TO: Mayor and City Council
THROUGH: Steve Powers, City Manager
FROM: Peter Fernandez, PE, Public Works Director
SUBJECT:
title
Hilfiker Park Master Plan
Ward(s): 3
Councilor(s): Nanke
Neighborhood(s): Morningside
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ISSUE:
Shall Council adopt the Hilfiker Park Master Plan?
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Adopt the Hilfiker Park Master Plan.
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SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND:
The proposed Hilfiker Park Master Plan (Attachment 1) describes the appropriate amenities and uses for the park and provides guidelines for its future development. Formation of the plan has integrated the community’s preferences as well as the unique aspects of the site.
Consisting of five acres, Hilfiker Park is an undeveloped neighborhood park located in the southwestern portion of the Morningside Neighborhood. The park has moderately steep topography. The landscape is composed of annual grassland and includes a forested area. To date, community-driven improvements have led to the installation of an irrigated field, a soft-surface pedestrian trail system, and basic park furnishings. These improvements are considered “predevelopment” or interim use, which offer public enjoyment of the site in advance of a master plan and future park development.
Hilfiker Park meets a deficit-related need for a neighborhood park that was first recognized by the City in 1999. Per the 2013 Comprehensive Park System Master Plan, neighborhood parks are intended to serve residents located within a half-mile service area and are located within walking or bicycling distance of most users. Neighborhood parks typically include playground equipment, sports courts, picnic tables, pedestrian paths, multi-use turf fields, and passive recreation opportunities.
At the May 10, 2018, meeting of the Salem Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, the members unanimously approved a motion recommending City Council adopt the Hilfiker Park Master Plan.
FACTS AND FINDINGS:
1. As depicted in Attachment 2, the Hilfiker Park Master Plan identifies the following features for the park:
• Playground, with a combination of traditional and nature play;
• Social area;
• Expanded paths, a portion of which will be ADA-complaint;
• Path lighting;
• Pollinator habitat; and
• Native forest enhancements, including tree thinning and native plantings.
2. The Hilfiker Park Master Plan has been developed through a robust public process that included three public workshops and two separate online surveys. Workshop attendance varied from 15 to 31 individuals at each meeting. Responses to the first survey totaled 64; the second survey received 71. The workshops and surveys were advertised through a combination of postcard mailers, posting of fliers, email-based newsletters, notices at Morningside Neighborhood Association meetings, and via the City’s website.
3. At the April 11, 2018, meeting of the Morningside Neighborhood Association Board, the members unanimously approved a motion recommending City Council to adopt the Hilfiker Park Master Plan with a modification that the City pursue acquisition and development of an access on north side of the park before building a paved path on the south side of the park. The plan was amended to reflect the board’s recommendation.
4. If approved, development of Hilfiker Park will proceed in at least two phases. The first phase is planned for completion within five years. This phase involves constructing a playground, social area, and soft-surface and paved trails. A second phase is envisioned to be completed within ten years and will include path lighting and other elements not included within first phase.
5. Funding for some of the amenities at Hilfiker Park will be provided through Park System Development Charges. Additional funding may be provided through a combination of local government grants from the Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation, individual and corporate donations, and volunteer services.
Robert D. Chandler, PhD, PE
Assistant Public Works Director
Attachments:
1. Proposed Hilfiker Park Master Plan
2. Overview of Proposed Hilfiker Park Features