Parks Comm MINS 04-06-2006 • •
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL SERVICES
Thursday, April 6, 2006 Hylebos Conference Room
6:00 p.m. City Hall
MINUTES
Vice Chair Pfeiffer called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Present: Vice Chair George Pfeiffer, Don Dennis, Cindy Dodge, Tom Medhurst, Marie Sciacqua and David Talcott.
Excused: Chair C. T. Purdom, Ade Bright, Joel Howitt and Fred Konkell.
Staff: PRCS Director Donna Hanson, Parks Planning and Development Coordinator Betty Sanders and
Administrative Assistant Peg Wright.
Guests: Jeanne Burbidge, Council member, AHBL Consultants Julia Walton & Gina Kurtz, H. David Kaplan,
Harrell & Sally Hurst, Kevin Morris, George & Sharon Pearson and Mark Wolfram.
Dennis moved: Talcott seconded motion to approve March commission meeting minutes. Motion passed
unanimously.
PUBLIC FORUM
Kevin Morris — lives across the street from French Lake Park and supports the use as an off -leash dog park. The
dog -user group have had fundraisers to make money for improvements and work parties to keep the park in good
order. They would like to spread gravel in muddy areas and are working with staff on having a kiosk installed.
Harrell Hurst — is a user of French Lake Park as a off -leash dog park and is in favor of keeping the park for this use.
He suggested spreading gravel in slippery areas to make it safer.
Sally Hurst — she uses French Lake Park as an off -leash dog park and had favorable comments.
George Pearson — his family supports the use of French Lake Park as an off -leash dog park.
Mark Wolfram — he uses French Lake Park and stated that the "core group" work on improvements in the park as
they see necessary.
H. David Kaplan — stated he is not a dog owner but had comments from observations at French Lake Park — park
entrance and end of the bridge are muddy, suggested closing areas to reseed and repair turf rather than using a mesh
fence. He feels there has been a lack of maintenance at the park by staff but commended the dog -user group for
helping to maintain and being proactive.
Kaplan said he has visited Wildwood Park again and of the 10 "concerns" he reported in January, 4 items have been
completed. He asked about the timeframe on completion of the other concerns.
Sharon Pearson — she would like to see French Lake Park advertised as a dog park more extensively in the
community. She realizes it is on a trial basis but would like to see more exposure.
COMMISSION BUSINESS
Parks Plan Review — Parks Planning and Development Coordinator B. Sanders introduced the consultants, Julia
Walton and Gina Kurtz from AHBL, who would be briefing the commission on the Parks & Open Space Plan. They
presented the plan process to date, an overview of the public involvement and core values with draft
recommendations. The core values were discussed at length and are: 1) improve existing facilities and provide
multiple functions in parks, 2) develop a walking community with an integrated City -wide system of sidewalks and
trails, 3) retain and improve natural open spaces, 4) create community gathering places and destinations, and 5)
provide a balance of services for a diverse population. Another presentation will be during the May commission
meeting on May 4, 2006 by the AHBL consultants. Commissioners will meet on April 25 at 6:00 p.m. for
additional input and information — location to be announced.
. •
Parks and Recreation Commission, April 6, 2006 Page 2
STAFF REPORTS
Community Center Support Drive/Update — Marie Sciacqua gave a report on the upcoming fundraiser that will be
held at the new Woodstone Credit Union on 316 Street, April 20 from 5:00 -7:00 p.m. She asked staff and
commissioners to submit any business name, community leader or park patrons that you would like to see invited to
the event to her as soon as possible.
Community Center Construction Update - B. Sanders distributed photos from mid -March of the Community Center
construction site and discussed the progress since the photos were taken.
Field Warranty Issues — B. Sanders recently called the field contractor but he had not returned the call to date. Last
time B. spoke with him, he said he would be meeting with the regional manager to confer on the field issues.
Pfeiffer stressed that June and July are the best months to do repairs on the field.
French Lake Off Leash Dog Park — Director Hanson discussed with the commission, information to consider for the
presentation to the Council Committee on the Off Leash Dog Park as the trial period deadline approaches. She
stated that there are no funds in the current budget nor were any additional funds allocated to the park for
improvements. Mr. Morris said use has increased ten -fold since designated as a dog park. Additionally, a kiosk is
being installed by an Eagle Scout for information, to store doggie bags, etc.
Director Hanson said there are no Parks /Recreation items on the PRPS Council Committee agenda for Monday,
April 10, 2006. Neither Chair Purdom or Vice Chair Pfeiffer will be able to attend because of prior commitments.
PENDING ITEMS
Lake Killarney Thompson Property (naming) French Lake Park
NEXT AGENDA/AGENDA ITEMS
Park Plan/Review of Draft Document Community Center Support Drive/Update
Community Center Construction Update Downtown Public Space (Doherty report)
ADJOURNMENT
Vice Chair Pfeiffer adjourned the meeting at 8:27 p.m.