Meeting Minutes - HGBNA Meeting on 05/01/2002
Our Guest Speaker for the May meeting of the Historic
Glenwood-Brooklyn Neighborhood Association was David Shouse of
the Raleigh Parks & Recreation Department. David came to
speak with us specifically about Fred Fletcher Park and our neighborhood
interests in park improvements. We scheduled a guest speaker
from the Parks & Recreation Department specifically to discuss
ideas regarding Fred Fletcher Park and playground equipment in
the Park. Unfortunately, representation was light from those
who have been most vocal about playground equipment in the Park.
Nevertheless, David provided those in attendance with a helpful
background and history regarding Fred Fletcher Park, and suggestions
as to how the neighborhood association might pursue improvements
with the city.
David shared with us the Master Plan for Fred Fletcher
Park, established in 1986. While established as a "neighborhood
park", there are some significant differences in the Master
Plan for Fred Fletcher Park vs. "typical" neighborhood
parks. The Master Plan was developed with an emphasis on the
historical nature of the property itself (formerly part of the
Methodist Home property), and to incorporate two historic buildings:
The Borden Building and The Garris Building. The Plan also
specifically emphasizes gardens and plantings within the park
for educational and experimental purposes. The Master Plan does
not include playground equipment in Fred Fletcher Park, and it
is something of a mystery as to how the swings that are there
were installed, who installed them, and when. The Master Plan
does call for the ball field, tennis courts, soccer field, amphitheater
and gardens in the Park.
Once a Master Plan is approved, the City Council
has the ultimate say over any amendments or changes to the plan.
Given this, David's recommendation for a course of action, should
the neighborhood association decide to pursue improvements and/or
changes in the Park is to:
Ø Develop a specific idea and plan of what we would like.
Include drawings, architectural plans, budget, funding sources,
etc. The more specific, the better.
Ø Keep in mind the historical and horticultural nature
of the park in any plans, taking into account things like the
large trees and associated root structures for the placement
of any proposed equipment, the color and material of the equipment,
heights, etc.
Ø We can request that the Council provide staff assistance
on the design
Ø Present our plan (along with funding!) to the City Council.
There was also some brief discussion on improvements
for the Glenwood Avenue median. David's suggestion for median
improvements is to look into the "Adopt-A-Park" program,
or possibly working directly with the Parks Superintendent (Wayne
Schindler) and/or the Parks Horticulturist on replacing plantings
and other improvements.
Following David's presentation, we moved into the
business portion of the meeting. Following our discussion structure
of Implementing, Updating, and Information Sharing, the topics
were:
Implementing:
By-Laws review - drafts of the By-Laws were distributed.
A draft will also be posted on the web site for review. Please
review and send any comments to Chris Ernst, via e-mail (ernstc@leaders.ccl.org).
We will vote on the implementation of the By-Laws at the June
meeting on June 5th.
600 North Boylan and Peace Streetscape Projects
- Phil Poe gave an update of the CAC meeting and status of these
projects and distributed a handout of information on both projects.
The City Council was to vote on these projects on May 7th.
H.A.N.D.S - Rachel Turner will attend the annual
dinner on May 30th, and Mary Ann will send the $30 required for
continued participation for the year. (Thanks, Rachel, for your
continued involvement!)
Updating:
Auction in the Park - Lynn Ruck provided a thorough
update on the last Auction and ideas and hints on how to do the
next one. Lynn and Jennifer Attride will get together to discuss
further.
Information Sharing:
Pancake Breakfast - 20-30 people attended the Pancake
Breakfast on April 13th. A decision was made to re-visit the
Pancake Breakfast at a later date to consider possible changes
/ improvements or possibly consider an alternative social event.
Agenda for June 5th Meeting:
Dues Collection Report - Last opportunity to pay
dues for Voting Member status!
Voting on By-Laws
Auction in the Park
Adopt-A-Park Program
Note: Our Guest Speaker for the June meeting is
scheduled to be Raleigh Chief of Police, Jane Perlov. Please
plan to attend!
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