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07-23-2016104 N. Riverside Drive Edgewater, FL 32132City of Edgewater Meeting Minutes Recreation & Cultural Services Board 9:30 AM Council ChambersSaturday, July 23, 2016 PUBLIC WORKSHOP FOR WHISTLE STOP PARK DESIGN 1. CALL TO ORDER Kadie Mullins, Chair of the Recreation and Cultural Services Board, called the Workshop to order at 9:30 a.m. Walt Zakaluzny, Kadie Mullins and Tiffany EversPresent3 - Laura BernsteinAbsent1 - 2. COUNCIL & RECREATION & CULTURAL SERVICES BOARD INTRODUCTIONS Mrs. Mullins welcomed everyone and introduced: Mayor Mike Ignasiak; Councilman Dan Blazi; City Manager, Tracey Barlow; Deputy Director of Leisure Services, Jack Derosier; RCS Board Member, Walt Zakaluzny; and Shailesh Patel of Dredging & Marine Consultants, LLC (DMC). Mrs. Mullins noted the hard work that has been done to get the community's input to develop a conceptual plan for the park and that all suggestions, recommendations and thoughts shared at the workshop, will be given careful consideration. Page 1City of Edgewater Printed on 8/4/2016 July 23, 2016Recreation & Cultural Services Board Meeting Minutes 3. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF WHISTLE STOP PARK REDEVELOPMENT Shailesh Patel from Dredging & Marine Consultants, LLC (DMC) stated that the City Council has approved a conceptual plan and explained that the purpose of the workshop is to gather more feedback on what is important to the community. He welcomed all ideas and reminded everyone that in completing the park plan many things must be considered, including: dollars, logistics of how and where to place amenities and how big they can be. Mr. Patel discussed the survey that was done in Edgewater to determine the community's priorities for updating Whistle Stop Park. The top 5 priorities were 1.) An all-inclusive playground with shade 2.) Improved restrooms 3.) A splash park 4.) New pavilions and 5.) A walking trail. These 5 priorities were incorporated into several conceptual plans that were presented to City Council along with costs. At that time, Council provided additional feedback that was also incorporated into the conceptual plan, including: 1.) Safety features such as fencing around the splash park and playground areas 2.) Having the playground, splash pad and skate park in close proximity so parents can watch children 3.) Green space for events and 4.) ADA compliant to be all inclusive. Mr. Patel advised that other important design aspects include safety, shade, landscaping around the perimeter (hedges or some fencing), lighting, security and maintenance. Benches, shade structures, water fountains and trash and recycling containers will be strategically located throughout the park. Councilman Gary Conroy suggested building a solid wall to protect Meadow Lake subdivision from park noise. Mr. Patel added that such a wall can have plants growing on it to enhance the appearance. A citizen expressed concern about safety around ponds. Mr. Patel noted that ponds on the conceptual design are for stormwater retention and may only have water when there is heavy rain. He stated that ponds will be designed for both safety and ease of maintenance. Councilman Blazi stressed the importance of making sure ease and efficiency of maintenance are primary engineering concerns in designing the park. A citizen asked if there will be age limits for the splash park? Mr. Patel said that the splash pad will be for all ages, possibly with areas that separate small children or toddlers from older children. There will be ADA accessible restroom/shower facilities a safe distance from the splash pad to allow people to rinse off before using the splash pad, protecting the hygiene of the water and also for parents to be able to clean and dress children when they are done using the splash pad. Some restrooms may be designed as all-purpose, private, family style restrooms that can be used by anyone and will include changing tables. A citizen suggested putting seating within the splash pad area so small children can be properly supervised and also noted the quality of surfacing at River Breeze Park. A citizen expressed concern about having to pay to use the splash park. Councilman Blazi offered that Council has discussed this and is not planning to charge for admission to splash park. A citizen expressed concern about playground equipment getting wet and becoming slippery and unsafe if kids play on it wet. Mr. Patel stated that DMC is looking at materials that help with safety Page 2City of Edgewater Printed on 8/4/2016 July 23, 2016Recreation & Cultural Services Board Meeting Minutes and maintenance in the playground and the splash pad areas. And anything related to the playground will be designed for accessibility, ease of use and inclusion of different types of challenges, special needs or disabilities, so every person who comes to the park has a way to participate in activities. Councilman Conroy asked if the racquetball courts will be refurbished? Mr. Patel said that lighting issues have been discussed but refurbishing the racquetball courts, specifically has not and that it will be looked at. Councilman Conroy suggested utilizing the world class artist talent from the Atlantic Center for the Arts to paint murals embracing diversity and peace and harmony in the world, as has been done at the Babe James Center in New Smyrna Beach, to incorporate art into the park and beautify the exterior racquetball court walls. He went on to say that safety is of major concern to him and that there may be park “rangers” in attendance all the time, so if trouble makers come into the park they can quickly be told to leave and not be welcome there, maintaining a family atmosphere. Mrs. Mullins noted that RCS Board Member, Tiffany Evers has suggested that playground equipment be designed for clear sight lines to avoid hiding spots in the interest of park safety. Councilman Blazi expressed concern that shade be angled so that it actually covers the playground equipment at critical times of the year. Mr. Patel stated that shade is something DMC is paying close attention to. He said that shade may not be captured in all seasons but shade devices can be angled to capture shade during the hottest times of the year. Mr. Patel noted that the design plan is still open on pavilions and shade structures. He said considerations include: having some electrical outlets at pavilions to accommodate parties, entertainment or weekend bbq's; lighting for nighttime use depending on hours the City wants to keep the park open, and concern for nearby neighborhoods as well as safety. Councilman Blazi inquired if there are more modern options for grills near the pavilions. Mr. Patel suggested bringing in the most modern features possible within the confines of cost. A citizen asked if there will be charging stations for electronics. Mr. Patel said there will be electrical outlets available and possibly wi-fi as well. Councilman Blazi suggested that people could support the park financially by purchasing a memorial, such as a bench plaque or engraved brick or even a business sponsorship. Mr. Patel said there could be a section of the park utilized to generate revenue. In other parks, he has found people like this. Councilman Blazi suggested having murals along the walking trail. Councilman Conroy added that perhaps local children could be involved in creating art for the park to create a sense of ownership. Mr. Patel said that some small, locally created sculptures could be utilized as well. Mr. Patel shared that a local member of his team, who is an active skateboarder himself, has built a lot of parks and travelled around the area looking at other skate parks so he can bring some Page 3City of Edgewater Printed on 8/4/2016 July 23, 2016Recreation & Cultural Services Board Meeting Minutes uniqueness to the project. The skate park will be designed for all ages and all skills. This will be a place where competitions, classes or weekend events can be held. Councilman Blazi suggested having bleachers near the skate park and cautioned on appropriate building material to accommodate skateboards, rollerblades and bicycles. A citizen expressed concerns about equipment restrictions to prevent injuries. Mr. Patel said that the city will have to develop certain standards and policies to mitigate risk and liability. Placards and warnings may be posted. Mayor Ignasiak advised that strongly suggesting the use of safety equipment rather than trying to mandate their use may have better results. Mr. Patel spoke about sports facilities at Whistle Stop Park. He stated that a basketball court may be added to the plan. Also being considered, are improved lighting for existing courts and structures, improved pavilions, and water features such water fountains and water bottle refill stations A citizen stated that tennis courts are not being utilized and that two of the 4 courts could be removed, making room for something else. Mr. Patel shared that DMC plans to work with existing features as much as possible and that currently, there is not a plan to remove or replace existing tennis courts, racquetball courts or the ballfields. However, the sub-base of tennis courts may need to be replaced which could allow the possibility to reconsider the number of courts. Mr. Patel also shared that work-out equipment is geared towards the elderly but meant to be usable by anybody. It is designed to be in close proximity to the restrooms and shade areas instead of spread out along the walking trail. Councilman Blazi wondered if engineers are considered using the current skate park and putting artificial turf on top as he saw in downtown Tampa. Maintenance people can simply hose it down. Jeremy Marquis, the Landscape Architect working with DMC, introduced himself and stated that dogs do not tend to like to be on the artificial turf since a lot of heat comes off it. He has seen better success using a “pasture” grass like Bahia. Councilman Blazi suggested the possibility of using the existing skate park’s non-permeable surface by placing dirt and grass top of it, using the existing shape of the skate park’s contours. Councilman Conroy wants police to be able to monitor cameras real time, from their patrol cars. Mr. Patel said DMC will be talking with the police chief regarding this. A citizen asked if it could be possible to make the skate park exclusive to rollerblades and skateboards. Mrs. Mullins stated that the skate park designer is meeting with engineers and council next week. Mr. Marquis spoke about safety and CPTED – Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. It’s about creating clear views throughout the park, having lighting so you are not over lighting, yet you do not have dark pockets. It is about creating a hub where people gather. If you have people around one another, it tends to push out what you do not want to be there. He also spoke about sustainability, creating a park that is great environmentally and is also economically sustainable. He highlighted ideas such as reusing structures if we can, having recycle bins and water bottle refilling stations, using native, Florida friendly landscaping to keep water usage down and utilizing reclaimed water. He said DMC will be looking for opportunities to make this a cutting edge, Page 4City of Edgewater Printed on 8/4/2016 July 23, 2016Recreation & Cultural Services Board Meeting Minutes "outdoor living room" for Edgewater. A citizen stated that currently the tennis and racquetball court lights are on pretty late and asked when courts close and if that be changing. Mr. Barlow stated that park hours will be a discussion with city council. He added that based on the amenities and opportunities being created, the park is going to have to be monitored. It will be Council’s final decision, but there could be a time when the park is open, possibly from 5 or 6 am to 10 pm and the City would staff the park the entire time it is open. It may also be possible close phases of the park leaving other areas open. A citizen suggested a community board in the restroom area to post news and activities. Mrs. Mullins invited everyone to attend upcoming Recreation and Cultural Services Board meetings. Mr. Patel offered thanks to city council and city staff for their confidence in DMC to design the park and asked citizens, keep ideas and questions coming. 4. OTHER DISCUSSION ITEMS - None at this time 5. ADJOURN Pursuant to Chapter 286, F.S., if an individual decides to appeal any decision made with respect to any matter considered at a meeting or hearing, that individual will need a record of the proceedings and will need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made. The City does not prepare or provide such record. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing assistance to participate in any of these proceedings should contact City Clerk/Paralegal Robin L. Matusick, 104 N. Riverside Drive, Edgewater, Florida, telephone number 386-424-2400 x 1101, 5 days prior to the meeting date. If you are hearing or voice impaired, contact the relay operator at 1-800-955-8771 One or more members of City Council or other advisory boards may be present. Page 5City of Edgewater Printed on 8/4/2016