis presi- dent. 'The Kiwanis program will rep- resent an expenditure of roughly '910,000," Pinkerton said last night. Ordinances Needed The city move, according to legal advisers, will require an ordinance establishing the area as a park, 'and an ordinance authorizing the city to transfer to the park district the property involved, along with transactions pertaining to the leas- ing -of the incinerator and a home on that property Kiwanis committee members working with Westberg are W D Fuge, William Freitag, Kenneth Ryan, William Wear William Bent- ley Don McKenzie, Harold Ping- rey Fred Burrows and D C. Tufts. ;Pinkerton said Les Newlun of the .Sumach Improvement Association, ,and the Rev Milo Arnold had ;played vital roles in helping the KI-' .wanis Club to complete plans for :donating the property Present plans call for naming the ;park 'Kiwanis Park. ANNOUNCEMENTS 11 I 1 % KIWANIS CLUB RUMMAGE SALE Friday and Saturday Corner 2nd and A Sts. 010 Republic Herald Bldg. Everything lmagineable Offered Benefit Sumach Park 2 Playground .^ean+(,Sx+�:.-..:e •S<c ;-u,A3i;?y''ki� �:c8:"'�.:�.#"�a'i%�kai • • Nel4PL. aytti "N716., , ^ • tv A:7 • - 4,-Zt• A _ • V.4411 • — z •er P,s' r4" Q • IV Transitions and Future Leadership Parks and Recreation 2007/2008 Accomplishments and Projects • • • • • Parks and Recreation 2007/2008 Accomplishments and Projects 2007 Accomplishments 2008 Projects Park Maintenance Operations Capital Improvements at Lions Pool: HVAC repairs, sheet rock ceiling in entry and shower rooms, shower room lighting, recaulked and repainted tank, powder - coated steps and railings, new flooring. Repaired de - humid system, installed new pump and treated for mold. New Lions Pool sign. Capital projects: Complete new skate park at Kiwarus. Purchase and install new restroom at Elks. Central Business District Assisted with bids for hanging baskets. Turned care and maintenance of city core over the Downtown Association. General Park Improvements: Replaced Chesterley shelter decking and installed new metal roofing. Repaired wind damage to Kiwanis restroom roof. Numerous improvements to West Valley irrigation system. New signs for water playgrounds. Added benches to Miller water playground. Installed new drinking fountains with doggy bowls at Kissel and Miller. General Park Improvements: Bridge repairs at Randall. Franklin Pool repairs. Tree Maintenance: Planted over 40 new trees throughout parks and at cemetery Raised Fisher conifers. Started raising crowns of trees in parks. Removed hazardous trees in various parks. Tahoma: Completed concrete work for and installed new columbarium. Tahoma: Develop new pre -need sales program for new columbarium. Recreation Services Aquatics/ Lions Pool. Hired second full-time Aquatic Specialist Initiated aggressive programming and special events schedule (Home School Swim, Funky Friday's, Paws in the Pool, Ghouls in the Pool, etc.). Initiated installation of computer registration programming. Improved documentation and communication. Aquatics: Improve customer service. Develop new marketing strategies. Complete computerized registration at Lions. Season pass packaging. Extend open swim sessions at Franklin. Recruit new life guards. Harman Center New Recreation Supervisor on board. Office reconfiguration. Successful computer room programming and operation. Foot Care grant on target Completed installation of new reader board sign. Increased rental fees. Partnered with NCAC for no cost janitorial services. Improved partnership with Senior Citizens Inc. Launched parking lot study Harman Center Secure on-site storage. Improve community partnerships. Continue to build relationship and communication between Senior Citizens Inc and Parks and Recreation Division. Increase revenue and programming opportunities, specifically for Baby Boomers. Complete parking lot project Monitor and evaluate 2008 Trips and Tours to stay within budget while providing desired trips and tours. Develop pohcies and procedures for implementation of programs. Become more knowledgeable about AIMMS system. Fisher Golf Course: Initiated series of new programs (men's and women's leagues, monthly golf tournaments). Redesigned score card. Fisher Expand food service. ' 2007-08 Accomplishments and Projects • Page 1 Parks and Recreation 2007/2008 Accomplishments and Projects 2007-08 Accomplishments and Projects • Page 2 • • • Sports and Athletics: Gateway's fourth field opened for regular use. Softball and volleyball numbers topped 2006. Hosted 2007 state high school 2B and 1B fast pitch softball tournament. Hosted youth baseball tournaments at Gateway for the first time. Sports and Athletics: Introduce men's and women's fast pitch league. Work with Fitkids to promote healthy lifestyles for youth. Host regional/ state ASA tournament Community Recreation: Continued summer concerts. Outdoor Summer Cinema debut season with 10 presentations. Community Recreation: Work on sponsorships for free programs (concerts and movies) General. Work on marketing programs and services. AmeriCorps (2006-2007 year) After School/Mentoring Programs: 18,000 participant visits and 3,000 hours of free, supervised, safe and fun after school programs over 10 months. After School Program: Serve 500 students with 100 hours of reading support with 65% showing improved social behavior and 40% showing reading improvement by the end of the year. Mentoring: 1 member and 25 Baby Boomers will provide social and academic mentoring to 50 children. 2007-08 Objective: by the end of the year 50% of the children will show improved social behavior and 40% will show improved reading performance. Volunteer Recruitment: 234 volunteers (including Baby Boomers) recruited (234% of goal). 52 Baby Boomer volunteers recruited (22% of goal). 2,310 hours of volunteer service (116% of goal). Volunteer Recruitment: Recruit 150 volunteers (including 30 Baby Boomers) who will contribute 2,000 hours of service. Civic Engagement: 42 youth participated (133% of goal) with 65% showing improvement in involvement assessment. 12 members participated with a 92% improvement in engagement assessment. Civic Engagement; 30 youth will complete engagement curriculum and 65% will demonstrate improvement. 15 members will participate and 75% will show improvement. Special Projects: 13 projects including Make a Difference Day, Winter Break Day Camp, care packages for the homeless and Family Night. Grant Completed first year of grant and began second of a renewable three-year grant. Grant Complete second and begin third year of grant. Administration Grants: $500,000 from IAC for Upper Kiwanis. $25,000 from Tony Hawk for Kiwanis skate park. $19,000 from Yakima Community Fund for portable outdoor movie screen. Grants: Begin construction of Upper Kiwanis improvements and continue to work with service clubs and the public to complete the park. Seek additional grants for services and enhancements to parks and recreation. Management/Studies: 1. Completed metropolitan park district feasibility study 2. Hired consultant and began aquatic center feasibility study 3. Council appointed committee to study and recommend improvements for Fisher Golf Course operations. 4. Complied with city management request to trim $200,000 from budget. Management/Studies: 1. Continue to examine cost efficiencies and alternate funding options including MPD 2. Complete aquatic study and present recommendations to City Council. Complete and develop strategies for implementation of Council's recommendations regarding the aquatic study 3. Implement Council committee recommendations for Fisher Golf Course improvements. 2007-08 Accomplishments and Projects • Page 2 • • • • • • Parks and Recreation 2007/2008 Accomplishments and Projects 2007-08 Accomplishments and Projects • Page 3 Park Operations: Hired contractor to maintain West Valley Park. Park Operations: Complete transfer of West Valley Park from county to city Safety Developed a park pedestrian right-of-way ordinance that was passed by Council. Park Commission: Welcomed three new Commissioners. Park Commission: Work with Commission in providing input, as requested, for the Council. Implement hiring of new Parks and Recreation Manager and implement transition in division leadership Marketing/Public Relations: Update parks web page. Develop parks tri -fold and other informational materials. Improve community partnerships. 2007-08 Accomplishments and Projects • Page 3