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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-06-10 PRC MINUTES• • • I. II. City of Englewood PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Minutes of June 10, 2004 CALL TO ORDER The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order at 5:30pm by Chairperson Gomes at Jason Park, 4299 S. Jason Street. Present: Austin Gomes, Chairperson Steve Neyer, Vice Chairperson (arrived at 5:35pm) Carolyn Armstrong, Commission Member (left at 6:30pm) Mitch Waldman, Commission Member Jim Woodward, Commission Member Beverly Bradshaw, City Council Member Karen Miller, Englewood School District Liaison (arrived at 5:41pm) Christopher Jones, Youth Commission Member Jerrell Black, ex officio Absent: Janet Moore, Cultural Arts Commission Liaison Also present: Gary Hultberg, Recreation Manager Dave Lee, Manager of Open Space Bob Spada, Golf Manager Bill Benton See Attached Unscheduled Visitor Sign-In Sheet APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairperson Gomes asked if there were any changes or corrections to the minutes of May 13, 2004. There were none. The minutes were approved as presented. Before discussion moved to Scheduled Visitors, Director Black recognized Youth Member Christopher Jones for his two years of service on the Parks and Recreation Commission. Jones was presented a plaque and pen set. III. SCHEDULED VISITORS The agenda was changed to where Mr. Benton would speak under Scheduled Visitors . Director Black introduced Mr. Bill Benton. Mr. Benton stated that he is present tonight to make a recommendation to change the name of Belleview Park to the Ed Scott Park. Mr. Benton discussed Ed Scott's accomplishments including Mayor of Englewood, City Council Member and runner-up for Citizen of the Century. Mr. Benton commented that it should be done in some form while Mr. Scott is still alive. Mr. Benton stated that Mr. Scott was instrumental in getting McClellan Reservoir and making Englewood a home-rule City. Lastly, Mr. Benton stated that there are a good number of parks named after people and Belleview Park would be fitting due to Mr. Scott being a leading factor in acquiring land for the park. Mr. Benton thanked the Commission and would appreciate their consideration in making a recommendation to City Council to rename Belleview Park, Ed Scott Park. Black informed Mr. Benton that it is policy for the Parks and Recreation Commission to make a recommendation to City Council and then City Council will review the issue and IV. make a decision. Black told Mr. Benton that it will be scheduled for Study Session and that he will inform him of the date and time ifhe would like to attend the discussion. UNSCHEDULED VISITORS Gomes stated that each person would be allowed five minutes to speak but suggested that if there was a group present tonight, they select a designated speaker. Jane Coleman, 3901 S. Galapago Ms. Coleman stated that she has been an Englewood resident for over forty years and is a member of the Jason Park Bark Park for off-leash parks . Coleman told the Commission that in April they had received a petition for those against off-leash parks, which was flawed due to the signers being husband and wives, living at the same address or not living immediately adjacent to the park. Coleman told the Commission that they had gone to the twenty-four houses next to the park and that the only complaints were 1) mice from the park (not park related), 2) location of the trash bins (can be moved), and 3) dogs being let out on the northeast comer (due to children playing on the southeast area near the playground, therefore staying away for the children and the playground area). In regards to the twenty-four houses next to the park, Coleman said that almost all own a dog and walk them in the off-leash in the park, the dogs are a benefit and much more welcome than the geese and what the geese leave behind, the most noise comes from the soccer players, picnickers and parties in the park, and they appreciate the cleaning up of the park, both from drugs and the picnickers and party people. Coleman read a Letter to the Editor of the Englewood Herald from Kermit and Virginia Fikan, supporters of off-leash parks . • Susan Pacek, 4252 S. Lincoln • Ms. Pacek told the Commission that she understands the position that they are in but that a workable solution can be provided along with opportunities for a variety of uses to co-exist. Pacek spoke in regard to the petition and noted of the twenty-four houses that border the park, fifteen are in support of the off-leash park at Jason. Pacek asked that the Task Force be allowed to continue with their efforts in finding a formal dog park while allowing a win/win situation. Pacek stated that according to the Parks and Recreation Department of the City and County of Denver, 35% of Colorado homeowners own at least one dog. Using 2000 population statistics, that translates to 5,165 households in Englewood who have dogs. Pacek referred to a goal in the recently adopted Comprehensive Plan to provide sufficient parks and recreation facilities to serve the needs to Englewood citizens by encouraging a variety of park classifications. Pacek stated that it 's hard to achieve such a goal when a substantial user base may not be accommodated if all parks are closed to off-leash areas . Greg Kainer, Mr. Kainer stated that he moved to Englewood from Anchorage, Alaska and while in Alaska he had worked to get six dog parks. What he found during that process is that the dog parks are not just for the dogs but also for the owners. Kainer discussed dog parks providing social benefits for dogs and the opportunity for them to learn playground etiquette. Kainer noted that through the use of the dog parks, Anchorage saw an increase in dog license and leash requirements. Kainer told the Commission that another issue that made the dog parks a success was co-sponsorship through private businesses. Kainer discussed the empowerment to the community to take ownership, increase the beautification of the park while deterring unwelcome visitors to the park. Kainer stated that with community sponsorship, there would • be enhancement of the project and help for the budget while making the community part of the process. 2 • • • John Gerlick, 1166 W . Princeton Place Mr. Gerlick informed the Commission that he is both a homeowner next to Jason Park and a dog owner who has ran his dog in the park for more than eight years, before Jason was an off-leash park. Gerlick commented that Jason Park is cleaner than it has ever been and that overall, the neighbors don't see big problems besides the times when there are thirty to forty dogs in the park. Gerlick suggested that rather than doing away with the program, address the problems. Gerlick told the Commission that the parks are here to be used and before Jason became off-leash, no one used the park. Gerlick said that there is now use by soccer and baseball groups and that he has more problems with soccer balls than dogs. Gerlick noted that as a neighbor, the people don't have big issues, just little issues that can be solved. Gerlick stated that the dog walkers are here to do what's right, not to cause problems. Karleen Broadwater, 3106 S. Sherman Ms. Broadwater explained that last Sunday, she had gone door-to-door of the homes that border the park and what she heard was that fifteen of the households did not object to the off-leash park. Broadwater commented that the off-leash users are very considerate and do not want to make people angry. Broadwater spoke in regard to the cleanliness of the park and how the users clean the park. Broadwater stated that the off-leash users are willing to pitch in when anything needs to be done. Broadwater spoke in regard to the off-leash users taking ownership of the park and how she would hate to see that alienated. Broadwater encouraged the Commission to move forward with a solution or compromise but that closing the park to off-leash users is not a solution. Paul Gaggini, 2211 S. Lincoln Street Mr. Gaggini stated that he is a Denver resident. Gaggini thanked the Commission for a wonderful facility, adding that Jason Park is big enough. Gaggini spoke in regard to mistakes the City of Denver made with their dog parks. Gaggini told the Commission to ask anyone to take a walk through the park when it's most busy, that they might find thirty dogs in the park but they will be spread all over. Gaggini discussed how the dogs use to be congregated in one area and how it had distressed the turf. Gaggini stated that extra care is given to the soccer turf and why not do that for them too. Gaggini encouraged the commission members to walk the park and see if they see the horrible conditions exist that were described. In . regards to a soccer game interrupted or a child being scared by a dog, Gaggini said that it has never happened; adding that the off-leash users are self-policing. Gaggini noted that the dogs do not damage the grass like the soccer and volleyball users. Commission Member Woodward asked if the number of users at Jason is lower since Denver opened their parks. Woodward was told that the number has dropped to less than half. Jerry Baker, 3106 S Sherman Mr. Baker commented that when Bates/Logan closed, there was no word as to why which he did not understand. Baker asked if there was some political thing as to why Englewood is closing the off-leash parks. Baker asked what the problem is, that there is a solution for everything. Baker noted that if it is money or water, it can all be provided. Baker said that he told City Council the same thing at Monday night's meeting but that it sounded like it was already a done deal. Baker stated that the off-leash users are a close group that sticks together but they need to know how to communicate. Baker stated that they don't know what the problem is, so tell them . Tavis Hanna, 4420 S . Elati Street Hanna stated that he enjoys Jason Park because of the children. Hanna told the Commission that last night at the Park there were six to fourteen dogs and that the only other user in the 3 park was a mother with a toddler. Hanna spoke how it is interesting to see how parents bring children over to the dogs and the relationship between dogs and people. Hanna discussed how it is critical to build a relationship to animals when young and how Englewood can be • instrumental in that. Hanna spoke of the learning opportunity and how he hopes the issue can be communicated as a whole. Hanna discussed the area of turf between the basketball court and Quincy A venue being a great location for a dog enclosure due to it never being used. Gomes asked ifthere were any questions. Woodward asked if any of the guests were from another off-leash park besides Jason. Some of the guests stated that they use Centennial. Discussion followed regarding the other off-leash parks being sub-standard. Woodward said that tonight and in the past, comments have been made in regard to donations. Woodward commented that he is on the Task Force and the group is in support of donations but that the comment has also been made it would depend on the location. The Commission was told that the dog owners would help. The comment was made in regard to the preference for a park with natural boundaries over a park with a fence . The Commission was told that if they are looking for people to seek out donations, they have people in high ranks. Coleman discussed a compromise for Jason Park with set hours for off-leash use. Coleman noted that the hours would be a good solution rather than having fencing in the south end of the park. Woodward told the visitors that Jason Park is not an option for a dog park; telling them that the Task Force has identified three sites, one being Centennial because it has water. Discussion followed regarding the thorns and goose feces at Centennial. • Mr. Gaggini commented that Jason Park is not a park to put a blanket down and have a picnic, that there are plenty of picnic tables. Gaggini noted that there has never been a soccer game interrupted. Woodward told Gaggini that it has happened, and he was there . The Commission was asked to clarify if the Task Force would be finding a park for only dogs. Commission Member and Task Force Member Waldman replied yes, and that the effort is independent of the off-leash parks but as to how it would not impact them they would need to ask City Council. City Council Member Bev Bradshaw spoke in regard to the Off-Leash Pilot Program that did not work at Bates/Logan and the recommendation from the Parks and Recreation Commission's concerning the Pilot Program. Bradshaw stated that the program is not permanent and that it can be removed at any time . Bradshaw commented in regard to the park being hit hard by the drought and the unsafe conditions in the parks due to too many dogs. Discussion followed regarding the June 21 51 City Council meeting when a decision will be made in regard to the off-leash parks. Gomes closed discussion. V. SHERIDAN REDEVELOPMENT Black informed the Commission that at the last Sheridan Redevelopment meeting, it was the intent for Sheridan's Urban Renewal Board/City Council to select a developer. Black explained that after a lengthy discussion, City Council voted 4-3 to give the property owners • twenty-one days to put together more information . Black went on to explain that they will make their presentation tomorrow night before a developer is selected. 4 VI. PROJECTS UPDATE • Recreation Manager Hultberg reported that the attendance at Pirates Cove has been more than what was expected and that there have been no problems with parking. Commission members were told that the highest attendance in one day has been approximately 1800. Bradshaw asked in regard to capacity. Hultberg explained that the park can hold 2400 with the expectation that 50% or 1200 people will be in the water. Waldman asked if a lot of passes have been sold. Hultberg responded that it has been primarily daily, with a majority from South Suburban area. Bradshaw asked in regard to staffing. Hultberg explained that they have had to hire additional maintenance and concession workers. Bradshaw asked if there has been a demand for birthday parties. Hultberg explained that they are almost filled through July. Vice Chairperson Neyer asked when they expected to meet projected revenue. Hultberg stated that he would have a report for the next meeting but that with good weather, Pirates Cove will exceed revenue projection. • • VII. CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION UPDATE Commission members were told that the Cultural Arts Commission has been working with Swedish Hospital on their lOOth Anniversary and the Dala Horse Project in addition to the Art at the Shuttle Stations. Black explained that the City will be implementing a shuttle program and as part of that program, art will be placed at each of the shuttle stops . VIII. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE IX. Black acknowledged Commission Member Armstrong for her help with a Community Service Award through CPRA for Cub Scout Pack 172. Black explained that the pack from Charles Hay Elementary has done a number of community service projects for the City. COMMISSION MEMBER'S CHOICE In regard to discussion at last month 's meeting on lack of funding for flowers for the flower beds in the City, Karen Miller, Englewood School Board Liaison, informed staff that Randy Penn has stated that he would be more than glad to donate some Iris bulbs for the gardens. Waldman discussed the last Task Force meeting and its recommendation to City Council to delay taking any action in regard to closing the off-leash parks until the Task Force has made a recommendation. Waldman stated that it is important to know how the off-leash parks will be impacted by City Council's decision. Waldman stated that he has a real issue in regards to last month's vote by the Commission. Waldman and Bradshaw discussed clarification of the charge to the Task Force by City Council. Jones thanked the Commission for allowing him to be part of the Parks and Recreation Commission. Bob Spada, Golf Manager, invited the Commission to the golf course next Friday to view a show on Dennis Walters, a disabled golfer who travels the world. Hultberg announced the start of the Sounds of Summer Concerts on Thursday, June 17th and the Kidstage performances on July 61h. Commission members were told that a band shell tent has been placed over the amphitheater for the summer performances. 5 Black requested that the Commission review Mr. Benton's request to rename Belleview Park in order for them to make a recommendation to City Council at next month's meeting. Bradshaw suggested recognizing Mr. Scott on a smaller scale such as a shelter. Discussion • followed. X. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:46pm. Deborah A. Severa, Recording Secretary • • 6 . ..--:---Ila ! ' / CU!1 S&1rt1 I I •