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04-16-86 Parks Comm MinutesApril 16, 1986 PARKS COMMITTEE 4:00 P.M. • Chairman Manning and Councilman Nystul in attendance. Parks Director Drent and Friends of Lawrence Park (Barbara Boorman, Richard Kuhl, Alanna Pleer, D. Wilder, Dave Downey, Wallace Ridder, Janice Gray, Herb Gray, Michael Pleer) also present. The Friends of Lawrence Park presented a slide presentation narrated by Dr. Downey. They asked the Committee for City Council approval of the concept presented so that they could proceed with the project. Discussion followed concerning the permits necessary to do any project in the flood plane (Can it be cleared with the Corps?). It was suggested that they meet with Parks Director Drent to obtain a list of agencies to contact to get some idea as to what can be done. Parks Director Drent felt that the Friends of Lawrence Park would get better answers to their questions by working directly with the different agencies than going through the City. Without approving the concept the Committee recommended that the Friends of Lawrence Park submit their plan to the Corps of Engineers to find out what can and cannot be done in Lawrence Park. ajg is • The Friends of Lawrence Park is an organization formed to upgrade and expand the city park historically known as Lawrence Park. We have pre- pared a well-defined, written proposal for the renovation and expansion of that park. Our goal is to first re-establish, thus preserving, this area as a city park. We would also like to see the adjacent slough area located at the Southern tip of Lawrence Park preserved as an established natural area. This natural area includes wetlands that are key to the existence of a flour- ishing riparian habitat. We feel that Lawrence Park has potential not only as an upgraded public area but would also provide green belt zones within the city limits. These goals are feasible and needed as the valley continues to grow and develop. PROPOSAL Our basic proposal for Lawrence Park involves a multi -stage plan which allows for renovation and development as funds are wade available. Modifications to this plan can be added or eliminated without changing the basic park concept. The attached sheet delineates these staves and costs. This proposal would provide the present park and the incorporated adjacent land with a paved road, a grassed free play area, picnic area, a zone for pavilion and play equipment, rest rooms, nature trails and parking which will accom- modate the handicapped. New access points, including a foot bridge, would also be incorporated. Specifically, the old Lawrence Park area would be re- novated to include the pavilion, playground equipment, tennis courts and a jogging trail. Again, we would like to point out that this renovation pro- cess would occur in stages and may not be completed for several years. Many of the concepts in this proposal will, by necessity, have to be dealt with in any event if this land is to be used by the public. Maintenance and improvements to the park have been largely ignored by the city. These basic needs for the utilization of this land by the public are found in stage 1 of our proposal. COMM14ITY NEED The future use of Lawrence Park as an established city park is important to both citizens and tourists. The park would meet the need of another well - designed and managed facility. We all must recognize the need of a public use area such as this as use of Woodland Park increases. Additionally, there is a growing need for natural areas that provide the types of re- creation and enjoyment that only parks and green belts can provide. COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITY In conjunction with the obvious and practical benefits of upgrading Lawrence Park, there is also the reality of an established wildlife habitat which exists within and around this park area. In particular, there 1 -L i• are wetlands located at the Southern edge of the park which sustain a notable riparian habitat. Please refer to the pages entitled "Wildlife Values in Lawrence Park". The input which our group has received from the citizens at large indicates to us that a majority of people in Kalispell treasure this park and support this conservation effort.