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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-22-1991 Park and Recreation Commission Minutes 13777 FRUITVALE AVENUE · SARATO(}A, (:AI.IF()[{NI/x 95()7() (408) 867-34~UTES COUNCIL MEMBERS: SARATOGA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION KarenAn,3erson Martha Ctevenge:' Wtt,'em Koh~e.,' TIME: MONDAY, July 22, 1991 - 7:30 P.M. V, storM:n,a Franos Stu~zman PLACE: SARATOGA COMMUNITY CENTER 19655 Allendale Avenue, Saratoga, California TYPE: Regular Meeting Chairman Ward called the meeting to order at 7:30pm. I. ORGANIZATION A. ROLL CALL - Present: Crotty, Franklin, Gilman, Miller, Pierce Swan, Ward Staff: Trinidad B. MINUTES - Approval of Minutes - 7/1/91. Minutes were approved with following changes: P. 2 - Commissioner Pierce's comment that the creeks belong to everyone should be changed to "the creeks should belong to everyone." P. 3 - V. Change Kevin Moran Park to Gardiner Park. C. POSTING OF THE AGENDA Pursuant to Government Code 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting was properly posted on July 17, 1991. OLD BUSINESS This meeting was dedicated to the presentation and approval of the final draft proposal of the Beauchamps Park plans. The presentation was made by the firm of Wallace, Roberts & Todd by their representatives Steve Wheeler and Kathryn Ramsden. There were ten residents in attendance. Secretary Trinidad gave a brief background on previous meetings for the benefit of the residents. He stated that while it appeared that the neighborhood would like to have two tennis courts and paved off- street parking, it is staff~s recommendation that only a single tennis court be built with no off-street parking, because of the cost, limited space, and because the Master Plan states that one of the distinctive features of a neighborhood park versus a community park is one that has no off-street parking. Printed on recycled paper. Parks & Recreation Meeting of July 22, 1991 Page 2 It was further pointed out that the current capital improvement fund provides $120,000 for Beauchamps Park improvements while the plan being proposed tonight, which includes one tennis court, is estimated to cost $235,000. Steve Wheeler then made a complete presentation of all the various features being proposed. Of major interest is a heavily planted buffer area separating the park from the properties to the West, a small group picnic area, an area with climbing play structures for young children, a paved half-court which can be used for skating, remote control cars, ball bouncing, etc., a tennis court, a large turf area and a sloped area planted with ground cover which runs along the exterior perimeter. The park will also have a bicycle rack, benches, water fountain and three 10' high security lights. Commissioner Franklin questioned whether the low ground cover would encourage bike riding on the sloped bank and onto the street. Steve Wheeler stated that their concern was that taller plantings along the slope could interefere with the site distance along Beauchamps and would not necessarily stop any traversing. It was felt that bike riding would not be a problem, but if it was, it could be remedied upon identification. Commissioner Crotty expressed her pleasure on the type of play equipment at E1 Quito Park and is hoping that this type will be considered for Beauchamps. She also stated that a solid, well- draining surface should be provided under the drinking fountain. Residents, who were not identified individually, felt as follows: They were generally very pleased with the design of the park and wished to be assured it was a small picnic area planned for multiple family use as opposed to large group use, that the site distance along Beauchamps, parking restrictions along Beauchamps, and vehicular speed should be addressed. Secretary Trinidad responded that the Plan would be taken before the City Engineer to evaluate all traffic concerns. Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting of 7/22/91 Page 3 It was the consensus of the residents in attendance that an additional tennis court should be a higher priority than the paved half-court. It was stated that while the lots in Beauchamps are large enough to provide their own paved basketball area, they are not large enough for tennis courts. Secretary Trinidad pointed out that tennis courts have a rather narrow users group and that the paved half-court would provide a recreation area for young children, teenagers and adults alike. The neighborhood's priorities were decided to be as follows: Landscaping and coverage of the unsightly, unimproved land, play equipment, picnic area, one tennis court, second tennis court, and then paved half-court. After general discussion between the Commissioners and the audience, it was determined that since the estimate for the proposed design far exceeds the current capital improvement amount budgeted, that the proposed plan represents the best opportunity for acceptance by the Parks & Recreation Commission, the residents and the City Council. At this point, the public hearing was closed and the Commissioners offered their input. M. Swan - generally supported the proposed design; however, felt that the children's play yard is lacking in that the children need the opportunity to play together and that the play equipment should help in filling that need and also develop their creativity. She does not like the "pipeline" play structures and further is concerned with the overall cost of Beauchamps. D. Miller - stated the need for a sandbox. Also does not like the "pipeline" equipment. She feels that if additional funding is not possible, the tennis courts should be deferred until later. M. Pierce - likes the Plan. Does not want to see anything deferred and feels the Commission and neighbors should push to get it now. F. Franklin - likes the current Plan and feels we should do it now. Is sorry there is so much neighborhood contention about the additional tennis court. J. Crotty - likes the current Plan and feels it should be completed now, but feels we should prioritize as discussed during public hearing. She likes the "pipeline" equipment but is willing to accept other equipment, also. Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting of 7/22/91 Page 4 A. Gilman - would like to see the whole park completed now. Likes the equipment installed at Brookglen Park but is willing to accept other equipment, also. Chairman Ward - agreed with and supported the comments made by other Commissioners and further stated that he, too, supports completing the whole park as designed now. It was moved that the Plan be approved with the single tennis court. 6/1. Opposing vote was cast by M. Swan who felt more input was needed for children's play equipment. It was then decided that prior to final determination of play equipment, staff and the consultant should consider utilizing equipment which would better meet the creativity criteria discussed by Commissioners Swan and Miller. VI. Adjournment 9:15. ~n Secretary mt