HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks Commission minutes - 09-12-18.docx
Yakima Parks and Recreation Commission
Meeting Minutes for
September 12, 2018
Commissioners Present: Chairman Rod Bryant, Vice Chairman Paul Williams, Jo Miles, Matt Tweedy,
Stacy Hackenmueller, Brynn Kloster, Roger Lewis, Joshua Korevaar-Dorsey and Kay Funk, Yakima City
Council Liaison Absent and Excused: Rosana Bravo, Staff present: Ken Wilkinson, Parks & Recreation
Manager and Jenise Sanders, Parks and Recreation Administrative Secretary
Call to Order
Welcoming everyone in the audience and viewers watching on YPAC, Chairman Rod Bryant called the
nd
meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall in the Council Chambers, 129 North 2 Street, Yakima,
Washington.
Approval of the Meeting Minutes from July 11, 2018
It was Moved by Roger Lewis, Seconded by Brynn Kloster, to approve the Minutes as written from
the July 11, 2018 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting. The motion carried unanimously.
Introduction of New Parks & Recreation Youth Commissioner – Joshua Korevaar-Dorsey
Ken introduced the new Youth Commissioner Joshua Korevaar-Dorsey. He is filling the position vacated
by Josette Gonzales. Joshua stated he is a junior at Eisenhower High School and participates in
basketball and track. He commented that he is interested in serving the city and felt that being a Park
Commissioner would be a good way of doing that, as he spends a good amount of time in the parks.
Everyone welcomed him.
Lions Park Playground
Ken stated that he had mentioned the playground at the last meeting in July but had not received
confirmation from the Yakima Lions Club as to whether they would be donating funds for the project. Ken
reminded the Commissioners that during the park tour he advised that the Lions Park playground needed
to be replaced and there may be some people that are willing to help with donations. Ken advised that he
spoke with the Lions Club and they were looking to do something at Lions Park. A copy of the rendering
for the play equipment is in their packet for them to review. The Lions Club has agreed to donate $25,000
toward the $65,000 cost of the play equipment. Ken advised that a contractor will install the posts and the
Parks and Recreation Division staff will build it. The agreement was approved by the City Council at last
night’s meeting. Ken advised that he is not sure whether the playground will be constructed this year or in
the spring. Paul Williams asked if it will be placed in the same footprint of the current playground. Ken
advised it will. Stacy Hackenmueller commented the image appears to show play equipment geared for
children of all ages. Ken advised the Lions Park playground is on the list of needed improvements in the
2017-2022 Parks Comprehensive Plan. Kay Funk asked about the soft fall material. Ken advised that it is
engineered wood fiber and it is used in all of the City’s parks current playgrounds. Joshua asked how long
the play equipment is expected to last. Ken advised the life expectancy should be about 20+ years.
Discussion about the durability of this equipment followed.
Randall Park Improvement Project Update
Ken stated that the project is nearing completion. The deadline for completion of this project with RCO is
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September 30. Ken advised that the Streets Division is scheduled to lay the asphalt for the 44 Ave.
parking lot on Tuesday. Once that is done, the parking stall lines will be painted and the lights will be
erected. There will be some dirt work and landscaping that needs to be done to finish it up. Ken praised
the Park Maintenance staff as well as the Streets Division for all of their hard work. Ken reported that the
entrance signs have been ordered and will be installed soon. Ken advised he and Jenise met with
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Commissioner Matt Tweedy’s son who would like to build the fence along 44 Ave. as his Eagle Scout
project. Ken thanked all of the service clubs, donors, volunteers and staff that have made this project
possible. He stated that he is not sure if the ribbon cutting ceremony will be this fall or if we will wait until
spring. He commented that the initial $50,000 anonymous donation was made back in September of 2013.
Discussion followed.
Dog Park – Improvement Plan
Ken updated on the 1.6 acre dog park located at Randall Park South. He advised that Park Maintenance
staff have been making improvements with the irrigation, planting trees and putting in picnic tables and
benches. There was even an Eagle Scout that installed some agility equipment this past summer. Ken
stated that there is now a group of volunteers that are regular users of the dog park that have come
forward and are looking to raise funds for improvements at the dog park. Their first priority is a shelter or
some kind of shade structure. Ken advised they are also looking at putting in a walkway from the entrance
gate to the shelter. There is another Eagle Scout planning to put in some more agility equipment.
Discussion followed regarding grass, trees and weeds. Ken stated that we are investigating a GoFundMe
or some other way for people to donate to the Dog Park improvements. Stacy asked if there is an update
for the other possible uses for Randall Park South. Ken advised there has been some interest in using the
space to the west of the dog park for events, like a farmer’s market or food truck rally. Economic
Development funds paid to have the power and water extended to that open area for possible future use.
Discussion followed.
Manager’s Report
Ken stated that the Ed Putnam memorial rock is being engraved and will be delivered to Fisher Park Golf
Course soon. The golf course maintenance staff will be prepping the area in which it will be placed. The
City’s budget process is currently underway. The Fall Program Guide is included in their packets. There
are before and after photos of Randall Park in the guide. This program guide was once again mailed out to
over 30,000 homes within the City limits.
For the Good of the Order
Matt asked if there are any funds available from the School District for resurfacing the Kissel Park tennis
courts. Ken stated that he will ask and look into other ways to possibly get funds for those repairs.
Discussion followed.
Adjournment
The next Parks and Recreation Commission meeting will be October 10, 2018. The meeting adjourned at
6:08 p.m.