HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/14/1995 - Regular Minutes - Parks Board PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD
REGULAR MEETING - PUBLIC HEARING
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1995 - 7:00 P.M.
PEBBLE CREEK COUNTRY CLUB
4500 PEBBLE CREEK PARKWAY
KALEIDOSCOPE ROOM
MEMBERS PRESENT: Ron Gay, Chair; Bob DeOtte, Vice Chair; Barry Harding, Debra
Anderson; Mike Manson;and Nancy Crouch, Council Liaison
MEMBERS ABSENT: Carol Reynolds and Greg Taggart
STAFF PRESENT: Steve Beachy, Director; Curtis Bingham, Parks Operations
Superintendent; Peter Vanecek, Senior Park Planner; Todd
McDaniel, Policy Analyst; Bridgette George, Staff Assistant
VISITORS: Mr. & Mrs. Larry Ringer, Mr. & Mrs. W. G. Caughlin, Dr. & Mrs. A.
A. Amendola, Tres Watson, Davis Young, Don Dickson, Tom
O'Shea, Joan Vaniff, JoAnn Davis, Mark Reedy, Lee Barder,
Louis Adams, Carl Svada
I. CALL TO ORDER:
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The meeting was called to order at 7:07 p.m.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Minutes were approved as submitted.
Ill. • • k k RNING PEBBLE CREEK PARK:
Steve informed everyone that the Pebble Creek Park project was included in the bond program
earlier in the year. The project has a budget of $200,000 and is intended for a neighborhood
park. It is being built in conjunction with the Pebble Creek Elementary School. Steve
mentioned that the city would be meeting with the school board the following Monday to
discuss the three concepts that had been produced by the Parks Department since the first
public hearing.
Steve stated that citizens at the first public hearing inquired about sidewalks leading from the •
neighborhood park to the business park. He informed those present that there was land in
between those two properties that had not been platted yet, and that would have to be done
first. Steve reviewed the program elements that were discussed at the first public hearing. He
also said that the teachers from the school board meeting indicated an interest for a vegetable
garden in the park.
Pete showed three concepts that he developed for the public hearing. Concept A depicted
four baseball practice fields, three soccer fields, 1/3 mile jogging trail with six exercise stations,
basketball court, and two playgrounds. Concept B was similar to A but had better field
orientation that was angled to the north. Also, the jogging trail was increased to 1/2 mile.
Concept C illustrated a similar layout but showed more open space with only two baseball and
two soccer fields.
One citizen asked why the city was building the park on school property. Steve mentioned that
if the amenities were built on park property the distance, approximately 600 feet, would be too
great for school kids to utilize them during the school day,.
One woman stated that although most of the children in the area are young, she would like to
see amenities for older kids added for when they grow, which is just a few years down the
road.
Mr. Reedy stated that he sees more young kids playing in the sand on volleyball courts, than
he sees people playing volleyball. He asked if sandboxes could be constructed for young
kids. Pete stated that it would be difficult keeping the sandbox sanitary because there would
be no way to keep animals away from it. Also, it may be difficult replacing sand on a
continuous basis.
Ms. Davis stated that she would like to see fewer practice fields constructed. She moved from
Emerald Forest and said she never saw the practice fields at Sandstone Park being used.
Steve mentioned that youth athletic leagues have grown tremendously and more practice
fields are needed. Bob stated that Sandstone Park had been used a lot within the last couple
of years.
Mr. O'Shea liked the idea of half basketball courts, but would also like to see a full court built
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for older kids and adults in the neighborhood.
Ms. Crouch suggested seating areas in the park that were constructed in an "L" shape or
circle, something that allows for easy conversation.
Mr. Adams asked why the park was in the far end of the subdivision instead of being centrally
located. Steve mentioned that it came about due to the land dedication and the way the
subdivision was developed. Ms. Crouch mentioned that there will be a park concept in the
business park adjacent to the subdivision.
Davis Young, who is involved in the continuing development of Pebble Creek, stated that it is
possible that more parks will be constructed within other areas of the subdivision, however
they will be on a smaller scale.
Ron asked for a vote from the citizens regarding which concept they preferred most, so that
staff could proceed with a proposed design and layout of the park. Both Concept A and B
received no votes. Concept C was voted for unanimously.
One man asked about football goal posts at the park. Bob stated that there is no tackle
football in youth sports in College Station, and flag football doesn't use goal posts.
Sopie discussion took place regarding picnic units in the park. A gentleman clarified that the
citizens would like picnic units but no grills, as they are messy.
Parks& Recreation Board
Regular Meeting
November 14, 1995
Page (3)
Steve stated that there will be a trail connection from the Pebble Creek subdivision to Lick
Creek Park.
IV. PRESENTATION OF NORTH GATE PLAN -TODD MCDANIEL
Todd stated that the city would like to build a linear park in the north gate area. He showed
several slides of the area depicting wherethe park could be constructed. He stated that the
concept had been recommended by the consultants who are working on the city's master plan.
The park could be developed in conjunction with the 20-year redevelopment and revitalization
plan that the council-appointed subcommittee is working on. Todd stated that the
subcommittee and staff are concerned about the historical value of some of the buildings in the
area and hope to restore some of those to their original state. He mentioned that the North
Gate Master Plan will be going to council for formalized adoption and approval in December.
He hopes to implement some commercial redevelopment immediately. Some problem areas,
due to the age of the area, include no curbing gutters or sidewalks, which prohibit walking.
V. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM REPORT:
Pete mentioned that there are five potential bidders for the Southwood Pool renovation project.
Bid opening will be November 30. The Sandstone Park project should be completed in
January. Steve mentioned that a grant has been approved by the State for contracting out the
planting and care of trees in that park.
VI. OTHER BUSINESS/BOARD CONCERNS:
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Mike asked about some work that was being done at Lick Creek Park. Curtis stated that his
staff filled in a washed-away area with a mixture of asphalt and dirt to help deter erosion until a
permanent culvert could be constructed. He also stated that the iron bridge would be
disassembled in the near future.
Barry asked if staff intended to erect adjustable-height basketball goals in parks. Steve stated
that staff would have to find some sturdy ones that could not be easily damaged by users.
Pete mentioned that he would send off for some brochures that illustrate these type goals and
would look into it. Barry also offered to serve on the User Fees Subcommittee.
Bob suggested that staff contact the soccer league, to find out what standards they are
currently using, when laying out the soccer fields for Pebble Creek Park.
VII. ADJOURN:
The Board adjourned at 8:54 p.m.
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