Title
Briefing on Community Park Feasibility Study Findings
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive presentation on Community Park Feasibility Study
Report
Issue:
The City recently hired a consultant to prepare a Community Park Feasibility Study. The consultant conducted an in-depth analysis of five potential parcels for their feasibility as future community park sites and will present his findings along with a recommended preferred site.
Staff Contact:
Paul Simmons, Director, Parks, Arts and Recreation Department, 360.753.8462
Presenter(s): and Others Present
Bob Droll, President, RW Droll Landscape Architect
Paul Simmons, Director, Parks, Arts & Recreation
David Hanna, Associate Director, Parks, Arts & Recreation
Jonathon Turlove, Associate Planner, Parks, Arts & Recreation
Background and Analysis:
Chronology:
At the June 5, 2014 Parks, Arts and Recreation Advisory Committee (PRAC) meeting, The LBA Woods Park Coalition proposed that the City purchase the Bentridge and Trillium parcels for a future community park site. Following the presentation, PRAC recommended that the Finance Committee fast track a park feasibility study of the Bentridge parcel only.
At its June 11, 2014 Finance Committee meeting, City staff and the LBA Woods Park Coalition began a dialog about the feasibility of purchasing the Bentridge parcel for a future community park.
At its June 24, 2014 meeting, the Council Finance Committee recommended that Council approve an appropriation ordinance for $60,000 for the preparation of a community park site suitability assessment for five potential community park properties. The appropriation ordinance was approved on July 15, 2014.
The City signed a task order with Robert Droll, Landscape Architect, on August 4, 2014 and Mr. Droll began work at that time. The study is now complete and will be presented at this meeting. The findings of this study will be utilized to update the Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation Plan.
"Community Park" Classification - from 2010 Olympia Parks Plan:
Community Parks are parks that are specifically designed to serve a large portion of the community. There are two types of Community Parks: athletic field complexes and sites with unique uses. Athletic field complexes can range in size from 15-80 acres with the optimum size being 30-40 acres. They are designed for organized activities and sports, although individual and family activities are also encouraged. Athletic field complexes serve a large portion of the community, and as a result, they require more in terms of support facilities such as parking, restrooms, picnic shelters, etc. Olympia's three existing athletic field complexes are LBA Park, Yauger Park and Steven's Field. Special-use oriented Community Parks may have a waterfront focus, a garden focus, a water feature, etc. Some examples include Heritage Park Fountain, Yashiro Japanese Garden and Percival Landing.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The LBA Woods Park Coalition has expressed strong support for the City acquiring two of the parcels that are included in this study.
Options:
1. Receive presentation on Community Park Feasibility Study
2. Do not receive presentation on Community Park Feasibility Study
Financial Impact:
The City does not currently have funds identified to acquire or develop any of the sites included in this study.