Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/11/2005 - Joint Minutes - Parks Board J©INT MEETING of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Design Review Board Tuesday, February 11, 2005, 11:00 a.m. City Hall, 1101 Texas Avenue College Station, Texas City Staff Present: Parks and Recreation - Steve Beachy, Parks & Recreation Director; Eric Ploeger, Assistant Director; Ross Albrecht, Forestry Superintendent; Peter Vanecek, Senior Park Planner; David Wood, Park Planner; Pamela Springfield, Staff Assistant Development Services - Bridgette George, Development Coordinator; Jennifer Prochazka and Jennifer Reeves, Staff Planners; Mandi Alford, Staff Assistant Economic Development - Charles Wood, Assistant Economic Development Director Parks Board Members Present: Jodi Warner, Chair; Don Allison; Glenn Schroeder; Kathleen Ireland; Jeannie McCandless; Gary Thomas Board Members Absent: Larry Farnsworth; Gary Erwin; Carol Blaschke Design Review Board Members Present: Scott Shafer, Chair; Fred Patterson; Bill Trainor; Nancy Sawtelle; George McLean Guest: Jessica Jimmerson 1. Call to order. The meeting was called to order at 11:10 a.m. by Jodi Warner, Chair of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, and Scott Shafer, Chair of the Design Review Board. 2. Presentation and discussion of the film "Social Life of Small Urban Spaces", and discussion of park concepts for Northgate. Scott Shafer explained that the film had been made as part of a research project designed to identify why some public, city spaces in New York City were not being used. The idea behind showing the film to both boards was to foster and generate new ideas as both groups move forward and work with staff in the development process. Seagram's Plaza was one of the areas researched and it was discovered that the greatest problem was not overuse but under-use. The key elements identified as a result of the research were: ➢ Seating - people tend to sit where there are places to sit; ➢ Street accessibility - one of the most important aspects of a place is its relationship to the street; ➢ Sunlight and water - people like to sit in the sun and like the sound of water - both are simple elements that make for a great urban space; ➢ Trees - places that tended to draw the largest crowds had trees; and ➢ Food It was also discovered that from city to city the key variables were the same except for the scale of the space. Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Page 1 of 2 Joint Meeting with the Design Review Board February 11, 2005 After the film ended, discussion followed. ➢ Some of the ideas seen in the film could possibly be used in the Northgate area — in pocket parks — something that lends itself to people gathering. ➢ The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board was open to the concept of pocket parks — something other than a five-acre park, however, if they are too far off the beaten path, it could cause problems. ➢ The comment was made that College Station is recreation-oriented and most of the places seen in the film were more like gathering places, however in some areas where the population density is greater, gathering places may be appropriate. Also, a bare plaza may not be viewed as a park, but if there are trees and grass, it can have a park-like feel that residents can use. ➢ Ideas as to what amenities could be included in a play space for adults were discussed — adult-sized swings, etc. ➢ Green space needed to be kept in the pocket parks in the Northgate area. ➢ The comment was made that park land money comes from residential development - it all emanates from the residential need for open space. It was suggested that perhaps requirements should be broadened to include commercial development as well, instead of putting the burden solely on residential development. ➢ A comment was made that the mall needed to view the film — perhaps they would include more seating in the mall area instead of just in the food court. Also, strip centers should add seating areas and outdoor cafes - amenities that are amenable to pedestrians. Nancy Sawtelle and Fred Patterson left the meeting — leaving the Design Review Board without a quorum. 3. Adiourn. A motion was made to adjourn by one of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board members. The motion was seconded and the vote was called. Hearing no opposition, the meeting adjourned at 12:35 p.m. Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Page 2 of 2 Joint Meeting with the Design Review Board February 11, 2005