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 allocated $75,000 toward a play area at Jackson Park during its FY 2019/21 budget discussions and approval.
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. Residents also expressed concerns that there is deferred maintenance at the park that should be addressed.
In December 2019, the Commission approved a tree and asphalt replacement plan. Phase 1 of the asphalt pathway replacement is being completed in June. One silver linden tree has been planted this past spring and a number of other trees will be planted in the fall, which is the optimal season to plant and ensure the best survival possible for the trees.
In September 2019, the Commission provided direction for a landscape play area design. Since then, staff have worked with a local architect and two playground companies on landscape play area designs. The architect, Tyler Velten, provided his services at no cost.
DISCUSSION
The location of the landscape play area is proposed to be closer to the center of the north end of the park for safety reasons to avoid the higher traffic Encinal Avenue (Exhibit 1). Based on input received at the Commission meeting in S...
Click here for full text