AgdaPkt 2007-04-09 - Laserfiche WebLink

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7A the size of groups using the parks, the variety of extra equipment being brought in, and the Page 2 lack of an enforcement presence of existing rules. The subcommittee reviewed this information and brought recommendations back to the full Commission. The recommended changes were discussed at Commission meetings in August, September and ultimately approved in October of 2006. In addition to the regular meeting notice process, we reached out to the PACT and Cornmunity Builders list, Neighborhood Associations, and subscribers to the Recreation E-News. Input received bath in persan and via email was taken into consideration as the Commission put toge#her their recommended changes. There are three areas in the recommended changes that should be highlighted: 1.) The first deals with park patrons wanting to bring equipment into the park from additional tables and chairs Yo BBQs, oversized canopies and jump strucfures. The existing rules da not specifically prohibit bringing in additiona! equipment. For community members, additional equipment translated into larger groups that are using the park in a difTerent way. The use of large/additional equipment means the use the park was less available to the generai pubfic. The Commission chose to recammend expanding our existing picnic reservation system and require a permit far additional equipment brought into a park. We have learned through the picnic reservation system that the more we can have advance contact with park patrons, the more likely it is that they will be aware and follow the rules established. 2.) The size of groups represented an issue for neighbors. The Commission is again recommending that a permit be required for any groups of over 25 peopie using any park. The same fogic applied in the case of extra equipment applies here. Groups af more than 25 people by their sheer numbers are perceived as making exclusive use of the park. The Commission felt that requiring a permit would allow us to better manage this situation at afl our parks. Most of our picnic reservation users appreciate the fact that we can tell them if there wilf be other groups in the park and fihis allows us to direct persons to other less crowded settings. 3.) The last issue that the Commission clearly heard from the communify input was the issue of enforcement. The Commission had a subcommittee look at this issue prior to bringing the recommended changes forward. Given Council appraval of the recommended changes, staff would immediately begin to implement the Public Education and Community Partnership activities describ�d ��!a�v. While the Gommission �elieves that a physica! presence in our busiest parks at peak usage times is important, a specific proposal for how that can be achieved has nflt been developed. The Committee identified three areas to pursue with respect to the enforcement of park rules. • Public Education and Communication - The vast majority of park users follow existing rules. We need to educate all potenfial users of the conduct expected. Publicity of the rules and their changes should include flyers in Cifiy utility bills, inclusion in the City e-news, and Recreation news; availability on the City website, and on the pubiic access channel, in addition to signage in parks. � Commur�ifiy Partnerships - We should encourage park neighbors to take ownership and reguiarly communicate with the department about any issues that may arise. The Committee suggested at least twice a year a letter should be sent to park neighbors providing them with the appropriate numbsrs ta cali during and after normal business