Parks Comm MINS 08-07-2014g:\parks comm mtg notes\2014\agendas and minutes\080714 minutes.doc
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL SERVICES
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Thursday, August 7, 2014 Hylebos Conference Room
6:30 p.m. City Hall
MEETING MINUTES
Chair Koppang called the meeting to order at 6:30pm.
Present: Chair Koppang, Vice Chair Mike Hoefel, Laura Belvin, David Wilson, David Berger and Lynda
Jenkins
Excused: George Pfeiffer and P.K. Thumbi
Staff: Mayor Jim Ferrell, Parks Director John Hutton, Deputy Parks Director Steve Ikerd, and Parks
Administrative Assistant II Mary Jaenicke.
Council member in attendance: Deputy Mayor Burbidge, Susan Honda
Guests in Attendance: Marie Sciacqua
PUBLIC FORUM
Ms. Sciacqua, thanked the commission and staff for the renovation of Family Funland and historical
recognition of the original Family Funland that was include d. She stated that she is with the Historical Society,
and requested that staff finish the landscaping at the Denny Cabins at the West Hylebos Park as well as adding
hand sanitizer in the porta-potty. Ms. Sciacqua also had concerns regarding the bicyclists that use the BPA
Trail. She said that walking the BPA Trail is getting dangerous because of the speed of some bicyclists. She
would like larger rules signs on the trail, and possible speed bumps by the hills. In regards to the Fourth of
July, she stated that the number of citations written for fireworks was really low, and would like more
enforcement. She would also like better signage, possibly using signs with symbols. She request that the gate
at the Celebration Park Plaza to be opened for the general public.
Minutes from the June Parks and Recreation Commission regular meeting were approved as written. Motion
by Belvin to approve the minutes as written, seconded by Berger. Motion passes.
COMMISSION BUSINESS
A. Town Square Park: Mayor Ferrell introduced John Hutton as the permanent Parks Director, and
Steve Ikerd as the Deputy Director.
Mayor Ferrell attended the meeting to discuss potential improvements to the Town Square Park. In this
discussion he emphasized that though he and the council view th is park as a permanent part of our
downtown core, the configuration of the park may change to accommodate development, so all
improvements should have the capability of being moved.
Shade: The Mayor stated that the Town Square Park would benefit by having shade. To address the
short term need umbrellas have been ordered. Some will be attached to the picnic tables, and some will
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be on a weighted pedestal. Mayor Ferrell wants to see the addition of trees and structures that would
add more substantial shade than the umbrellas can offer.
Commissioner Berger stated that the commission gathered a lot of comments from residents and
citizens during the Red, White & Blues Festival regarding the park but have yet to see a summary of
those comments. Mr. Hutton replied that there were a lot of comments for a water feature. Mayor
Ferrell replied that he had heard from a lot of citizens that the park needs shade. A presentation was
made by staff on different options for shade. Commissioner Belvin commented that for most of the
year shelter from the rain would be a bigger priority than shade . Commissioner Berger stated that he
supports Commissioner Belvin’s view that there would be a dual benefit from a more substantial
structure than the “sail” option presented. Deputy Mayor Burbidge voiced her agreement that this
should be considered. Staff will bring back to commission options for more substantial structures, that
would provide shelter but can also be moved in the future if necessary.
Trees: Mr. Ikerd displayed pictures of the trees that they are looking at for the park. Those trees are
Autumn Blaze, Red Sunset and Sweet Gum. The locations of the trees in the park were also discussed.
Commissioner Belvin asked the mayor what the vision was for the park and its permanence. Mayor
Ferrell answered that the Park is always going to be there in some form but the high ground of the
property could be sold, requiring the park to be reconfigured. Vice Chair Hoefel expressed his interest
in having shade trees at the park. Commissioner Belvin is concerned that if trees are added to the grass
area, it will reduce the play area. Mr. Ikerd stated that there are bump -outs and that is where the trees
could go, so the impact on the play area would be minimal . Council member Honda commented that
in addition to the trees presented by Mr. Ikerd, she would like to have flowering Cherry trees
considered. When the conversation turned to the size of tree to be used, Chair Koppang stated that
with the scale of the park, using 2-inch trunk trees would look really small and recommended using the
4-inch trunk trees staff recommended.
Commissioner Belvin mentioned her interest in reviewing the breakdown of what has been spent on
the park before she makes a decision. Chair Koppang replied that this information would be available
but that the cost of the park was the responsibility of the council. Commissioner Belvin stated that
there are costs that are involved and she would like a bigger picture, and that there are budgets to plan
for all of the parks. Mayor Ferrell explained that the money that has been utilized for the park is money
that was set aside specifically for downtown economic development and that the park is a driver for
both economic development and the beautification of downtown. He also stated that $2.5 million has
been set aside for the last 10 years. Of that, approximately $300,000 has been spent so far. He also
stated that by improving the Town Square Park the city is not taking money away from the existing
parks funds. Chair Koppang then reminded the commission that they were being asked to make a
recommendation to the council regarding the addition of trees to the Town Square Park.
Commissioner Berger moved to make a recommendation to plant the 4-inch trunk Autumn
Blaze trees at Town Square Park. Wilson seconded the motion. After passage Vice-Chair Hoefel
stated that he does not feel they are quite ready to make the decision on the location and quantity of
trees but likes the idea. Motion passed 5-1.
Play Structure: Hutton presented conceptual ideas for play equipment. The play structures shown
were designed for smaller children, ages 2-5. The climbing web would be for older children, ages 5-12.
Three options were discussed. In addition to the play structure a 2 bay swing set was also presented.
Commissioner Belvin stated that we need to think more conceptually on who our downtown clients
are. She stated her interest in an Art Mall in Federal Way. Economic Development staff is developing
a vision of what downtown should look like, and in her opinion adding play equipment does not fit
with the PACC. Chair Koppang responded that the function of the park is to draw people in and that
economic development will follow the people. Adding play equipment could enhance the park and
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give families a reason to be there. The focus is to make decisions on what could be an asset to the park
and let the council determine if the expense is justified. Commissioner Belvin made a
recommendation that we do not spend money on this park. There was no second. Vice-Chair
Hoefel made a recommendation to accept the preliminary design, option #2. Commissioner
Berger seconded. Chair Koppang reminded the commission that by making this recommendation the
commission believes that adding a play area to the Town Square Park would be a good addition.
Motion passed 5-1.
Mural: Hutton reported that he met with the Chairs of the Arts Commission, Parks Commission and
Teri Hickel from Advancing Leadership 2.0 that represents the Youth Advancing Leadership branch.
They met to discuss the possibility of having all five Federal Way high schools participate in painting
murals on the white wall. Their suggestion was to not paint directly on the white wall, but to paint on
panels and mount those panels to the wall. The mural would then be moveable and could be a
perpetual project. After the meeting, Teri Hickel let the staff know that the students were interested in
creating a mural with the word “Welcome” in each language spoken in the school district. The vi sion
is to do this as a back to school project, and would start in the fall. They have discussed having a
“Painting Day at the Park”. This would add a lot of impact to the wall . Hutton stated that there is a
strong desire to involve a professional artist with mural painting and gridding ability to help the
students transfer their concept to the wall. Mayor Ferrell said that both the Arts Commission and
Parks Commission would have a say in the project. Vice-Chair Hoefel was concerned about graffiti.
Hutton stated that there is a lot of evidence that vandals do not tamper with other artist’s artwork.
Water Feature: Mayor Ferrell reported that they have reached out to Lakehaven to discuss the water
feature. There may be some legal issues regarding gifting of public funds to the city. The water
feature also can’t be moved easily, so placement is very important, as it would likely be permanent.
Commissioner Berger suggested that there may be some ways to build a feature where the pumps are
above ground and may be moveable. Based on this being a conceptual discussion only, no action was
taken by the commission.
STAFF REPORTS
LAKOTA PARK UPDATE
Chair Koppang reported that a group of people consisting of PTA members, teachers, and parents will be
making a presentation to the school board to talk about developing a partnership with the City to upgrade
Lakota Park. A lot of work has been done at Lakota. Implementing the master plan for the park would cost
about $12.6 million. Understanding that completing the park as currently planned is not possible at this time, it
is important to work with the community and identify what their priorities are. After understanding what their
priorities are, we can then determine the most effective way to partner with the school district. Mayor Ferrell
stated that he and Chief of Staff Wilson met with Superintendent Sally Mc Lean. It was a good conversation,
and they discussed improvements to the field, track and lights. It would cost approximately $1.3 million. They
have agreed to talk further about this. The Mayor has also met with Clay Williams and Gino White, to let
them know that he has met with Sally, and that there will be a follow -up meeting. Mayor Ferrell believes
there needs to be a contribution on behalf of the school district to move this project forward. Legal obligations
to the site are being reviewed by both parties. Commissioner Belvin asked if the Master Plan for the park was
obsolete. Commissioner Berger replied that he has spoken with staff, and they stated that a first phase could
be done on the track and field without having an adverse effect on the field. The project could be
compartmentalized. Chair Koppang stated that they would not do anything that would diminish the potential
use of the property. Vice-Chair Hoefel added that this could be done in a 2-3 year period. Commissioner
Berger restated that the commission needs to get feedback from the users prior to making any
recommendations. Council member Honda stated that the Council members on the PRHSPS Committee wrote
a letter to the school district stating that the city will not move forward without a commitment from them.
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PANTHER LAKE UPDATE
Ikerd stated that a study was done on Panther Lake, and the consultants came in higher than expected. Ikerd
has spoken with King County regarding the levy money associated with this project ; they have said that they
prefer that the money be spent by the end of the year, but if there is a viable project that is currently being
worked on, then they are OK with extending it into next year. This project will be brought back to the
commission in September for discussion regarding the cost of the project and review the consultant’s proposal.
KARL GROSCH FIELD UPDATE
Hutton and Ikerd will be making a presentation in Ol ympia on August 14 to receive a grant for replacing the
turf at Karl Grosch Field. Hutton will report back to the Commission in September with an update on the
presentation.
RED, WHITE & BLUES FESTIVAL
Hutton reported that there were over 21,000 people at the event. The fireworks were terrific, the weather was
perfect and there were no major police incidents. Chair Koppang stated that the changes th at were made to the
event were effective and that the utilization of the park was more effective than in years past. Hutton stated
that they moved the stage and the event was spread out, so that it felt much less congested. They also had a
defined walkway which helped a lot.
NEXT MEETING/AGENDA ITEMS
Items for the September 4, 2014 meeting are:
RCO Recap
Lakota Park
Panther Lake Update
Water Feature – Town Square Park
Shade/Shelter – Town Square Park
Budget (Work plan priorities)
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Berger, Second by Belvin to adjourn the meeting.
Chair Koppang adjourned the meeting at 8:27 pm.