HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-22-82 Parks & Recreation aintnnttnnrr Janina
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The February 22, 1982 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Committee
was called to order by its Chairman Councilman Walter Szymkowiak at 4:00 p .m.
in the Council Meeting Room.
Persons in attendance included Councilmen Voorde, McGann, Crone,
Zielinski, Beck, Serge and Szymkowiak; James Seitz, Richard Hill , Robert
Goodrich, John Horvath, Councilman Dombrowski, representatives from the
Area Plan Commission, representatives from the University of Notre Dame
Rowing Club and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand.
Councilman Szymkowiak stated that the purpose of the meeting was to
discuss the Park Department' s Improvement Program.
Mr. Seitz then reviewed the preliminary plan which he had sent to the
Council . This is a draft proposal prepared by the Department of Parks ,
South Bend Public Recreation Commission, and the Area Plan Commission.
It would update the five year park plan which was written in 1977 . It is
required to update this master plan in order to qualify for future
Land and Water Conservation Funds . Mr. Seitz indicated that the plan is
due in Indianapolis by June 1, 1982 .
The Department of Natural Resources review the plan by evaluating
nine components : (1) progress evaulation, (2) Park Board and Agencies
profiles , (3) community description, (4) inventory, (5) maintenance program,
(6) issues , (7) priorties , (8) action plan, and (9) adoption of the plan.
Mr. Seitz then highlighted the issues section. He sees the question of
financing for 1982 through 1985 as a serious concern. He sees as a priority
the rennovation of present park facilities .
Councilman Zielinski noted that Harrison Park has a continuing problem
due to off street parking and litter .
Councilman Voorde questioned how the neighborhood meetings would be
handled. Councilman McGann suggested that District or quadrant meetings
be held rather than trying to meet with all of the various neighborhood
groups . He further suggested that the president of each group be sent a
synopsis of the report so that the meetings would be productive.
Councilman Szymkowiak said that the City should take care of what we
have and that should be our main priority.
Councilman Crone questioned the time structure involved. Mr. Seitz
said that he would like public input by April 15 and a draft of priorities
by May 1: Councilman Szymkowiak requested that the Committee meet again
after the citizen input was completed to discuss the proposed plan.
Representatives of the Notre Dame Rowing Club were then. introduced:
Robert Bennett , President, Jane Wagner, and Phil Bamberra. Mr . Bennett then
reviewed the Club ' s proposal to lease certain park property for the purpose
of having a boat house along the St . Joseph River. Presently the Club rents
space in Mishawaka and has done so since 1971. However they have now
out-grown their present location and believe that a location closer to campus
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Parks and Recreation Committee
and downtown South Bend would be preferable due to the time and monetary
considerations . His group has looked at two locations , one at Howard
Park and Viewing Park with the latter being preferred. Mr. Bennett then
passed out pictures of the Notre Dame crew team and their present boat
house; showed an aerial view of the proposed location; and showed a
architectial drawing of the proposed building.
A brochure entitled "Boat house proposal" and a letter from Father
Hesburgh endorsing the program was then passed out to the Committee
(copy attached) . The proposed boat house would be 72 ' x 36' with
approximately 1/2 acre of park land. Access to the parking area would
also be needed for meets and practices . The proposed cost would be
$34, 000 of which $15, 000 has been raised. It was stressed that no City
money would be needed for the construction of the building. Mr. Bennett
noted that the Rowing Club is presently a club sport rather than a
varisity sport with 65 members and an annual budget of $18, 000 .
Councilman Szymkowiak stated that "we owe this to the University of
Notre Dame" . Favorable comments were made by the Councilmen if a
proper lease addressing various insurance and legal matters would be
properly drafted. Since the lease would have to be approved by the
Common Council, it was suggested that the City Administration keep the
Council informed on this topic. A projected starting date was this
summer.
Councilman McGann suggested that the appropriate neighborhood groups
also be contacted regarding the proposal .
There being no further business to come before the Committee the
meeting was adjourned at 5 : 05 p .m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Walter M. Szymkowiak