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1983-02-07 Regular MeetingParks and Recreation Committee Minutes ' The Parks and Recreation Committee met in Room on February 7, 1983. The meeting was p.m. by chairman Craig Johnson. Others in Dorothy Holm, Barbara Popken, Jim Peotter, Pat Szabo, Dave Waldron and Bill Hodgins. February 17, '1983 the Borough Conference called to order at 7:10 attendance were Pat Briggs, John Sevier, Val Flinders, The minutes of the Committee's January 24 meeting were approved as submitted. Bill Hodgins of the Jaycees reported that he hopes the Jaycees' park project on Spruce Cape Road will be completed by the end of July. The area will include basic playground equipment, picnic tables, fire pits and parking for approximately 20 cars. The area will also be fenced on the ocean side. John Sevier reported that he had contacted Jackson's Trailer Court representatives who indicated that it would be at least 3 months before any information or decision on playground development would be available. He also reported that the road leading to Lot 8, which had been discussed as a potential park site, is a privately maintained road which is presently in very poor condition. Val Flinders reported that in his meeting with representatives of the Women's Bay Community, they requested that a small park be established on each side of Russian River, one next to the new fire station and the other at the intersection of South Russian Creek and Panamaroff Circle. It was requested that both sites contain playground equipment and picnic tables, with the addition of horseshoe pits and a volley ball facility at the fire station site. These additional facilities would complement use of the fire station as a community center. Jim Peotter moved that the Committee support the Jaycees' park project and request the Assembly to develop park/recreational areas at Mill Bay beach, at the intersection of Monashka Bay Road and the cutoff to the back side of Island Lake, and at the two Bell's Flats sites requested by the Women's Bay Community, in addition to the walking trail along the Island Lake Creek sewer drainage. The motion was seconded and carried. During discussion, Committee members agreed to express to the Borough Assembly the Committee's awareness of the need for a playground/park area for preschool and elementary children in the populated areas of Spruce Cape Road. However, the Committee faced several problems that they were unable to solve in trying to provide such a park area: 1) The need to avoid duplication of the Jaycees' park project, 2) Unavailability of Borough -owned land accessible to the age group and population to be served. The nearest Borough -owned property is on the Rezanoff extension and is not readily accessible from Spruce Cape Road. Possible playground sites include two City -owned properties: Lots 11 and 12 on the Sewage Treatment Plant site and Lot 8 adjacent to the Jackson's Trailer Court proposed expansion. KIBS329491 -2- Although Lot 8 has the advantage of being on the same side of a major thoroughfare with the trailer court, it is accessible only by a privately maintained road in poor condition. Pat Briggs moved that the Committee's long-range plan recommendation include development of additional park/recreational sites on Spruce Cape Road, at Russian River and at Island Lake. The motion was seconded by Jim Peotter and carried. The Committee decided upon the following priorities, listed in priority order, to present to the Planning and Zoning Commission for review and approval and subsequent presentation to the Borough Assembly, requesting design and site development: 1. Mill Bay beach. Development as a family park with picnic tables, fire pits, small playground with equipment built from natural materials, double -vaulted latrine, and parking. The beach is near a populous area and is already heavily used by residents of the local neighborhood as well as residents from throughout Kodiak. Island Lake silver salmon as well as other species make the area an excellent fishing spot. Playground equipment would occupy children while parents fished, but the presence of adults would provide some supervision for the children. With the State's development of a jogging/biking path from East Elementary to Fort Abercrombie and the proposed walking trail along Island Lake Creek, Mill Bay Beach would provide a recreational system. Although the toilet will require maintenance, it is considered necessary in such a densely populated area. 2. Bell's Flats. The two family parks requested by the Women's Bay Community. At present the residents of Bell's Flats are further from parks and playgrounds than the residents of any other area in metropolitan Kodiak. The Women's Bay Community has expressed strong and specific interest in these parks. The scope of the parks and the fact that no major landscaping would be required for their development would mean that the cost of developing both parks would be relatively equivalent to developing one of the sites in the other areas. 3. Intersection of Monashka Ba Road and the cutoff to the back side o Islan Lake. Deve opment as a year-round amity par with an scaping an filling to define the pond, a shelter, fire pits, picnic tables, and parking. The pond could be used for small boats in the summer and for ice skating in the winter. Walking trails could be established in the wooded areas. The shelter would increase use of the area during cold, windy or rainy weather. This site is accessible to a rapidly growing population and is a naturally beautiful site which could be quite successful as a park/recreational area. 4. Island Lake Creek walkin trail. If a walking trail were created when t e Islan Lake seiner line is laid, it would provide a link between the Mill Bay Beach park, a potential Island Lake park, and the State's biking/jogging path. This development would provide a recreational opportunity at virtually no cost. KIBS329492 -3- The Committee also agreed to request preliminary design work on the following longer term projects: 1. Russian River site. Development as a family park with picnic tables, fire pits, an a small playground area. The Women's Bay Community has also requested that development of the area include playing fields, including a softball/baseball field. 2. Island Lake. Development of a shore -side facility with a boat ramp, picnic tables, fire pits, and a possible beach. Both of the above sites are Borough -owned property. The Committee agreed to hold the next meeting at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 7. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Craig J hnson Chairman 3►�1'la'L'Ic.'