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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04_11_17 PandR Adv Bd - MinutesJl~ ELGIN THE CITY IN THE SUBURBS- Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting Minutes April 11, 2017 6:00 p.m . McKinley Elementary Grade School Multi-Purpose Room 258 Lovell Street, Elgin, IL 60120 Mayor David J. Kaptain City Council Richard Dunne Terry Gavin Rosamaria Martinez Ti sh S. Powell John Prigge Carol Rauschenberger Toby Shaw F. John Steffen City Manager Richard G. Kozal Present: Tom Armstrong, Chin Keomuongchanh, Marino Lamantia, Eric Larson, Carl Missele, Fred Moulton Absent: Andrew Dogan, Michelle Santucci Staff: Randy Reopelle, Maria Cumpata, Wayne Carlstedt, Verdelle Corn I. Call to Order: Eric Larson called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. II. St . Francis Park: Dan Dalziel, 3D Design Studio facilitated the discussion with the residents in attendance to gather their input on what they like about St . Francis Park , what they do not like, and what they would like to see added at the park. Tennis Courts and Pickle all courts: • Resident #1 who identified himself as Larry DeHaan, uses the tennis courts. The courts are deteriorated. Kids ride bicycles on the courts, which the surface. He has seen courts that have a turn-style entrance, which would require the kids to lift their bicycles over the turn style when entering and exiting. The courts would be used more often if the courts were in better condition. Mrs. DeHaan , resident #2, noted that the courts at Lords Park and other parks are heavily used as the courts are in better shape . St. Francis courts would be used more if they were in good shape. Mr. DeHaan noted that St. Francis Park is a great location for children to get on the courts . • Res ident #3 noted that children learn to ride bicycles on the tennis courts . • Resident #4 noted that her children learned to be play tennis at St. Francis Park . • NOTE: A couple residents present voiced concern with pickle ball striping on the tennis courts, even when a different color, as the court(s) become 'busy' while playing either sport. 150 Dexter Court, Elgin, IL 60120 847-931-6100 www.cityofelgin.org Playground. • Resident #5, Joe, an elementary student from the neighborhood, doesn 't l i ke the sand . Mr. Dalziel asked if anyone had a preference on the style or type of playground . There are themed playgrounds available . Nature themed playgrounds are very popular. Nature themed p laygrounds have options such as water, mud, and logs, and other options, all which allow child ren to orchestrate their own environment. Children can move things around that enable cognitive play. • Resident #5 , Joe, would like a spinner added to the park. • Resident #6, a young female student, would like swings . • Resident #4 noted that a pl ayground structure for older children is needed . The structure at the park currently is for younger children only. Mr. Dalziel noted playground structures come in different sizes ; there are structures for 2 to 5 year olds, and structures for 5 to 12 year olds. Sand Volleyball: Mr. Dal ziel inquired if the sand volleyball court was used. The consensus was that no one has used them for quite some time. Years ago , teenagers used them . • Resident #5, Joe , recommended the volleyball area be replaced with a soccer court/area . He also noted that he and his friends like to play baseball at the park. • Resident #3 agrees with Joe's comments. Outdoor Fitness Element: Mr. Dalziel noted that outdoor fitness elements are very popular and asked for feedback . No one responded. Picnic Shelter: Mr. Dalziel asked for comments regarding the picnic shelter. • Res ident #5, Joe, would like to see a medium-size shelter replace the existing one. • Resident #7 noted that the summer free lunch program, which St. Francis Park is one of the sites for, needs a larger shelter than the current one . She recommended that a shelter be ab le to fit at least four picnic tables . Mr. Dalziel asked for the residents input on the style of the gazebo. He pointed out t he styles most commonly used and displayed on a presentation board . Several present said they do not want the rectangle and style found in forest preserves. Several presented voiced that the second design shown of a simple square with aluminum poles 150 Dexter Court, Elgin, IL 60120 847-931-6100 www.cityofelgin .o rg and roof was not to their liking. Those voicing their preference noted they preferred the more architecturally pleas ing gazebo style, which is a better historical and charming match for the neighborhood. The gazebo should also have power. Miscellaneous: Mr. Dalziel asked if any other things should be looked into for the park such as bags, bocce ball, etc . • Resident #1 , Larry DeHaan, noted that tennis and pickle ball are both great and would be nice to have a place to grill and eat while kids play and parents socialize. • Resident #3 noted that it would be nice to have bathrooms at the park. Mr. Dalziel ask if a nice enclosure with port-o-lets would be okay. (No audible response .) Randy Reopelle communicated that neighborhood parks do not have toilets. By adding toilets, it opens the neighborhood park up to more usage and more people from outside the neighborhood, which is what the regional parks (Lords and Wing) are for. • Board member Tom Armstrong noted that open space is ideal. Years ago the ring of trees were added to the park to keep adults from playing soccer until late. Resident #3 also noted the berms were added for the same reason. Mr. Dalziel asked if anyone had any other important input. • Resident #3 communicated that a water/drinking fountain would be beneficial for the children playing at the park. • Resident #8, Bill Briska , requested that small signage be added to mark the history of St. Joseph Hospital, which originally occupied the property. The hospital started out as a small facility/house on the main floor with people living on upper level. Then the hospital expanded in later years with a more modern brick structure considerably larger. St. Joseph and Sherman Hospitals stimulated the medical community -doctors and other medical professionals moving to the area and doctors' offices opening in the area . The hospital had a role in developing the character of the neighborhood . • Resident #3 requested a walking path, wider than the path that meanders through the park currently. • Board member Tom Armstrong noted that the sidewalks around the perimeter of the park are brand new and 5 feet wide. The interior paths are narrower at 4 feet wide and are not new. • Resident #5, Joe , requested more shade and trees. Summary of Recommendations/Resident Input: recommendations provided: Mr. Dalziel summarized the • Fix tennis courts. If the courts were in better shape they would be used more often and would be a great programming opportunity, teaching children and adults tennis. Add a turn sty le and pickle ball lines on one court. 150 Dexter Court, Elgin, IL 60120 847-931-6100 www.cityofelgin.org • Keep the family atmosphere. • Add a drinking fountain with a bottle filler. • Playground: no sand , add a spinner, belt swing(s), dual swing with buckets as well. • Bigger kids playground and younger kids playground • Replace volleyball area with soccer area. • Baseball field is good to keep. Enlarge the backstop . • Charming shelter with architectural character that can accommodate at least four picnic tables . • Gri lle • Shade trees (if space for them) • Historical interpretive signage is a great opportunity for learning and recall the history of the entire park. • Wider pathway through the park. • Tom Armstrong added that it would be nice if the baseball backstop, which needs to be larger than it cur rently is, match the tenn is courts. Mr. Dalziel thanked everyone for their participation and valuable input. Next Steps: Randy Reopelle communicated that Dan Dalziel will return with concept plans to present at the April 25 th beginning at 6:00 p .m . meeting. The meeting will be at The Centre of Elgin , 100 Symphony Way . Meeting room to be determined . Chair Eric Larson asked that those present be sure to sign add their name, phone number and preferably an email address to the sign-in sheet so staff can email them notifying them of future meeting(s) regarding St . Franc is Park . Ill . Gifford Park Association (GPA) Request: GPA submitted a request for the board to consider waiving of the Pavilion rental fees for their organization's Lords Park Pavilion rental on Friday, April 28, to host their annual pot luck dinner. GPA members host and man a water station for the participants of the annual Fox Trot. MOTION: Tom Armstrong motioned the board approve the waiver of fees for GPA 's April 28th Pavi lion rental. Eric Larson seconded. Motion unanimously approved . IV. Adjournment: MOTION: Tom Armstrong motioned to adjourn the meeting. Carl Missele seconded. Motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 6 :55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Ver j2;i;ii"?;;::_) Approved:~ 'Us;ao /'1/ 150 Dexter Court, Elgin, IL 60120 847-931-6100 www.cityofelgin.org