PEOPLE FOR PLAYGROUNDS

 

Hello all,

 

Well, this is probably long overdue but....in the process of finalizing the location for the playground, Dari and I decided that the time has come to seek input from all of you.  We hope with your input to come to a final consensus (of the majority) as to our playground location recommendation.  So, if you don’t mind, please take a minute to reply to this email, I only need two pieces of information from you: your name and your location choice.  You don’t have to provide an explanation for your choice unless you want to.

 

Also, some of you have already given your vote by filling out a suggestion card.  Regardless, please vote again (some of you may have changed your mind given new information) this will be a “fresh vote” and will not count any votes given previously.

 

Our choices are:    -Field Park: next to tennis courts

                            -Lion’s Park: north of the ice skating birm,

                             immediately to the west of the grain elevator

 

As with any decision, there are pros and cons, here are the pros and cons of each location that I can think of and have heard from others.  If I am leaving anything out, please let me know.

 

Lions Park:

 

Pros:

§      Multi-Use park already in use for many activities: volleyball, skating, basketball, horse shoes, community events

§       Bathrooms soon to come

§       Many amenities already in place in park: pavilion, picnic tables, BBQ grills

§       Centrally located and easily noticeable

§       Near Sam’s back deck (more than one person has voiced this one!)

§       Equipment there already badly in need of replacement

§       Playground in this location would provide entertainment for kids while adults attend events or play  

         

Cons:

§       Less space to use (Don Kinney says we can utilize 6,500 to roughly 8,000 sq feet—tops)

§       Available space is not as easy to work with—trees, table would need to be moved, not as open

§       Some Lions Club members still uncomfortable with us using this location and changing layout of the park—Is a Leathers playground the right fit for the Club?

§       Having to go through the Club for approval of future improvements/changes?

§       Adequate Parking?  (Unless Sam’s parking lot could be used)

 

Field Park:

Pros:

§       Lots of space available for use (up to 10,000 sq feet)

§       Flat, open area to use

§       Mature trees to provide shade

§       Quiet neighborhood feel

§       “Kid Central”—located near the skate park, Children’s Center, and Boys/Girls Club

§       Central location, easy to find

§       Not under the jurisdiction of any service groups

§       Equipment currently there already needs to be removed/replaced

 

Cons: 

§       At this time, no bathrooms in the park

(Though Boys/Girls Club may be able to provide public restrooms)

§       Next to the tennis courts, disruptive to the tennis players

§       Taking up the open space there

§       Taking up space currently utilized for t-ball, etc.  

(Though this could be moved elsewhere)

 

Some people have expressed concerns about:

§       Traffic on those streets

§       Crossing the street to get to use the B/G bathrooms

§       Adequate parking

         

 Also, I should certainly let you all know that the Lion’s club had a private board meeting last night in which they are proposing to give their tentative approval of the use of that location, pending these conditions—that they are not responsible for the maintenance and the cost of the playground.

 

Hope these factors will help you with your decision.  If you could please give me your vote by 5/20—Friday, I would appreciate it.  It is critical that we know what the rest of the committee wants, your input is important to us.  Also, feel free to call me if you still have questions about the locations, etc.

 

Have a good day,

Erin