Loading...
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.