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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-02-01 Parks Board Minutes RIVERSIDE PARKS BOARD MEETING MINUTES February 1, 2018 6:00 p.m. The Riverside Parks Board held their regularly scheduled meeting at Riverside City Hall, 2950 NW Vivion Road, Riverside Missouri 64150. Those in attendance were: Noel Challis, Deana Winter, Bill Bray, Jill Hammond, Elaine Warren, Stacey Rasco, (recorder). Call to Order The Parks Board Meeting was called to order at 6:02 PM by Deana Winter. Approval of Minutes The minutes from December 7, 2017 are to be sent out for review. E. H. Young Master Josh from Confluence presented the findings from the focus groups and the steering Plan Focus Group committee meetings. He asked if there were any thoughts on what direction we see the park going in, are there things going on now you want to see evolve, things you would like to see go away, etc. A kayak/boating ramp with access somewhat like Kaw point but not exactly like Kaw point. Also a bar/restaurant with zoning for such. A place to eat or have a beverage. Argosy has been very happy to work with us in our vision for the park. And making the connection across line creek would be the first step. Then work to engage Argosy in other fashions. Also was suggested a bike rental. A space that would be a river/park access, boat access, runners, eating, etc. Josh reported that Tom Bailey is a river outfitter and works to make places accessible for many means of fun. People would love to have a bike trail from EH Young to English Landing and then kayak back to EH Young. Possibly have food trucks available and people sign up. Doing a small partnership with Saturdays in the Summer and then grow within the metro and then the region. An amphitheater would be wonderful. Sports facilities and the idea of destination events. Engaging the park on a daily basis. The playgrounds there now are not anything special to make the draw of people. What about more destination play equipment and what about items that draw seniors? Our first workshop will draw that all out. That is the question…large amphitheaters for large crowds or smaller events more often?? This will be asked of the public for sure. Having to remove the park access road across the train tracks did not help park attendance. The drive around is a major deterrent. Would it be a cost to build a walking bridge? Josh noted that from a feasibility standpoint it would be a bike/pedestrian bridge and costly. It’s not out of the question, but prioritization would need to be completely thought through. Another option to a bridge we could use or provide a hand tram (a small video was viewed). Josh handed out the primary principles and working goals worksheets. This identified some goals and some objectives that create a destination in the sense of an iconic park. Creation of Place The high school kids had no idea that there was even a park there. A total dis- engagement in parts of this community was evident. We need something the community can stand behind and go forward with. Community and Destination Health and Wellness A place that is wellness oriented, enjoyable and works with the environment. Josh asked for each to read through these goals and send any feedback to Noel. Elaine asked what would be our attracting feature? What is our branding element? Josh noted that this worksheet is just that, a worksheet to guide us on the path to the plan and development of the park. Noel has been meeting with area parks directors and has picked their brains about what they are doing and what their communities have going on and what they are needing as well as road blocks they have encountered. Sports complexes are going to take a chunk of the park. At this, we would have no use of the water if we go this route. A dog park was suggested in the focus groups alot. The space just before you go into the park would be a great space for this kind of usage. Elaine noted that we had also discussed a monument and the high schooler’s were all wanting a place to take pictures, a selfie station area. An observation platform where people could view the KC landscape or just the river, etc., would be well received. Safety Eyes needed in the park. There is a perception that the safety in the park is not the best. Engagement in the park helps with this. More people create an environment of safety. A really engaging play area for stay at home moms. A place where they can gather together and share. Noel noted that there could possibly be a way to have the road revised to make more of the park accessible. Utilizing what is already there is an asset because it’s costly to replace. Landscaping was noted. Some kind of landscaping in some place in the park would be an advantage. There is ugly brush in the park at this time. Other suggestions brought up at the focus groups were a science station, yoga park, community garden, etc. Noel reviewed the plan of the upcoming meetings, dates and times. Next Meeting The next meeting will be held on March 1, 2018. Adjournment Elaine made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:03pm. Jill seconded the motion. All approved.