01/01/1981 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission•
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December 31, 1981
MEMO TO: ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE
FROM: KEN VRAA, DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION
RE: JANUARY 1982 COMMITTEE MEETING
At this time there is only one agenda item for the January meeting.
Because this item is not urgent or requiring immediate attention by
the committee, the Chairman and I have concluded that there is no need
to meet.
The next regular meeting will be February 4, 1982.
If members have any questions which they would normally have inquired
about, please feel free to contact the office.
Dear Advisory Committee Members:
December 21, 1981
During the Holiday Season, and with the approaching New Year, I'm certain
that each of you will have found some time to reflect back upon the year's
events. Please indulge me as I do this very thing reflecting back upon
the year in the Park and Recreation Department. During 1981 the City was
able to:
1. Acquire additional park land at Rahn Park with the aid of LAWCON
funds.
2. The committee and council met to discuss parks issues which are
revelant to the community.
3. The bicycle trails plan was completed and accepted by the City Council.
4. The study, recommendation and acceptance for a "master park plan"
study by the Advisory Committee and City Council.
5. The City Council funded the purchase of a large gang mower and sprayer
for weed control. Both of these pieces of equipment will have long
term benefits in maintaining the parks effectively and efficiently.
6. Future neighborhood needs will have been met with the acquisition
of park land in the Winkler /Jackson, Cinnamon Ridge, and Overhill
plats.
7. A development of a Master Plan for Ridge Cliffe Park and completion
of the rough grading of this park facility.
8. Revision of the existing cash dedication requirements.
9. Nearly 100 trees planted in neighborhood parks and City facilities.
10. Major reconstruction of Northview Athletic Field to correct drainage
problems.
11. Recommendation of park land as part of the Blue Cross /Blue Shield
P.U.D.
12. Expansion of mowing and maintenance of existing parks and park areas.
13. Expanded recreation programs for tots and adults.
14. Council provided additional funding for the painting of hockey
facilities which was completed by youths under the C.E.T.A. program
and Court Services Restitution program. And, the list continues.
In some respects I hate to develop these types of list. I'm never able to
recall all of the accomplishments or I may forget to record something that is
meaningful and significant to others. (I haven't tried to put all the
accomplishments down. If you are in the group that feels that I've forgotten
a significant event please don't be offended) Perhaps the other reason that
I hesitate in doing this type of list is that too often we become too satisfied
with what has been done. Rather, we should still be looking ahead at what
has yet to be accomplished.
As you reviewed this list, you probably noticed that there was one very
significant thread of similarity which connects all of them together. And
that is, they were all accomplished through a cooperative effort of the
Council, Committee and staff. This cooperative spirit has made the task of
delivering the services and meeting the needs of the community all the more
productive and effective, and for myself all the more enjoyable. From the
comments that I have received, the public does appreciate what has been
accomplished. While the vast majority of citizens rarely step forward to
compliment and commend I've found there is a very positive attitude towards
that which has been accomplished.
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December 21, 1981
Page 2
Similiarly, I've also been made just as aware from the same public group
that there is still a large number of unmet needs that they desire. And
therein lies the challenge of the future; to continue to try and meet new
needs for recreation and park services. To do this will mean the continuation
of the cooperative efforts that have been exhibited in the past.
I look forward to the coming year and working with all of you.
Have a Merry Christmas and prosperous and healthy New Year!
S inc
KV:bp