HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-07-12 PARC CommitteePARC COMMITTEE
MARCH 7, 2012
Committee Members Present:
Gavin Ferlic, Valerie Schey, Tim Scott
Citizen Members:
Beth Ferlic, John Mazurkiewicz
Other Council Members Present:
Derek Dieter
Others Present:
Kathleen Cekanski - Farrand, Kevin Allen
Agenda: Organization Meeting; Miscellaneous
Gavin Ferlic, Committee Chairperson, opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. and introduced
his newly appointed citizen members. Beth Ferlic and John Mazurkiewicz. He went on
to highlight a few ideas he felt would be good for the PARC Committee to explore. He
also made a point of welcoming any new ideas or observations adding his style was to
form topic groups to do initial investigatory work before bringing it back for further
consideration.
Gavin's initial topics included the possibility of a dog park and a running park, neither of
which currently exist in South Bend. He also said he was meeting with Rotary to discuss
their consideration of a major investment in Howard Park.
Valerie Schey, recognizing the College Football Hall of Fame was under the committee
purview said she would be an advocate for reuse of the building as a tax paying entity.
Beth Ferlic asked about Hall of Fame timelines which prompted the feeling that a status
update was needed from the Mayor's Office. Suggestions for alternate re -uses included
an indoor water park from Valerie, the possibility of gambling from Gavin and Derek.
John Mazurkiewicz said the City should emphasize use of the river and should promote
use of the "Cove" including high school sports now that it has an artificial turf.
Beth Ferlic liked the "dog park" idea citing their popularity in Seattle. She also
suggested better promotion of cultural events through the creation of a central hub or
website.
Gavin suggested partnering with ND, IUSB, and others to coordinate and promote the
posting and exchange of information.
Derek Dieter shifted gears a bit noting the Council needs an update from the Park
Department on the status and plans for "Miracle Park ", an all- accessible park facility for
folks with disabilities.
1St District Councilmember Tim Scott proposed a re- invigorated, re- purposed use of
Pinhook Park. He pointed to its proximity to the river path and tie -ins with other river
activities. Tim also said the assemblage of land created by housing demolitions could
readily serve as potential neighborhood parks.
There being no lack of ideas, each dependent upon identifying funding sources as well as
practicality and level of interest, Chairperson Gavin Ferlic declared a good productive
start.
There being no further business to come before the committee at this time, Chairperson
Gavin Ferlic adjourned the meeting at 7:20 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
i
Gavin Ferlic, Chairperson
PARC Committee