PRC MIN 2000-07-26 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Park & Recreation Commission Minutes of July 26, 2000 Page 4 the park. She noted that NorthStar Academy at McKinley, which also adopted Stafford Park, would not be allowed to come to the park due to the interim use policy. Reverend Rachel Anderson, minister for Universal Unitarian Fellowship Church, stated that four months ago the church planned an event for this coming weekend on Sunday, July 30. She mentioned the 12: OOnoon event might exceed 25 people and they planned to be at the park from 1 to 1.5 hours. She asked for the Commission's assistance in this matter. AI Diaz, 50 King Street, thanked the Commission for the interim park use policy and the need to have consideration for the neighbors of Stafford Park. He said that since the park re-opened, the park has changed. He spoke about: people dumping their BBQ coals in the bedding plants and the suggestion to prohibit outside BBQs; Jack Fisher Park in Campbell as an example of a park which Stafford could be modeled after; that the bathrooms are 15' closer to his property line and the buffer zone was impacted; noise generated from bathrooms and children using the water play feature; changing the hours of the water play feature to 11: 00-5: OOpm daily to get a break from the childrens' high pitched screaming; felt that Red Morton Park is a better place for a water play feature; and drainage issue in the lawn area which needs to be fixed. He also gave pictures of the restroom area and charcoal dumping to the Commissioners for their review. Pam Gearhart, 51 Lowell Street, said she feels much safer since the renovation because it eliminated places for people to hide in the park and drink. She agreed that outside BBQs need to be eliminated and asked if the city has any liability having BBQs in the park under the oak trees. She noted she is unable to sit in the park on the benches anymore because people are using the benches as part of their picnic areas. Bill King, 48 Lowell Street, spoke about the issue of loud noise level coming from the park on weekends, especially the overabundance of ice cream trucks. He also spoke about the increased traffic and felt that traffic has increased 30-40% due to the park. He stated he may be selling his house and was told by his realtor that people will have a problem parking on the street to view his house. Alissa Beth, 2213 Hopkins Avenue, stated that she loves the park but feels that a limit of 25 people seems very low for the interim park use policy. She noted that the park is very busy and there are many parties happening at the same time. She suggested permit parking for residents which may eliminate parking issues. She said that trash is an issue and she picks up trash regularly in her own yard which is blown over from the park. Ms. Beth said she opposed to the recommendation of the stop sign because she does not want the added noise and smog from the cars. ~