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REGULAR MEETING October 23, 2017
<br /> for that effort. One (1) last thing: he also mentions that he would like to see a goal that all
<br /> residents of our city should be within a half-mile walk of a park.
<br /> Mr. Perri stated, Yes, so that's the ten(10) minute walk there that we looked at with the Trust for
<br /> Public Land. That's important to us,too, and I believe the Mayor is actually signing on to the ten
<br /> (10) minute walk campaign. I don't speak for him, but I believe that's important to the Mayor,
<br /> as well. I echo the appreciation back to you. Thanks for engaging in the whole process.
<br /> Councilmember Tim Scott asked, Aaron,how long have you been at this position?
<br /> Mr. Perri responded, Almost two (2) years, now.
<br /> Councilmember Scott stated, I know it's not just you—I know it's your staff and everything, and
<br /> that there is a refocus. There's no disrespect to anybody that's been there in the past or present,
<br /> but as our director, there is focus, and you lead that kind of agenda. Councilmember Scott stated
<br /> that this parks bond was a good start to fixing what needs fixing in South Bend parks.
<br /> Councilmember Oliver Davis asked Mr. Perri which parks would be addressed and which would
<br /> not by this parks bond and TIF bond, and how his department would address the remaining
<br /> parks.
<br /> Mr. Perri responded that, contrary to what is written on the current version of the bill's cover
<br /> letter, its thirty-six (36) out of the fifty-two (52) park properties in the City, as opposed to thirty-
<br /> two (32).
<br /> Councilmember Davis asked what the parks bond and/or TIF bond do for families that have
<br /> members with disabilities and if they drew any inspiration from the Miracle Park concept.
<br /> Mr. Perri responded, So, Miracle Park, it turned out, wasn't quite the right fit for our
<br /> organization. We don't have the ongoing operational expertise to do that. But, I am aware that
<br /> there are groups that we'll be partnering with to make that a reality in the future. In exchange for
<br /> that, though, it became really evident that what was more important to families was their
<br /> neighborhood parks. The ones that they use every day. Rather than just have a specialty baseball
<br /> field, let's make sure that all the restrooms are ADA compliant. Let's make sure the trails
<br /> systems are in compliance. Let's make sure we have safe routes to the parks, so sidewalks in and
<br /> out of parks, and things of that nature. Any new playgrounds that we've been installing lately are
<br /> universally accessible, as well. Potawatomi has the universally accessible surface as well as
<br /> Keller Park. We look forward to introducing more of those wherever you see playground
<br /> upgrades.
<br /> Councilmember Oliver Davis asked, So, therefore, as you move forward with the park bond and
<br /> the TIF bond, you're incorporating ideas and concepts from the Miracle Park to address it, and to
<br /> help benefit and promote families who have disabilities?
<br /> Mr. Perri responded, Absolutely.
<br /> This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill,proponents and
<br /> opponents were given an opportunity to be heard.
<br /> Those from the public wishing to speak in favor of this bill:
<br /> Sue Kesim, 4022 Kennedy Drive, South Bend, IN, thanked the Parks Department for addressing
<br /> ADA issues in the parks and making the parks universal. Ms. Kesim wondered if there were a
<br /> way to finance this project that did not involve an additional $2,900,000 of interest paid over
<br /> fifteen(15) years and challenged the City to find a creative solution to the problem.
<br /> John Smith,2001 South Lawrence Street, South Bend, IN, stated that he supports improving all
<br /> South Bend parks.
<br /> Kathy Klimick, 929 West Colfax Avenue, South Bend, IN, stated, I think it's important that our
<br /> students feel inclusive in their neighborhood. So, if we can create these parks that address
<br /> mobility issues, that address our cognitive issues, that address all of our students at various
<br /> ability levels—I think that's going to just bring that neighborhood feel back to South Bend, back
<br /> to those areas where maybe it's been lost.
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