We provided an informational session for the Parks and Recreation Commission on October 14th. In addition to the information package that we supplied (
click on this link), we provided them with a verbal summary of the process to date. We ended with two requests for guidance (as this was an informational session, only guidance was requested, not resolution of concurrence or support):
- Based on the materials that we provided in their package, our summary, and their own knowledge, did they feel that we had met the goals established early in the process, and those that they feel we should have achieved by this point? There was a general consensus that we were on track and working our way through a good public outreach process. There was a desire that we begin to develop design materials that are more easily reviewed and commented upon.
- With a recent resolution from the North East Community Council requesting a cease to any improvements prior to the completion of a Master Plan update, did they have any guidance for what we should do? Their guidance for this question was that we need to move forward ensuring that any potential improvements were consistent with existing Master Plan materials, that we clearly identify supportive and non-supportive cases, and overall that we continue to move forward with as much transparency as possible.
Additional guidance that they offered was:
- Develop a project schedule that clearly shows official opportunities for the public to provide comment,
- We remind the community that doing nothing is an option, and
- That we remind the public that they are welcome to attend Parks and Recreation Commission meetings to make a non-agenda item appearance request (the next P&R Commission meeting is November 18th, at 6:00pm at the Spenard Recreation Center). These appearances are early in the agenda so they are convenient for the public to use.
(the above is our summary of the meeting, and the content or any assumed direction has not been approved by the Commission since as this was an informational session and no action was taken on their part)
Nevertheless, as one might expect, Parks and Rec announced on November 22, 2010:
ReplyDelete"Russian Jack Springs Park, North has been
officially approved by the Anchorage Parks & Recreation Department, the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Anchorage Park Foundation for a park upgrade during the 2011 construction season."
As one will see if one reads on (below) the Department has specifically crafted the process so that the Park is treated not as a REGIONAL park, but as a community park, and will pack the panel selected to make sure that the NECC hold only one seat.
In other words, as AGnew Beck were documenting when their contract was killed, there is every reason for the public to fear the Parks and Recreation Department.
The Department also stated that
"Because the Parks & Recreation Department wishes the improvements and schedule to mesh with neighborhood desires, we ask the three adjacent Community Councils to nominate one representatives each (with an alternate so a representative can always attend) to serve on the North Russian Jack Springs Park VIP Committee. The VIP Committee will be composed of 8 people to assist with decision-making and implementation of the park project. The Very Important Park Committee will be composed of the following representatives:
* 4 park neighbors – parents with children ages 10 through 18 are encouraged
* One Community-wide Representative
* 1 representative from Russian Jack Community Council
* 1 representative from North East Community Council
* 1 representative from Mountain View Community Council"
Also,
"The Very Important Park Committee Member’s job is to:
* Review project information gathered to date and give fresh consideration to: what is special about the park; what are identified needs for the park; and, what are remedies for concerns at the park.
* Assist in identifying areas for improvements, review design options, make priority choices, given a fixed budget and scope. (about 2, 2-hour meetings) The North Russian Jack Springs
Park VIP meetings will be held at Williwaw Elementary on 2 nights (other meetings may be scheduled, based upon the Committee’s vision) December 6th and December 15th
from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
* Inform your Community Council of VIP
Committee work – make consistent reports to your Community Council on action taken by the Committee;
* Recruit neighborhood volunteers for the
volunteer-powered part of the project and attend on the volunteer day; and
* Join in the celebration of the completed park
project."