HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-02-24 - MinutesPARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD
FACILITIES COMMITTEE MEETING
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1999
Members Present: Ackerman, Alexander, Shoulders, Thiel
Staff Present: Gulley, Nelson, Paschal, Schuldt
Guests Present: Al Einert, Michael Langford
Media Present: Julie Tribble, KIX 104
The meeting was called to order by Facilities Committee Chairman,
Ackerman at 4:00 p.m. in Room 111 of the City Administration
Building, 113 W. Mountain St.
The objective of the meeting was to continue discussion on the
concept of an observation/viewing deck for the Mt. Sequoyah
Gardens Park. Al Einert and Lisa Paschal had completed prior work
on a conceptual design and presented an overview for discussion.
The Facilities Committee welcomed any input or suggestions from
the private sector for consideration. "I'm hoping we can get some
• input from the people living in the area," Ackerman said. "After
all, this is a facility that will serve that segment of our
community, and they need to be involved to help design something
that will fulfill their needs."
•
A modified conceptual drawing was distributed for discussion. The
deck facilities ground level would offer a suitable view. In
order to view further south, further west and, to a degree,
further northwest would require a higher observation deck. Mr.
Einert briefly explained the conceptual design. The lower deck
would meet ADA regulations. Since the design at this point in
time is a conceptual design, specific dimensions have not been
decided upon. Ms. Thiel suggested the possibility of a separate
tower which could be closed off and managed. Mr. Ackerman felt
that when dealing with tax dollars for a public facility, he was
hesitant to lock off or prevent access to any portion of the
facility.
Discussion was held regarding whether the structure could be
turned a different direction. Mr. Einert stated logistics of the
site were implemented into the conceptual design. The height of
the observation tower was also discussed and estimated to be ten
to twelve feet from the ground level. Mr. Shoulders said placing
a roof on the observation tower would create a jumping hazard as
February 24, 1999 / 1
• well as possibly obstructing area residents' views. Mr. Einert
explained the benefits of having a roof protecting the structure
and the observers from the elements. Aesthetics was also
mentioned.
Michael Langford provided background on the Timber Framers Guild
and their involvement in projects. for communities. Mr. Langford
designed and constructed the pavilion for Bryce Davis Park. Mr.
Langford presented a different design utilizing the timber
framing method and suggested organizing either volunteers or paid
participants to offset the labor factor to get more for a lot
less than subcontracting. "It's a monumental site," Mr. Langford
said. "And I think it deserves something monumental." Mr. Einert
said because the site is so spectacular, it would draw groups and
the structure would need to accommodate a number of people. Mr.
Alexander said the structure at Bryce Davis was practical and
would require minimal maintenance. He said he would like to see
the structures in the parks be as important as the parks
themselves. The castle at Wilson Park was cited as an example.
Mr. Langford asked about the condition of the site and how soon
it could be built upon. Mr. Gulley said due to settling, it would
most likely be a couple of years. There is also currently no
funding for this project in the five-year CIP plan. Adjustments
41,
could be made if priorities are changed. Mr. Ackerman said this
project was inherited from the City, and he had no problem going
to City Council for money.
•
Mr. Ackerman expressed disappointment that there was minimal
representation from the public at the meeting. Ms. Thiel
suggested residents be contacted and given sufficient time to
prepare ideas and suggestions to present to the Facilities
Committee. Lisa Paschal said some of the basic concepts we needed
to address were accommodating a certain number of people,
accommodating ADA regulations, designing a safe structure which
fits well with the site, and one of which was satisfactory to the
majority. Mr. Ackerman suggested to Michael Langford to get with
Dan Coody and the neighbors for input and present a variation of
concepts to the Facilities Committee.
THE NEXT FACILITIES COMMITTEE MEETING WILL BE SCHEDULED AT A
LATER DATE.
Meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
Minutes taken by John Nelson
February 24, 1999 / 2