HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks Commission minutes - 06-24-15 Special.docx
Yakima Parks and Recreation Commission
Special Meeting Minutes for
June 24, 2015
Commissioners Present: Chairman Rod Bryant, Vice Chairman Sam Karr, Paul Williams, Jo Miles, Roger
Lewis, Tom Hinman, Matt Tweedy and Maureen Adkison, Yakima City Council Liaison Absent and
Excused: Morgan Pualani
Staff present: Ken Wilkinson, Parks & Recreation Manager, Scott Schafer, Public Works Director and
Jenise Sanders, Administrative Secretary for Parks & Recreation
Call to Order
Chairman Rod Bryant called the meeting to order at 5:36 p.m. at Public Works in the Large Conference
Room, 2301 Fruitvale Blvd., Yakima, Washington.
Miller Park Early Child Learning Center Proposal Discussion and Recommendation
Ken Wilkinson hoped everyone had a chance to review the proposal that was brought before the
commission a couple of weeks ago. Everyone was given the drawing that had been presented at the Park
& Recreation Commission meeting on June 10, 2015. Ken stated that the old bathhouse that is on the SE
corner of the Miller Park property needs to be torn down. The basketball courts are not in great shape and
the playground would need to be replaced, not just relocated. He expressed that it is very difficult if not
impossible to move an older playground. Moving a playground will void the warranty and cause liability
issues. Ken handed out maps showing the aerial view of the footprint for the proposed building and
surrounding area. He noted that we would be losing the two basketball courts closest to the bathhouse.
He commented that the asphalt on the remaining court furthest from the bathhouse is in the worst shape.
He advised that the location of the new playground on the aerial view map is not accurate. It would need to
be placed somewhere else within the park as that is where the drain field for the spray park is located.
Discussion followed regarding the reconfiguration of the remaining two basketball courts. It was suggested
to make them similar to the ones at Kiwanis Park which has the capability of accommodating full courts or
shortened full courts. Matt Tweedy asked who is paying to redo the courts. Maureen Adkison stated that
has not been decided. Matt commented that this is the only public park in this area of the city and there is
vacant land and other property that could possibly be considered instead of taking park land. He did note
that it is very gratuitous of the Plath family and Washington Fruit to want to do this project. Maureen stated
that she believes we could forego park space for the Early Learning Center and it would be extremely
beneficial for those that can’t pay for this type of early learning for their children. She advised that the City
Manager, Tony O’Rourke and downtown business owner, Joe Mann will be looking into possibly replacing
the basketball courts on one of the vacant properties in the neighborhood. Discussion followed regarding
the placement of the Early Learning Center and the displacement of the park amenities. There is a limited
amount of public space and Washington Fruit may not want to purchase land. Jo Miles indicated that he
has visited Miller Park on six different occasions this last couple of weeks. He observed that the basketball
courts may be underutilized. He suggested that the Parks Dept. may want to conduct a more scientific
study for more accurate results. Rod Bryant also questioned the loss of the courts being an issue. He
stated he also visited the park, usually in the evenings between 6-8 pm, and found that those who were
using the courts would have been served by the proposed two remaining courts. Discussion followed
regarding the basketball courts being built on top of the old pool. Sam Karr suggested using the space
where the courts are now for grassy soccer areas. Jo advised that the playground is used heavily and that
would be much more of a loss than the basketball courts. Maureen stated she has been speaking with
some people about the possibility of purchasing a new playground for Miller Park. Sam suggested
speaking with the owner of the vacant lot across the street and they may want to donate the land.
Discussion followed. Jo commented that the City would be getting the old bathhouse torn down if the
proposal is approved. Matt claimed that the City will not own the Center. Ken advised that in the initial
meeting Jane Gooden reported the Center would be looking at getting ECAP funding. Rod explained a
little about how the funding works and that it is based on a sliding scale. The commissioners discussed the
transient population at the park and the fact that they use the old bathhouse for shelter and as a restroom.
The group discussed the current layout of the park. There is no restroom at the park. Ken advised that the
smaller parks do not have restrooms. Port-a-pottys may be placed for park reservations or events.
Discussion held regarding Washington Fruit donating money for the upgrades on the old YPAL building.
Maureen advised that they also agreed to donate $2 Million for the Downtown Plaza and possibly building
more of these Early Learning Centers throughout the city. It was reiterated that the old bathhouse needs to
be demolished. Maureen assured that as part of the agreement, Washington Fruit would be paying to have
that done. Concerns were shared that they want to have this built and ready to go by September 2016.
Discussion followed about the existing daycare across the street from Miller Park and that it is expensive.
Rod commented on some of the points that had already been discussed. Discussion followed regarding
the playground being inside the fence of the Center and not for use by the public. All agreed that the
playground will need to be replaced and made accessible to the public. Rod expressed that they should
state the recommendation. Discussion followed regarding the cost of property versus the cost of building
on park property and having to replace the playground, tear down the building, and replace the basketball
courts. It was discussed that the footprint of the Center will take up about ¼ of the park. Scott Schafer
stated that the City will need to tear down the old bathhouse, no matter what. Discussion followed about
the old pool structure. Paul Williams commented that the Early Learning Center needs to be for the
community and not just for Washington Fruit employees. He thanked the Plath family for bringing this
proposal to the Parks and Recreation Commission for its recommendation.
Tom Hinman made a motion to recommend that the parties investigate other venues available first,
possibly the vacant lot across the street. If no options are viable, the Parks and Recreation Commission is
in favor of the proposed Early Learning Center being placed at Miller Park provided Washington Fruit
replaces the lost playground with one that is equivalent to the current playground and will be accessible to
the general public at all times, replace the two remaining basketball courts to include a reconfiguration to
accommodate the needs of the community and that no more than 25% of the classroom space within the
Early Learning Center will be dedicated to Washington Fruit employee’s children. Motion was seconded by
Roger Lewis. Motion carried unanimously.
Adjournment
The next Parks and Recreation Commission meeting will be August 12, 2015. The meeting adjourned at
6:40 p.m.