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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - Parks and Recreation Board - 2000 - 02/23 - RegularPARB MEMBERS PRESENT Jim Waldbauer, Chair Kevin Pierce, Vice -Chair Cheri Jones Ben Ferguson Scott Neice MEMBERS ABSENT Vicki Wester Anne Campbell, Secretary STAFF PRESENT Peter Vargas, City Manager Don Horton, Director Tim Dentler, Park Services Manager Larry Kirk, Athletic Superintendent Sue Witkowski, Secretary Bobby Trevino, Park Operations Supervisor PUBLIC MEETING — RECEIVE INPUT ON REED PARK RENOVATIONS 1. CALL TO ORDER Jim Waldbauer called the meeting to order at 7, 10 p m. 2. RECEIVE INPUT ON REED PARK RENOVATIONS Peter Vargas, City Manager welcomed the residents to the meeting, and invited them to offer their input and to share opinions regarding the renovations at Reed Park. MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD TOWN HALL MEETING FEBRUARY 23, 2000 — 7 P.M. PARB MEMBERS PRESENT Jim Waldbauer, Chair Kevin Pierce, Vice -Chair Cheri Jones Ben Ferguson Scott Neice MEMBERS ABSENT Vicki Wester Anne Campbell, Secretary STAFF PRESENT Peter Vargas, City Manager Don Horton, Director Tim Dentler, Park Services Manager Larry Kirk, Athletic Superintendent Sue Witkowski, Secretary Bobby Trevino, Park Operations Supervisor PUBLIC MEETING — RECEIVE INPUT ON REED PARK RENOVATIONS 1. CALL TO ORDER Jim Waldbauer called the meeting to order at 7, 10 p m. 2. RECEIVE INPUT ON REED PARK RENOVATIONS Peter Vargas, City Manager welcomed the residents to the meeting, and invited them to offer their input and to share opinions regarding the renovations at Reed Park. Page 2 Town Hall Meeting - Reed Park February 23, 2000 Jim Waldbauer, Parks and Recreation Board Chairman read aloud a letter stating the position of the Board, and Tim Derider provided background information on how the planning process took place. Visitors who completed and turned in registration forms are as follows, along with any written continents: Jenny Gill, 412 Stone Creek Please give us a park like Country Lane Park or similar to it. We don't need kids passing over Allen Heights or Main Street to play I love the hockey court you made for us and as you might not know, it is appreciated daily How about a sand volleyball court? Corinna Jones, 1104 Timbercreek Drive Wood chips and more playground area Michelle Moore, 808 Lake Highlands Why is the playground so close to the school? I will not use the playground during school hours with my toddlers because of the school kids. Where are the swings? I was so looking forward to a nice park like some of the others in town that I frequent. But instead of walking to a neighborhood park, I continue to drive elsewhere. Also, was there not one member of the parent committee that could support the parks decision? Scott Walton, 1001 Merribrook Dave Briar, 1011 Merribrook Lane Carmen Garcia, 318 Stone Creek I am in favor of the creek project. When are we going to have this project completed or rather started. Larry Compton, 1010 Timbercreek Pat Compton, 1010 Timbercreek Drive Mike Carver, 819 Springbrook We used to go to the Reed Park weekly We haven't even set foot in it since it has been completed! I have no idea how to use the park now Diane Isom, 818 Rush Creek Liz Stephens, 1314 Springview Julie Wilmoth, 1105 Springfield Please give us a park appropriate for our children and grandchildren to play in. Betty Matthews, 914 Autumn Lake Please give us benches. Robin Frost, 506 Springwillow Page 3 Town Hall Meeting - Reed Park February 23, 2000 Tim Frost, 506 Springwillow Dede Brewer. 1003 Timberline We would like a playground put back in Reed Park that will accommodate 5-12 year olds. Remove the pre-school playground from the elementary school grounds. Lynne Ledbetter, 701 Meadowcreek I want a new playground like other parks in Allen have James Smith, 7 Creekcrest Court David Lamers, 904 Autumn Lake Drive Karen Pronozuk, 920 Cypress I want a park that is useful to me and my family I am concerned about strangers being allowed on to school property during school hours. Cheryl Lawson, 1006 Timbercreek Patricia Reyne Glem Bigger, 1105 Brookview Wayne Armand, 600 Springwillow Opposed to Reed School Playground Equipment Philip Lawson, 1006 Timbercreek Tim and Amy Walsh, 1014 Timbercreek Gina Adamson, 900 Thoreau Patti Runyan, 1012 Timberline Lane Janice and Ricky Turner, 504 Sandy Creek We believe playground equipment needs to be added to the park. Picnic tables basketball goals, etc would also be nice. Lauren Whitaker, 1204 Clearview, I oppose woad chips on playgrounds Scott D Geffert, 1000 Timbercreek I was supposed to be notified and was not. Also, I never received any surveys. Please reconsider current decisions made. Jenny Graham, 920 Sycamore Creek We would like playground equipment added to park Robert Mingee, 1103 Brookview We are very upset that the park plan does not include a multi-age playground, like the one that was removed when the park renovation began. We have a three-year old and a newborn, and the park was a factor in us liking this neighborhood. We carrot use the school playground during school hours. and feel that a public playground is a necessity to be put back in the park. Sandra lames, 1000 Sandy Creek Hope to get a playground back, separate from school, with swings, park benches. Randy Helms, 1102 Brookview Page 4 Town Ball Meeting - Reed Park February 23, 2000 I did not have input to the park changes - and we have lived in ` the neighborhood for over 10 years. We want a playground in the park outside the school property, similar to the facilities at Green Park. My three kids love swings - where are they? How much did it cost to move dirt into the "rolling hills" Stephen Hamblin, 1306 Clearview Kay Chastain, 304 Stone Creek We desire to have play equipment in the park - more than the toddler equipment that is there. One that is similar to the one on Country Lane. Christi Stinchcomb, 927 Sycamore Creek We have two young boys who have been playing in Reed Park for 8 years. They were very disappointed that the playground was removed. We need a good playground in this area for our children This playground needs to be in addition to the play area on the school property We don't need to invite others to be on school property - a safety issue during school operation. Brian McDowell, 1330 Mistywood We want swings back and no hills. Cherie Wiederrich, 1330 Mistywood I have a five-year old who can't play during school hours. I also feel that soccer practices and running space have been limited E. Michael Stalbador, 1211 Clearview Cynthia Fitch, 1101 Merribrook Lane I home-school my children (9 and 11) and we are unable to use the playground facility during the school day It would be convenient to have a useable facility for our needs Mike Harris, 1101 Brookview The playground needed to be improved - not just bulldozed. Sidewalks and trees without the playground does not constitute "improvement" Kathy Harris, 1101 Brookview 1) 1 would like to see a playground area re-installed in the park (not right by the school). My children would like to have swings, slides, monkey bars, etc 2) I would like to see the park landscape maintained organically (to be safer for our children and to save money long-term ) Molly Scott, 823 Greenbrook We need a better playground with equipment for older children in the Reed Park. The existing equipment is not adequate. Laura McBride, 924 Sycamore Creek Lori Layl, 1008 Brookview Timothy Douglas, 1308 Springview, Drive Page 5 Town Hall Meeting - Reed Park February 23, 2000 Kids need this type of outlet It is the community's responsibility to provide this area. Sonja Miley, 901 Roaring Springs Put in playground equipment, swings, etc in the park Pam Housour, 1012 Timber Creek I want to get back the park we had. Vicky Lawson, 317 Fountain Gate Drive We need playground equipment in the park Nelda Magnuson, 1301 Timberbend Trail Angie Johnson, 1102 Thoreau Lane Mike Johnson, 1102 Thoreau Lane Bonita Walton, 1001 Merribrook Teresa Vest, 1002 Timbercreek Drive I do feel the Board has tried to make a nice park and I think the hill country is a nice addition. My husband and I like the open space in the park and are glad that it is there for baseball, football, kit -flying, etc. We do feel that a small playground would be good at the end away from the school. I agree with all the comments made by the citizens of the neighbors in the community John Taber, 1111 Brookview, Mustang Creek is not being addressed adequately I have spoken with numerous City Park and Recreation, Planning etc via phone without getting any clear communication on plans. Money was set aside per bond election for the area north of Main but was told the money would be used south of Main. Karen Hernandez, 1110 Thoreau I encourage the Parks Board to add an additional playground for 3-12 year old children on the west side of Reed Park. Comments received from the floor are as follows: Don't like to sign in to use park, would like a volleyball court and move playground closer to Reed Park. Don't like wood chips. Shortage of equipment, unwelcome location for playground, Was uninformed, not appropriate for one and under, barbecue grill close to school not a good idea - residents have not been heard. Page 6 Town Hall Meeting - Reed Park February 23, 2000 I live across from Walden Park - sign -in process uncomfortable, opposed to having no play equipment in park. I want our playground equipment brought back I feel you took away our playground, and I want to go there after school and play Lived here 24 years - lack of maintenance was the problem with old playground, wants to take grandchildren to play in the park, and want a playground to take them to. Unable to get City to respond to repeated phone calls. City Council has been mislead regarding input - fix what is wrong, opposed to no swings, no equipment, and the playground being a part of the school. Attended meeting four years ago, was told there would be lighted soccer fields. I was on the original committee, wrote a letter to the Parks Department, no follow-up by City staff. Original meeting was held on December 9, 1996, Liz Stephens (PTA President at that time) discouraged meeting that close to Christmas. Want a playground in the park - not near school - co -mingling discouraged by security office for AISD Want playground like Green Park, located between berms closer to Rivercrest on West end of park. Move toddler area to west end Pavilion on west end as well. Please listen to us, the residents of this community I was not notified - nothing for children to play upon. I want a playground back - not at school - security issue, it is not okay, and I want a voice in the community Did not do your job - proposed park signage, wants playgrounds, not themes, can't use the concrete markers installed at Reed. I was never notified after signed up, went to dedication of park, and was very disappointed. "If there is no playground, there is no park" I moved to within walking distance because of the park facility Concrete markers are for adults - not fair to wear down school playground - how many playgrounds are being installed in upgraded parks - interested particularly in the 3-12 year old playgrounds. Page 7 Town Hall Meeting - Reed Park February 23. 2000 I grew up in the house I now am living in - sad about park, been asked to leave the school playground with my three-year old. I have 9 grandchildren, and I want to bring them to playground and sit on benches. My husband is disabled and it is critical that he have a benches to sit upon. I was on the Library Board, as well as a former City staff member The Parks and Recreation Department did not "hear" the residents. This facility needs a multi-age playground in the park. I want a playground. How about using the 1/2 cent Sales Tax money? I was contacted one time - never contacted again. Safety of playground a real issue - City maintenance workers a concern do you do criminal background checks9 Who authorized (from AISD) the sharing of this facility I was a survey respondent, this is nothing like vision of facility I am appalled, and feel betrayed by City Safety issue. I used to bike and roller -blade - nothing to attract me to Reed anymore. .no one uses the park. I want a playground - location not an issue - I want swings, teeter-totter, nothing to do in the park! Lack of maintenance a big issue ---$275,000 spent to get rid of a park! Concern raised about safety East Allen vs West Allen - please listen to citizens - we're paying for you' I moved here in 1994, Reed Park an important factor in the decision to move into this neighborhood. Please reconsider - please listen and return playground to park. My child is three years old and not interested in the current "toddler" playground. Separate issue, but my cat was mutilated this week - please be aware of anything unusual in our neighborhood. This current playground is useless. say "park" say "playground" .the heart of a park is the playground. Page 8 Town Hall Meeting - Reed Park February 23, 2000 EI Two Board members are residents and should be listening to us and fighting for our issues - fix it now! Peter Vargas thanked everyone for coming and assured the guests that the Board would be revisiting this issue and returning to them with an update (probably within the month). 3. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:53 p.m. 'Ik;(��- Ji aldbauer, Chairman Anne Campbell, Secretary I