Parks Commission

-<; . Mayor Council President Councilors JairoRios-Campos Dara Tan John C. Miner Patricia Smith n^i" aTY.OTWood Village WOOD VILLAGE PARKS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES July 17, 2025-6:00 PM PRESENT Mayor Jairo Rios-Campos, Councilor Patricia Smith, Parks Commission Chair Jim Mott, Parks Commissioners Trudy Toliver, Christine Bierman, and Catherine Johnston, City Manager Greg Dirks, Public Works Projects ManagerBeckyGallien, and interested parties. ABSENT None. PROJECT UPDATE Dirksreviewed the meeting's agendaand offered a tourofthe park updates iftherewasinterest amongthe commission members. The commission agreed to the tour excluding Smith, who stated she toured the park this morning. Thecommission recessedthe meeting forthe tour at 6:03PM. Thecommission returned to the meeting at 6:12 PM. Dirksreviewed the restroom updateproject, whichreplaced the 20-year-oldformerfacility utilizingARPA and Urban Renewal Agency. The total cost was around $618, 500 and increased the capacity to eight individualunitswith auto-lockingdoorsforevening hours, proper HVAC,andexteriorlighting. Toliverasked aboutthe restroom's life expectancy. Dirksstated paintingwould bedone regularly and providedestimatesforotherfeatures likethe floor, which is 5-7 years, the roof, which is 50 years, and the plumbing, which is 10-15years. Dirksstated the City is putting money into a Capitalsinkingfundfor these repairs. Dirksreviewedthe 2025 CDBGprojectwhichaddedan ADApathwayfrom the plazato the rest ofthe park and replaced and added newpicnictables and BBQstations and benchesaroundthe splash pad, costing $168, 280 with $79, 000 from CDBG grant money. WETLAND PARK PROJECT UPDATE AND NEXTSTEPS Dirksstated the City purchased4.5 acresfrom the Grand Rondein 2019to add parkcapacity, perthe Parks MasterPlan, and the initialdesignwascompleted in 2021 Dirksexplainedthe City updatedthe plant list basedon recommendationsfrom the Grand Rondeand the Wisdomofthe Eldersforalternative plantsfor more cultural significance. Dirksstated the City also updated the delineation reportfor projectsubmittal to the state soon. Dirksreviewedthe designofthe wetland park. Dirks provided a recap of received funds for the project, including a $20, 000 community enhancement grant, a $250, 000 Nature in Neighborhoods grant from Metro, and a release of $392, 155 from our Metro local share. Dirks will be presenting at the end of the month for the State Parks grant for nearly $300, 000. The project budget is $940, 000. Dirks explained the project may be broken into phases and reviewed next steps, including state permitting, outreach on the unencumbered space, gateways and signage with a plan to bid out the project by winter for a summer build. Toliverasked if picnickingwouldconflictwith a wetlanddueto trash debris. Dirksstated it could, buttherewould be plentyofgarbagecansonsite. Biermanasked ifthe projectwould be completed nextsummertime. Dirks stated probably ifcompleted in the dry season, which is June-September, since the project is pretty straightforward. Dirksexplainedthe Citywould be doingoutreach regarding interestin community planting days at tomorrow's City Nite Outevent in the hopethat peoplewill havea senseofownershipin the park if they help build it. Biermanstated she is workingon native habitatsin herown yard and explainedit can takeseveral years for natives to grow and fill the space. Dirksagreed. PARK RESERVATION UPDATE Dirksstated thatthe City updated its park reservation policy in June2024 basedon the ParksCommission and Council recommendationsand reviewedthosechanges. Dirks explained the City launched an online reservation system this last March, which allows people to view availabilityand bookreservationsonline now, Dirks reviewed the reservation stats from March-July of this year, noting recreation and sports practice are the majorityof reservations. Dirksexplainedthatthe dataskewstoward Fairview,but that is dueto PlayEastbeing basedthere. Rios-Campos stated he has heard the new reservation system is really intuitive, and people appreciate being ableto see the availabilityonline. Dirksalso stated that paperforms are still availableforthosewhoneed them. PARKSMAINTENANCEBUILDING Dirks presented the ideafor a park's maintenancefacility, noting there is no immediateplan to move forward but wanted to discuss with the commission at the direction of the Council. Dirks explained there is about 300 sq ft at City Hall for event storage and then some additional storage at the operations building,whichis nearlyfull with vehicles, equipment, and utility supplies. Dirks stated the idea is for a 40'x60' steel building for storage and workspace, explaining there is no timelinefor newfacilityandearliestwould likely be FY27-28. Dirkspresented an example renderingofa building,stating the eventtruckwould be located therewhich would helpstop peoplefrom stealing itsgas. Dirksreviewed location considerations, includingpreferablyon Cityowned land, existing utility hookups, and proximityto park and work needs. Dirks presented an aerial photoofthe currentoperations building, noting there is no room atthatsitefor a future building. Dirks presented an aerial photo ofthe Hawthorne trailhead to the park, stating there should be a meeting on the Hawthornearea in the future, butgavea briefhistoryofthe Hawthornetrailheadfor now. Dirksexplainedthe Hawthornearea is a good locationsince it alreadyhasexisting utility hookupsfrom a former shed in that location. Dirks stated additional conversations around having the building at the Hawthorne entrance will be had if there is interest from the commission. Dirks reviewed other City-owned property and nearby properties, explaining most do not work for the building. Toliveraskedto see the Hawthornephoto again, askingaboutthe land by Treehill. Dirksexplainedthatthe street behindTreehill is privatelyowned and explainedthatthe land is swampy Dirksaskedfor ideas, concerns, and thoughts. Bierman askedabouthowtrafficand noisewould be impacted by locating the buildingthere. Dirks stated material supplies are already dumped and picked up in that location but would hopefully be more containediftherewasa building. Dirksmentionedwecurrently only haveonestaffperson forthe park. Gallien stated he would probably still park at the operations building and then just work out of the maintenance building. Dirksagreedthethoughtwould be more activethan today butminimal impact. Bierman asked aboutemployee parkingthere. Dirksstated the areawould likely be mostly gravel withsome concreteor asphalt, noting it would remain mostly natural. Toliveraskedaboutthe cornerat Halseyand 244th. Dirks stated that location and Hawthorne need additional exploration on purpose. Toliverstated it haseasy road access. Dirks mentioned it could be discussed. Gallien explainedthere are manytrees at thatlocationwhichwould haveto be removed for a building. Gallien alsoexplainedthat most ideasforthatarea have notworkedout, butthere is currentexploration in a skate park, noting it does not usuallyworkwell undertrees. Anotherconsideration is for a bikepump track, butthe trees and roots present an issue. Dirks stated the would be visible from Halsey, but along with Hawthorne, that area should befurther discussed with the commission, Bierman asked abouta publicrestroom, bench, trash can, and waterfountain at thatend ofthe park. Dirks stated he would note the trash can for addition now. Gallien stated those wereall good considerationsfortrail users, as well. Dirks agreed and suggested it could be explored at the commission's recommendation. Biermanstated people are usingthe bathroom there nowanyways. Dirksexplainedthataddingthose amenitiesto a buildingthere is easierand morefeasiblethanjust adding a single drinking fountain. Toliver mentioned addingfacilitiescould add parking in frontof people's homes. Rios-Campossuggested havingsignagestating that"City Building"could help deterpeoplefrom attempting general access. Dirksstated an exteriordooron the buildingcould enter into a public restroom thatwould not haveaccess to the building. Biermanasked abouthavinga temporary restroom facilityduringthe summer Dirksstated that nicetemporary units costa lot. Bierman asked if the gator could eventually be battery or electric powered. Dirksexplainedthe shortansweris wewill eventually haveto as technologychangesand equipmentneeds replacing but not anytimesoon. Dirkspresented questionsforconsideration regardingthe Hawthorneareaforlaterdiscussionwith the commission. Bierman asked ifthe masterplan includesthisarea. Dirksstated no, but it has alwaysbeen a natural area, Bierman askedaboutinvolving the communityin these newconversations. Dirksconfirmedthat involvement is possible, especiallyforthosewholive on Hawthorne. Smith stated that the former idea of building a road between Treehill and Hawthorne was strongly opposed. Dirksexplainedhe hasno plans to build a road there. Toliverstated thisentrance is heavily used by dog walkersand stressed the issueofcars parking in front of homes on the street if there are amenities there. Dirksagreed and mentioned that it is a consideration in the conversation and amenitiescould be limited to not draw large attraction to the area. Mott stated thatthe only people thataregoingto go therewill go there. Rios-Campos stated it is already being used for stuff. Bierman mentioned she has lived on Hawthornefor two years, and not many people parkon the street thereto accessthe park. Shestated she has noticed concertgoers parktherefor Edgefield. Dirksexplainedit is allowedsince it is a publicstreet. Dirksstated hewould puttogethersome optionsfor potential usewith limited amenities. CDBG PROJECT Dirks explained the City is eligible for the Community Development Block Grant funding every other year, noting the hopeis fundingcontinues butwoulddependon whathappensat thefederal level, and is between $75, 000-$80, 000. Dirksstated the project hasto be a public, typicallycapital, project, and reviewed recentprevious projects. Dirksmentioned not all projects haveto be in the park and presented potential optionsforthe nextgrant, including items from the masterplan and non-parkprojects. Mott asked if the fundscould be used for an ADAramp to the newrestroom pathway. Gallien stated yes and mentionedthere is also no officialwalkingentranceto the parkfrom Halsey. Toliver asked about updating the playground replacement. Dirksstated the Citydid outreach regardingthe playgroundat the Easterevent, asking if preference is for a biggerplaystructure or moreswings, and the resultwasoverwhelminglya biggerstructure. Dirks mentioned the plan for the replacement is for the fiscal year after next, so this grant cycle does not line up with thattiming. Gallien stated that the CDBG project can be pushed for 7 years, Dirks stated then yes, it could be a project, Bierman agreed with the ADA ramp for the new restroom or for fully developing the wetland park. Bierman askedaboutthe crossing at 238thand Arataregardingpedestriansafety, such aswalklights with flashersor pedestrianoperated crossingsthatwould bypassthe full lightcycle, Dirks stated the County is doing a traffic safety action plan now and asked Bierman to take the survey and includethatfeedback. Dirksalsoexplainedthere is potential interestin a large coalitionfor trafficspeed enforcement cameras. Bierman asked ifthe City could bring more pressure to help the issue. Gallien stated the City had trouble getting a curb cut permit, Rios-Camposstated thecommission has more weightthan City staff. Dirksstated the City hasalreadybeen pushingfortrafficsafety improvements in WoodVillage. Rios-Camposreiterated thatthecommission has a largervoice. Bierman stated those did not seem that expensive. Dirks explained that those are $200, 000-$250, 000 crossings. Toliver mentioned there are many kids who live on the other side of 238th who use that crossing, as well. Dirksrecappedthat interestseems to be in the ADAcurb ramp, thewetland park... Dirksexplainedthe Countydoes nottypically like citieswhopush thetimeline longer. Gallien stated thatthe City is alreadyreserving fundsfor this project. Rios-Campos stated he likes the ADA curb ramp and a pedestrian entrance to the park on Halsey Toliver asked if that would cover the total funds available. Gallien confirmed since it will include design as well. Dirksexplainedthe Cityalso contributesto ensure the application is competitive and tries to keepthe total budgetaround $120,000-$125,000. Rios-Campos asked about signage in the City as part of the project. Dirksasked aboutin the Cityor park. Rios-Camposstated aroundthe Cityto directto the park. Gallien also mentioned thatlighting in the parkcould also beconsidered, especiallyaround the picnic shelter. Dirks agreedthat a lightingpackagewould be morestraightforwardforthe applicationthan signagesince right-of-way considerations would have to be included. Toliverstated signagemightmake more senseafterthe wetland park is completed. Bierman asked iftherewould be lighting along theADApathway. Gallien explainedthatexisting powersourceswould need to beconsideredand a full ADApathwayfrom Halsey may be difficult due to the natural grading. Dirks recappedthatADAand lighting seems to bethe directionthatwouldthen be broughtto Councilfor consideration. Bierman asked ifthere is a plan b if funding does not come through. Dirksstated thatat leastthe ADAconnectorto the restroom would becompleted to finishthe project. CITY'S75T"ANNIVERSARYCELEBRATION Dirks explained February 9, 2026 will be the 75th anniversary of the City's incorporation and reviewed the celebration held for the 50thanniversary in 2001. Dirks stated there is $7, 500 in this year's budget for the anniversary celebration and asked for input on how to celebrate, includinga specialeventor a yearlong celebrationwith smallermilestones like bannersor special items atexistingevents. Dirksexplainedthat an event in Februaryis difficultbecausethere is not a large indoorvenueto hostit. Smith asked not to have a fireworksshow. Bierman askedabouthosting an eventthatwouldhaveoccurred in 1951,such as a sock hop. Dirksstated yes but it could not be hosted indoorswithinthe City. Toliver asked about a special logo or something that could be used for it. Dirksstated the City alreadyhasdonethatwith an updated logo and newwelcomesigns. Toliverexplainediftherewasrebrandthen it would be a good time to do it. Dirks reiterated thatthe City hasbeen trying to do this alreadyincludingnewbrandedapparel. Toliver asked how many events the City already hosts. Dirksreviewedthe City'sevents: EasterExtravaganza,Cleanup Day, Nite Out, PlayEastRec Night, Pumpkin Fest, Tree Lighting,and a holidaymeal program. Dirksmentioned the communityeventgrant programthatthe City usuallysupportsor attends. Bierman askedaboutbringing in memorabiliafrom thecommunity. Dirksexplainedthatthe Cityhasold itemsfrom the City's past, Rios-Camposasked aboutusingthe NiteOutas the eventfora largecelebrationsince it is the community's largestevent and could beenhancedforthe anniversary, Dirks stated the event is tomorrow from 5-8 PM. Smith stated she likes the idea to use the Nite Out. Gallien and Dirksmentioned a droneshow, and Dirksexplaineda droneshowto the commission, noting it would need to be dark out for it to work well. Smith asked who offers that service. Dirksstated hewould look into it and could bring backmore information, especiallythe cost. Toliveragreedthata droneshowcould be a largeattraction to the event. Dirksmentioned the vendors could clearthe field at 8 PM as usual and then freethe grassup forthe show, Toliverstated it would begood to get a quotefor maybea non-customizedshow. Mott stated he likes the street banneridea. Bierman askedabouta small paradeleadingdown Halsey intothe park. Dirks stated not likely but possible on Arata instead of Halsey as part of the Nite Out. Biermanaskedabouthaving a pagea month to showcasecommunity history in the newsletter Dirksconfirmedthat possibilityeitherin the newsletterand/orsocial media. Toliver asked about a tagline or statement to promote. Dirks stated yes but would need to select from whatwe already have or come up with a newone. Rios-Camposmentioned the CitythatCarestaglineas an option. Toliver stated the City could highlight the City that Cares about different topics. Dirks mentioned Cares is an acronym. Toliverstated explainingthe acronym then could be used, Dirks recapped a special NiteOutfor nextyear,... Rios-Camposagreedand mentioned special memorabiliasuch as pinsor shirts, Smithstated shewants more shirts thatstate"Wherethe heckis WoodVillage." OPEN DISCUSSION Dirksstated thatthe Buhnz& Burgers received theircertificateofoccupancytoday Noodle House Gallienexplainedthat it is beingopened bythe same peoplethatown Sushi Ninja,whichtook yearsto open after getting their certificate ofoccupancy. Mott asked about the Fish4Ever store. Dirksstated they havetheircertificateofoccupancybuthaveno indicationofopening,whichwasthe City's concern aboutbeing used forstorage. Dirks mentioned Chick-Fil-Ais underwaywith potential openingforthe fall. Dirksmentioned noiseofsome businessesmoving into existingspaces in the industrialzones and Hellfired Pizzaclosed recently, butwe have no ideaofwhatmightbe replacing it. Bierman askedaboutthetrafficimpactof Chick-Fil-A. DirksexplainedWoodVillageBlvd coming offofGlisan is odd, butthe County is committed to restriping the road by the end of next month to improve theflow and safety. The City is pushingfora four-waysignal at ParkLn and WoodVillageBlvd, butthe Countyhasstated it needsto studythe trafficafterChick-Fil-Ais open. The City anticipates the first week or two to be chaotic, but the drive-thru lane can accommodate 60 cars. Furtherstudyof the Chipotleexit and entrance is plannedtoo, Bierman asked about their opening again. Dirksstated the plan is for September, butthatseems like a push. Dirksrestated the Nite Out is tomorrowwith caricatures, hotdogs, cotton candy, and a booth forfire discussionswith the community. Bierman stated thatthe responsetimes with GFDare not good. Dirks agreed, stating that not having a station here affects those response times. ADJOURNMENT With no further business, the Council adjourned at 7:40 pm. Jim Mott CHAIR ATT T: Y RECORDER