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. . . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes of July 251 2001 Page 2 site near the tennis courts. Director Centeno reviewed other possible sites that had been investigated and why they were not viable options. She said that there is agreement from the neighbors that a skate park is neede,d . She noted Council's direction to staff was to remain within budget and to work with the neighbors. Director Centeno suggested another possible site for the skate park would be the location of the current restrooms located in the center of Red Morton Park. She stated the restrooms are scheduled to be replaced and they could be relocated closer to the tennis courts, which would allow room for the skate park. Director Centeno stated she spoke with our Engineering Department today about this newly proposed site and she will be working them to further investigate this site. She felt this new site is almost directly in the center of the park and is equally distanced from all park neighbors. Some trees may have to be removed, but plans will include re-planting of new trees in the park. Commissioner Swope stated that the Commission is working on a strategic plan for the department for our 70,000 residents and she felt that additional park land needs to be acquired in order to accommodate our increasing population. Commissioner Davis commended staff for suggesting this new site and spoke about the soccer field which backs up to the restrooms. He said the field is not a regulation field. Director Centeno stated a noise study has been commissioned on the site and it will be ready on August 10th. Resident Rich Anderson spoke about his experience as a tennis player and coach and stated he uses the Red Morton tennis courts 4 to 6 days per week. He said he has spoken to other tennis players and also observed many people using the tennis backboard. He felt that the tennis courts at Red Morton Park are very good and support all levels of players and he would like. to see the backboard left there. Mr. Anderson did not think the proposed site next to the tennis courts was a good site, but could live with a different site. Jason Strubling, owner of Skate Works, spoke in support of the skate park and liked the newly proposed location in the center of Red Morton Park. He stated that a petition was circulated at the 4th of July Festival and 596 signatures were collected in support of the Red Morton skate park. He urged the Commission to move forward with the project. Tony Balsamo, tennis player, said he could live with the new site and was also concerned about vandalism. Ann Palau, Skate Board Task Force member, complimented staff for considering moving a bathroom to accommodate the construction of the skatepark. She also spoke about collecting signatures on the petition and said that only one person was in opposition to the skate park.