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STAFF REPORT CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS Date: 3 June 2013 Application Number: 2013-0519 Property Location: Leeper Park West Architectural Style/Date/Architect or Builder: Park Property Owner: City of South Bend Landmark or District Designation: National Register Historic Designed Landscape Landmark Rating: Local Landmark DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE/ SITE Leeper Park is a designed landscape located north of the commercial and medical district of South Bend and divided by Michigan Street (US 33). Leeper Park West is bordered by Riverside Drive along the St. Joseph River, Park Lane to the South, Lafayette to the West, the bluff of Chapin Park to the extreme West and Michigan Street to the East. It is part of the 1911- 1915 Parks and Boulevard system designed for South Bend by George Kessler. ALTERATIONS: The duck pond was restored in 1979. The formal gardens were grown over in the 1980s. The playground equipment is not original to the Park. The tennis courts were replaced in 2007 and the "odor garden" was installed in 2008. APPLICATION ITEMS.: Install a climber and merry-go-round at Leeper Park playground. (Replaces old pieces which were removed). DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT: The Park's Department wishes to re -install a merry-go- round and a climber in the play area of Leeper Park West located across the street and in front of Madison Primary Center STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES: ' Leeper Park Standards and Criteria 9.8.2 Structures: Refer to Sections 9.2.2 and 9.7.1 of structures, elements and materials that need to be preserved such as Walls, Terraces, Arbors, Gazebos, Follies, Playground Equipment, Picnic Shelters... which shall be preserved. 9.2.2 addresses all views, vistas, landscape spaces and the river bank in Leeper Park East and West and does not reference the Playground area equipment. 9.7.1 lists a throu0i s the specific items that must be preserved in Leeper Park East and West, but does not include Play ground equipment. 9.8.5 When replacement is necessary, it should be based on physical or documentary evidence. 9.8.6 If using the same material is not technically or economically feasible, then compatible substitute materials may be considered. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the project as it is in keeping with the Guidelines for Leeper Park and the use of the play ground area in Leeper Park West.. Prepared by Catherine D. Hostetler, Director