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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Parks and Human Services - 09/06/1995 PARKS COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 5, 1995 Council Present: Christi Houser, Chair; Paul Mann and Jim Bennett Staff Present: Roger Lubovich, John Hodgson, Lori Hogan, Helen Wickstrom, Pam McFall, Cheryl Fraser, Garin Lee, Randy Greathouse, Teri Stump Other: See attached list. Councilmember Bennett called the meeting to order at 5:05 p.m. as Chair Houser arrived. SKATEPARK COMMITTEE REPORT: Pam McFall explained that approximately three months ago Councilmember Mann and the Parks Committee asked Parks staff to create a committee of local teens to investigate the potential of having a skateboard park in Kent. A committee was created with teens and two staff members, Pam McFall and Julie Stangle. In order to view what elements are necessary to make a great skate park and then identify them for Kent, the committee visited local skate parks. Pam McFall presented a video of the three parks observed: ■ Seattle Skate Park: outdoor, free park, unsupervised. Seasonal operation due to construction of wood and sheet metal. ■ Mercer Island Skate Park: also outdoor, free, and unsupervised. Open year-round due to its concrete construction. Located in a downtown pedestrian park. ■ Bellevue Skate Park: the only indoor park, fee involved. ' Supervised with monitored use to maintain capacity limit, helmets and knee pads are required. Committee member Virgil Tomaras presented a display board exhibiting various components necessary in the design of a skate park. Committee member Tim Higgins explained that the next step will be to finalize a design; create financing through community contacts, donations and/or grants; and conduct a survey for the best potential site in Kent. They both thanked the Parks Committee for the opportunity to be on the Skatepark Committee. Pam McFall closed by saying the committee feels confident that they researched properly, determined the necessary components, and examined the liability issues for a skate park in Kent. The committee is ambitious to continue the process. Chair Houser complimented the committee on their presentation and the time devoted to complete this successful project. Page 1 Parks Committee Minutes September 5, 1995 Page Two John Hodgson commented that the less than a year ago the youth program was formed with the idea that the projects would not only be fun, but would also provide an education for youth. This committee has accomplished this; while having fun, they learned the challenges of planning a community project. John then asked the Committee for agreement to continue the research necessary for a skate park in Kent. The committee agreed unanimously. YOUTH EMPLOYMENT: John Hodgson and Cheryl Fraser explained that this program was part of the summer youth program, funded through a King County grant and a percentage of the-city's utility monies. Twenty teens, from sophomores to seniors, were picked to develop and construct a summer project. The group built a trail at Fenwick Park from scratch and constructed of materials only found in the woods. Garin Lee and Randy Greathouse were borrowed from Parks Maintenance staff and Cynthia Walker was hired to supervise this project. Cynthia presented a slide show illustrating the progress made throughout the project. The group was treated to educational field trips following each week of hard work on the trail. Some trips included: Mt. Rainier, where they helped in bridge building; the Green River Challenge Course, where they learned team building skills; University of Washington to look at the environmental science options; Pack Forest where they studied forest eco- systems; the Nisqually River Delta, studying wetland science; the Green River Corridor, where they created art through photography; assistance on two Public .Works field projects; and a visit to Point Defiance Zoo. John stated that we have funding to hire a few of these teens to work for the city throughout the school year too. He added that though this particular source will not be available for the summer of 1996, we will find a new source. Two students from the program spoke and thanked the city for this great opportunity and for the experience. Another student added that he learned a lot, especially how to build things and how to work with tools. Chair Houser commended this program and stated how great it was to see youth taking on such a big project for the community. Councilmember Bennett added that they are making the city's job a lot easier. PROJECT/PROGRAM REPORTS: John Hodgson complimented Helen Wickstrom on securing a $479,443 matching funds grant from IAC for the Morrill property. Helen reported that the money will be available in June of 1996. Results from the $20,000 Urban Resource grant and the $56,000 Youth Partnership grant for the mobile van will be available in September/October.