2005/06/30 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
PLAYGROUND AND PARK TOUR
THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2005
ROHNERT PARK COMMUNITY CENTER
MINUTES
I. Call To Order-The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Mike Bird
at 5:30 P.m.
Commissioners Present: Commissioners Absent:
J. Griffen J. Stephens
M. Bird
C. Rogers
B. Black
T. Hansen
Staff Present:
Recreation Services Manager Guy Miller
II. Public Comment-None.
III. Park Tour-Manager Miller took commissioners to the following
locations: Sunrise Park, Colegio Vista Park, Caterpillar Park, Cielo Park,
Ladybug Park, Lydia mini-Park, Lilac Way Tot-lot.
Sunrise Park—The Commission looked at the tennis wall and proposed
location for the new playground equipment. There was activity on the
tennis wall at the time of the tour. General discussion followed regarding
the use of the wall and other possible location for the playground.
Commissioners felt that a good solution might be to enlarge the existing
play area to accommodate the larger new structures. The planter area west
of the existing playground could be removed to accommodate a larger
playground.
Colegio Vista Park—The Commissioners observed the existing play area
and surrounding picnic area. General discussion followed concerning the
ability to fit additional play structures in the existing area. All present felt
that this would be a good location for some an enlarged playground.
Page 1 of 3
Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes
June 30, 2005
Caterpillar Park—The Commission was met by Mr. And Mrs. Bengs,
who had attended the Public Hearing held on June 20, 2005. Several other
citizens joined in the conversation. The Commission observed the park to
be in a state of disrepair and neglect. There were weeds growing in the
sand in the playground and the trash can was overflowing. Discussion
followed concerning combining the two playgrounds into one area. It
appears that there is an area immediately north of the existing play area
that could be enlarged to accommodate this. The neighbors commented
that there is often an impromptu baseball game played near that area and
care should be taken to allow for this to continue.
Cielo Park—The Commission observed that this park has little use. There
are few young children in the neighborhood and a low priority for new
playground equipment. All present felt that some cosmetic work such as
pruning and new benches would help. It was also suggested that the city
plant a tree in the area in which the new equipment is proposed.
Ladybug Park—This park was the busiest of all the parks visited. Several
families joined the Commission in the discussion. Those citizens present
felt that the playground was fine in its present location and saw no reasons
to move it. They encouraged the Commission to replace the existing play
structures in the same location. They felt that the new location was too
confining. The Commission observed that the tennis court is in excellent
condition but there were several broken lights around the playground.
Lydia Mini park—The Commission discovered this little jewel for the
first time. They observed a well-maintained park which was not visible
from any street. It appeared that the park was getting limited
neighborhood use. They were intrigued by proximity of the park to the
rural fields of Cotati.
Lilac Way Tot-lot—The Commission observed that this park is void of
any recreational elements, including grass or landscaping. The center
piece of the park is a dead birch tree and a non-functional drinking
fountain. They also observed that a neighbor in the rear of the park had
expanded his yard to enclose an easement to the park from Lydia Court.
General discussion followed about the value of this park and it was
suggested that the city might consider selling the lot.
IV. End of Tour-The tour returned back to the Community Center. The
Commissioners felt that they would like to have a study session to
consider the playground renovations. It was decided to schedule a work
session on July 18 before the regular Parks and Recreation Commission
meeting. ...�
Page 2 of 3
Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes
June 30, 2005
V. Adjournment- Following discussion, moved by Hansen, seconded by
Black to adjourn the meeting to the July 18, 2005 Commission meeting.
The motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
Res'ectfully submitted
Guy Miller
Recreation Services Manager
Page 3 of 3