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Public tackles parks issues
Published 12:00pm Thursday, March 27, 2008Although all of the parks in the community are of interest, Pebble Lake Beach seems to garner the most attention, according to Parks and Recreation Manager Rick Terway.
As part of the process to develop a Park and Recreation Department comprehensive plan (the first since the 1970s), a public hearing took place Tuesday to gather public opinion about the city’s park system. It was attended by about 12 residents. Opinions and concerns of the public will be taken into consideration as the plan is crafted.
“There’s a moratorium on doing anything with Pebble Beach until a water or maintenance level is determined,” he said. “We’re never going to be able to bring it back to the way it was … Pebble lake has no outlet, so it has nowhere to run.”
The city engineering department, Terway said, is looking at various pumping methods, or using the water for irrigation.
While resident Jo Schmidt is “interested in reclaiming Pebble Beach,” she is also concerned with the condition of the restrooms at Roosevelt Park.
“We have wonderful concerts there,” she said. “But last year when my grandchildren were visiting, they refused to use the restrooms, they were so filthy.”
“I’m interested in all parks,” Glen Merz said. “But Lake Alice has been let go for a number of years.”
Another meeting has been tentatively scheduled for May, if needed. The park and recreation comprehensive plan, which should be complete by early summer, will be part of the city’s overall comprehensive plan.
