Title
Artesian Commons Status Report
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
None.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve five recommended park changes and $25,000 in funding for a basketball hoop and fencing at Artesian Commons Park.
Report
Issue:
Staff wishes to update Council on the status of operations at the Artesian Commons Park since its opening on May 3, 2014. In addition, staff seeks Council approval on the five park changes recommended by stakeholder groups and park users:
1. Add basketball hoop
2. Add fencing and gates
3. Eliminate stage
4. Ban smoking, and
5. Add mural on west wall.
Staff Contact:
David Hanna, Parks, Arts and Recreation Associate Director, 360.753.8020
Presenter(s):
Paul Simmons, Parks, Arts and Recreation Director
Background and Analysis:
Staff has prepared a status report on the Artesian Commons Park operations since it opened on May 3, 2014. This summary is contained in Attachment #1. The report describes:
- where the city started with the park
- what we learned from the public after the park opened
- what we learned about mobile food vendors
- what we learned about the park atmosphere
- what we learned from continued dialogue with key stakeholders and park users
- what we learned about park programming
- where we are going with park intent
- where we are going with park expectations
- where we are going with changes already implemented at the park
- where we are going with several recommended changes.
When Council approved moving forward with the Artesian Commons Park, there was some uncertainty as to who would use the park and how it would be used. The original intent was an urban gathering space centered around three food vendors and the artesian well. Park hours were limited to 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The park went unfenced, and Park security would be managed like other parks downtown. Some of the basic park expectations that were not fully realized are:
- The nucleus of three food vendors has not been fulfilled.
- Food vendors had difficulty complying with Health Department permit requirements.
- Lack of programming in the park created a void that was filled with some unwanted behavior.
Staff is seeking to inform Council of the challenges encountered and gain support for some changes that will improve park user experience and overall park management. Staff is listening to many folks including downtown residents, business interests and park users. Staff is eager to make improvements based on the park intent which is: "A park that is safe and clean, and evolves to meet recreation needs of the downtown community."
Changes have been made at the park. Working closely with City staff, park users, the Parking and Business Improvement Area (PBIA) and Downtown business interests, changes have been made to park hours, restroom hours, food vendors, tables, and park programming. The design intent is evolving as well. It is evolving away from a food court orientation to a more recreational and gathering space.
As the space evolves and use increases, City staff is seeking to expand methods for managing security. Cameras have been installed to monitor activity in the park. Staff is also seeking to attractively fence and gate the park. The fence will also keep play contained in the park without impacting vehicular traffic on 4th Avenue.
Additional funding is needed to pay for a basketball hoop and fencing. Staff is proposing to transfer $25,000 from the Madison Scenic Park project to pay for the improvements. If approved, these changes would be made as soon as possible.
The artesian community and staff are working collaboratively to create an urban space that is respected, well liked and safe for all to enjoy. If we keep an open and flexible mind to the ever evolving nature of the space, we can eventually create a place that will meet most expectations.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Outreach to the PBIA, youth and stakeholder groups have resulted in many recommendations for the park. Attachment #2 and #3 contains many opinions of what the park should become. The basketball hoop is high on everyone's list. Fencing is needed to keep players safe and balls from entering the street, and manage destructive behaviors if necessary. Staff will continue to work for ways to implement changes proposed by stakeholders.
Options:
Option 1:
Move to approve five recommended park changes and $25,000 in funding for a basketball hoop and fencing.
Implications:
1. The basketball hoop and fencing will be installed once funds are available.
2. The stage could be built in the future. In the meantime, performances will occur under the awning between the two lamp posts.
3. Staff will pursue an administrative rule banning smoking of tobacco, e-cigarettes and marijuana.
4. Continue to move forward with the PBIA funded mural for future presentation and approval by Council.
Option 2:
Do not move forward with five recommended actions nor funding for the basketball hoop and fencing.
Implications:
1. Opting out of funding for the basketball hoop and fencing would set back relationship building between City and park advocacy groups.
2. Not constructing the fence will increase the burden of the Olympia Police Department to manage behavior after park is closed.
3. The stage will be constructed as originally planned.
4. Smoking in the park will continue and diminish the park experience for many users. First and second hand smoke can have a direct and indirect impact on people's health. When food vendors are present, many people don't enjoy being subjected to smoke.
5. A mural of some form has been in the original design of the park. Not moving forward with a mural will be a missed opportunity to reduce/stop graffiti, soften the space and increase respect for the park.
Option 3:
Council may choose to approve or reject some of the recommended actions.
Implications:
1. As determined by Council.
Financial Impact:
Transfer $25,000 of Community Park Impact Fees from the Madison Scenic Park project to the Artesian Commons Park project. The Madison Scenic Park is not moving forward due to the inability to take on additional operations and maintenance as a result of insufficient resources. Attachment #4 describes current budget for the Artesian Commons Park project.