10-07-1996 Park Commission Minutes

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ORONO PARK COMMISSIQN MEETING MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 7, 1996 ATTENDANCE The Park Commission met on the above mentioned date with the following members present: Chair Richard Flint, Commissioners Susan Wilson, Sherokee Ilse, David Beal, and Jim White. Andrew McDermott was absent. Chair Flint called the meeting to order at 7:25 p.m. (#1) APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 3, 1996 MEETING The revisions noted under agenda item#5 were entered into the minutes on page 4 to reflect the changes. On page 7, the third paragraph under Other Business. The third sentence was shortened to state, "Other maintenance needs were noted." The spelling of Lydiard Beach was corrected in paragraph 5. (#2) ANTOINE PARK DISCUSSION The Antoine Park neighborhood was represented by apro�mately twenty persons. Spokeswomen, Karen Hansen and Coilette Roberts, reported on the needs at the park. Hansen reported that a survey was conducted of the neighborhood in the summer of 1996. 36 surveys were returned of the 56 homes surveyed, a 64% response rate. It was found that there are 40+ children in the neighborhood, 20 of whom are age 8 and under, 10 of whom are 9 to 14, and 10 of whom are 15 to 21. Another 42 to 50 children visit relatives in the neighborhood.. Of those surveyed, 72% rated the playground below average. 55% reported they did not use the park very much anymore due to being inappropriate, unsafe, and lacking equipment. 11% stated they used the park three or more times per week. Hansen noted that children have been hurt on the jungle gyms, the slide is probably higher than allowed under the safety requirements, the sand depth is less than it should be, and the equipment pieces are spread out too far. The neighbors would like the equipment closer together to allow for easier overseeing of their children. If the equipment was upgraded, 72% said they would use it more, while 16% said they would not. Types of equipment requested included baby swings, regular swings, a tire swing, climbing apparatus, sand diggers, and an air slider(trolley). Those surveyed also strongly requested a half-court basketball. It was noted that half of the children are in the age group to use a basketball court as well as the adults. More picnic tables were also suggested. There are two currently in the park. Hansen said the issue of the barn was an emotional one. The barn is part of the Fagerness Point story, and many find it difficult to see it torn down. Comments received asked whether the barn could be repaired to allow for use as a picnic shelter or possibly a warming house. The current condition of the barn is unsafe, especially the roof. Vandalism has also occurred. 1