HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-02-13 PARCPARC COMMITTEE
JULY 2, 2013 5:42 P.M.
Committee Members Present: Henry Davis, Gavin Ferlic, Dr. Fred Ferlic (5:20 & 5 :40)
Citizen Members Present: John Whitty, Cheri Richmond
Other Present: Sign -in sheet attached (18)
Agenda: Kennedy Park Plan
"Late start due to locked doors at facility"
Henry Davis, Chairman of the PARC Committee called this special meeting of his committee to draw
attention to the need for facilities and programming at Kennedy Park. The park is in second
councilmanic district which he represents. For the convenience of nearby residents, Henry held the
meeting at the South Bend Animal Care Facility at 521 Eclipse Place. Henry also wanted to give a
neighborhood ad hoc group called the Northwest Community Focus Group, which has been meeting for
the last couple of years, an opportunity to present their Kennedy Park Plan.
Jerry Niezgodski, neighborhood activist and Rhonda Neal spokesperson for the focus group led the
discussion. Jointly they spoke of the groups coming together to address needs in Kennedy Park during
the course of the last couple of years. To help illustrate their plan Rhonda distributed a conceptual plan
developed with the help of John Martinez from the Park Department (attached). Jerry primarily spoke
to the physical needs in the park seen in the conceptual diagram. The list included basic playground
equipment, a walkway, as many as there pavilions and grilles, improved tennis courts, and new
basketball courts. Jerry recognized that more input from nearby residents would be needed before
committing to the courts.
Rhonda Neal spoke from the heart about the need and desire of neighborhood folks to have a clean,
safe, welcoming park. One where kids can play and families can gather without going cross town. She
also said she appreciated the Park Departments help putting together the plan. She also said she
realized it can't happen overnight; but people need a sign of hope.
Henry Davis asked if there was a timeline for realizing improvements. He then asked Park
Superintendent Phil St. Clair of there was a cost estimate.
Phil said like all park needs across the City, everything depends upon funding. For Kennedy he saw a 3
to 5 year plan starting with grilles. A price tag for all Kennedy improvements would approach a half
million dollars.
Henry asked whether getting playground equipment could start now. Both Phil St. Clair and John
Martinez said Park Board approval would be required the equipment all requiring ADA compliance could
be installed as funding was available. In response to a funding timeline question from Henry, Phil said 3-
5 years; Henry the asked about the possibility of a Park Bond to speed the process. Phil without
committing to one said one is overdue for improvements across the park system. A required 5 year park
planning process was due to begin the need for funds would no doubt become apparent.
Gavin Ferlic expressed appreciation for everyone's willingness to come together, but cautioned against
unrealistic hopes. Henry suggested the Kennedy Plan be broken down into phases 1, 2 and 3 so
expectations could be realistic and progress could be measured. Phil St. Clair agreed to break the Plan
into phases.
Turning to hear from those at this meeting, Henry suggested everyone be heard in turn. Robert Gunn
said he would like to see sidewalk around the park. Chris Sopczynski expressed concerns about litter,
noise and unsupervised unruly youth. She then offered to help with grant writing saying it was an area
of her expertise.
Henry Davis asked about Park Police. Phil said there were only two officers on patrol for the entire city.
Sopczynski added that communication as to the where and when, and agendas of meetings needs to be
better communicated which would encourage more involvement and advocacy.
Henry Davis then addressed the need for programming in the Parks especially in the summer to involve
more kids productively. At that point both Rhonda Neal and Gloria Norris talked about a picnic planned
for Saturday, July 13 in Kennedy Park for people to come together and rally support for the park
improvements.
Gavin Ferlic saw the opportunity and need for volunteers to sustain the park once physical
improvements were made. He also said residents should be a part of prioritizing needed investments in
the park.
Henry asked the Park Department to develop a realistic phased plan they could see committing to by the
picnic on the 13tH
Phil St. Clair said it would be done.
Summing things up, Henry pledged through his PARC Committee meetings would be held to monitor
progress. He then adjourned the meeting at 6:27 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
� A
Henry Davis Jr., Chairperson
PARC Committee