8. NEW BUSINESS
A. Council to Review Proposed Passive Park Design and Comment on the Concept
B. Schedule November and December
HOW AGENDA ITEM WAS PRESENTED IN THE SUN TELEGRAM:
Article Launched: 9/26/2006 12:00 AM
In Brief 9-26-2006
Staff Reports
San Bernardino County Sun
GRAND TERRACE
Design of park up for review
The City Council on Thursday will review the concept and design of a new park next to the proposed senior-housing complex.
The 4-acre park is slated to be built on Grand Terrace Road just east of Mount Vernon Avenue.
The park is expected to be designed with open space and features such as walking paths, a water fountain and a tribute to the city's heritage.
It will not be available for sports or other active recreational uses.
The council meets at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chamber, Civic Center, 22795 Barton Road.
stephen.wall@sbsun.com
http://www.sbsun.com/portlet/article/html/fragments/print_article.jsp?article=4396743
What was Presented at the City Council was a Different thing all together. The Passive Park Presented was a Set Back / Landscape on the corner of Mt. Vernon and Deberry 5000 + square feet not 4 ac. To call it a Park is a stretch if it is to go in as it was presented.
This Visual nicety is for the enjoyment principally of folks driving by it, not an enhancement or improvement to add to the quality of life for those living in the community. Window Dressing is what it is called. There apparently is a desire not to have a place for youth to skate board, or neighbors to meet to play checkers, cards, or chess. There will apparently be a drinking fountain, but no restroom facilities, or benches and tables. The grassy knoll will be specifically designed to discourage use as a play field.
There was no cost of how much it will cost in annual maintenance.
The need for Public Restrooms at all places called Parks should be self evident. Bicycle Riders, or folks walking should have restroom facilities other than the bushes. This is a kindness for them and a health issue for the rest of the community.
I like the idea of mini Parks, but all parks should maximize their function, and all should provide public restroom and drinking fountain as a minimum requirement.
IN ADDITION: The STAFF could be more specific about the ITEM listed in the AGENDA you know like the Council has asked over and over again, provide location and some detail.
It would be nice if the DRAFT PLAN had been posted on the CITY WEB Site... But no... That may cause public comment and interest in the design.
Perhaps a 1/8 mile walking track... And toddler safe park would be a better used facility. Mom and baby could get in a bit of exercise in a Toddler Safe Park. Pico and Rollins Park have toxic Plants and are not Toddler Safe Parks.
An alternative use such as an Outdoor Arts Center could be an option that would provide for YOUTH Activity Alternatives. Painting easels, Craft Work Stations, and even a place to do homework.
It is impossible to get into the mind of the STAFF on why the communication was misleading to the public, and the press. One hopes this is not going to be the first and last Plan or Public Meeting on the Design and Use of this PUBLIC Land.
