Title
Review Options and Provide Direction on a Jackson Park Natural Play Area
Body
To: Honorable Chair and Members of the Recreation and Park Commission
From: Amy Wooldridge, Recreation and Parks Director
Re: Review Options and Provide Direction on a Jackson Park Natural Play Area
BACKGROUND
During the City's Fiscal Year (FY) 2019/21 Budget process, a group of Jackson Park neighbors spoke at the Recreation and Parks Commission (Commission) meeting to advocate for a small play area to be installed at Jackson Park. After hearing the comments, the Commission included project in its recommendation to City Council for the FY 2019/21 budget. The City Council then allocated $75,000 toward a play area at Jackson Park during its FY 2019/21 budget discussions and approval. The funds are to be used if there is sufficient neighborhood interest in a play area at Jackson Park. If not, then the funds will be re-allocated to different park projects yet to be determined.
On July 23, 2019, staff held a neighborhood meeting and approximately 75 people attended. Overall, the comments were equally for and against a play area at the park with some people expressing interest but with reservations. A full compilation of the comments received are in Exhibit 1. A number of residents expressed concerns that there is deferred maintenance at the park that should be addressed. These included the asphalt pathways, lighting, trees and the bandstand.
Park maintenance staff is currently securing quotes for replacing/resurfacing the asphalt pathways. Some areas can be resurfaced and some require full repair and replacement. Staff is also considering options on replacing some or all of the interior pathways with decomposed granite (DG) instead of asphalt. The considerations include cost differences as well as long-term maintenance since DG requires a higher level of maintenance in order to keep it fully ADA accessible.
Regarding trees, Park Maintenance staff is also workin...
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