Parks Commission March Meeting
The Parks Commission met on Wednesday. On the agenda were three new park even applications, a proposal with four options for the shelter in Riverside Park, continuing discussion of a master plan for village parks, and a request for artificial turf in River Run Dog Park.
Park Events
We reviewed three park event applications and passed each without much discussion, as they are all familiar annual events. The Chagrin Valley Jaycees will hold the Blossom Time Festival from May 24 – 28 in Riverside Park. Chagrin Yoga is once again offering Yoga By the Falls in Triangle Park from 9:00 – 10:00am on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays in June, July, and August. And the Chagrin Valley Chamber of Commerce will host the Simple Summer Concert Series in Triangle Park from 6:00 – 8:00pm on Thursday nights from June 15 – August 10.
Skating Shelter
If you’ve been in Riverside Park lately you might have noticed that the shelter is fenced off. In early August it was determined to be unstable and unsafe for use. The village administration has been working with contractors and currently has one proposal with three options ranging from a rehabilitation of the current structure to a complete rebuild with the addition of a brick floor and wood-shingled roof.
After some research, the village Service Department has offered a fourth option; for about half the cost they can construct a new pavilion using a kit from Northwoods Cabin Co.. This would include a stamped concrete foundation and either metal or asphalt shingle roor and overall sounded like our best option.
There was some discussion about the location of the replacement but no decision was reached. Commission Chair Anne deConingh favors keeping it where it is, but re-orienting it to be parallel with the path. I think we should at least consider other locations. My main concern is that it’s inaccessible to those with mobility issues (wheelchair, scooter, etc.) who might benefit from it most. It doesn’t have to stay the same size and/or location just because it’s been that way. I’m interested to hear your thoughts.
The commission recommended to raze the current structure before Blossom, and on April 5 we will choose a location to recommend to Council. Council will vote to approve construction on April 10. If all goes according to plan, construction will start after Art By the Falls, as part of the annual park restoration in mid-June.
Strategic Parks Plan
I shared some parks planning resources I gathered over the last few weeks.
River Bark Park
Kathryn Humphrey returned to the Park Commission to advocate for artificial turf in the dog park at River Run. Chief Administrative Officer Rob Jamieson explained that – while the village is open to the possibility – the projects and budget for 2023 have already been set. Factoring in the engineering work that will need to be completed, the earliest this project could start would be 2024. In the meantime, the service department will this spring be seeding with a new, hardier variety of grass in an attempt to improve the current situation.