Convened 3:01 p.m. Minutes from last meeting approved.
Secretary’s Report: Jill: met with Kim Sellers, Outdoor Grants Manager, State Recreation and Conservation Grants Section, 2 weeks ago, who related current park grant cycle for electrical updates and ADA-compliant modifications to the camping sites at Kemp Olsen Park. This funding is the same source as last year’s boat launch grants. Mike Morgan mentioned seeing a fenced picnic area for families with small children, preventing toddlers and young children from straying.
New Business: Steamboat Alley promoter Jamie Cummings announced the muralist Paolo De la Concha Zindel will meet with her 2 p.m. Thursday to view and discuss possibilities for the stucco wall. One question was exactly how many linear feet the projected Steamboat Alley would stretch, whether neighboring properties,parking and delivery access for businesses would be impacted, considerations for optional panels instead of a decorating the cracked stucco plus other variables. Already Jamie collected donations of 3-inch rope, plants, seedlings and pavers, and more offers including labor.
The secretary pointed out that the City Council must decide on which ideas would be implemented, considering fixed or free-standing decor and fixtures, maintenance responsibility and costs, whether it would be a city-owned pocket park, access from Augustus Street at the other end of the alley, etc.
Jamie emphasized that donations have been forthcoming, and she wished to avoid seeking public funds.
Dale Pomeroy reminded the room that the Park Board is an advisory body, that detailed plans would need to be presented to the City Council. He added that the Park Board would endorse the project. Existing services such as gas meters, storm and wastewater lines need to be considered when installing permanent fixtures like seating and play structures.
Old business: Refurbishing the Rose Garden at the entrance to Kemp Olsen Park includes some donated plants and discounted ones purchased from Sunbirds. Vision:Toledo will foot the bill. Volunteers may contact Katy, project coordinator. Michelle asked about barkdust needed to finish, access to water and other details needed to maintain this feature. Jill filled in Ester Borte’s Walk in the Park fundraiser project, t-shirt design assigned by popular consensus to Mike Morgan.
City Parks Department reported that former collection ponds were being gradually filled in. A proposed BMX bicycle park project was moving slowly, the potential for a combined bicycle/dog-walking park being one possibility. The ponds, however, were estimated to take 1-2 years to fill.
Michelle reiterated that (State Recreation and Conservation Grants) funding is commonly 50/50 matching, that combining state and federal monies to cover expense might result in only one of the grantors awarding monies, leaving projects without the resources to move ahead. Once the Park plan is accomplished, grant funding can take up to 12 months.
Meeting adjourned 3:31 p.m to the proposed site for Steamboat Alley to measure and discuss dimensions and structures.
Steamboat Alley Project Coordinator Jamie Cummings can be reached at jamie.cummings.toledo@gmail.com or by calling (360)864-2602.
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Seeking vendors for April 23 Mother’s Day Bazaar hosted by Toledo Sophomore Class. Non-profits, schools, churches, youth groups, service clubs and more invited. Email Dr Trikosko, drtrikosko@toledoschools.us. Flyer on Toledo Lioness Facebook page here. Discover the benefits of membership. Meets 6 p.m. third Wednesdays at Toledo Library.
April 18 City Council meets 6 p.m first and third Mondays at Town Hall. Visitwww.toledowa.us or call (360)864-4564 for details.
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Too Cute Dept: Smile generator, this YouTube video on Daisy the Dog is guaranteed to do the trick: Check it out here.