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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-01-22 - MinutesMembers Present: Staff Present: Guests Present: FACILITIES COMMITTEE SPECIAL MEETING JANUARY 22, 1998 Ackerman, Bleidt, Judy, Staggs, Thiel Dugwyler, Nelson Faye Jones, Bates Elementary School Principal; Bill Moeller, University Heights Neighborhood Association Media Present: Rusty Garrett, Northwest Arkansas Times Jill Rohrback, Morning News Subjects Discussed: Bates Park proposed playground location Hotz Park improvements Hutton St. property assessment for neighborhood park The Facilities Committee met at 4:00 p.m. on January 22, 1998 at the Parks & Recreation office located at 1455 Happy Hollow Road. Committee members took a van to Bates Elementary School where school principal, Faye Jones, shared her vision of a new playground/park for the school. The group discussed accessibility issues and fencing along Garland. There were also questions concerning the extent of the cut and fill required to accommodate the size of the planned play structure. Following a request from the University Heights Neighborhood Association, PRAB members assessed the current playground equipment at Hotz Park. Ms. Dugwyler said the equipment was antiquated and did not meet any current safety guidelines. When asked about park usage, Bill Moeller, a member of the neighborhood association, said currently there were not many children because the neighborhood is in transition. Mr. Moeller said the picnic tables were utilized and group meetings were often held in the park. The group discussed the replacement of playground equipment, picnic tables, the addition of benches, and the relocation of an electric power pole. The entrance way was also addressed. The ditch will be addressed at a later date. Members also visited a one -acre site in the Washington -Willow Historic District. Mr. Ackerman said the Sutton Street property would be suitable for a neighborhood park. Mr. Bleidt said his Thursday, January 22, 1998 / 1 Fac12298.wpd • • • • Facilities Committee Special Meeting 1/22/98 primary concern would be potential parking problems along the narrow street, but favored the idea of a park. Mr. Ackerman said the cost of the property and neighborhood opinions were other considerations to be discussed during the February 2, 1998 regular PRAB meeting. The property includes sound rock work, many trees, and a creek. Due to its hillside location and rocky terrain, the site could present maintenance problems. Meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. MINUTES PREPARED BY: John L. Nelson First draft 1.23.98 • 11:33 a.m. Thursday, January 22, 1998 / 2 Fac12298.wpd