03/13/2006 - Packet Parks & Recreation Advisory Board
( PRAB )
AGENDA
Monday March 13, 2006
7:00 p.m.
Tigard Water District Building
8777 SW Burnham Street
The purpose of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board is to
advocate for park and recreation opportunities for a growing Tigard.
1. Roll Call
2. Approval of Minutes
3. Comments from the audience
4. Election of Officers
5. PRAB Letter to Budget Committee re: support for skate park funding
6. Continue PRAB Goal setting session for Calendar Year 2006.
- Recreation Program for Tigard
7. Adjourn
Executive Session: The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board may go into Executive Session under the provisions of
ORS 192.660(1)(d),(e), (f)&(h)to discuss labor relations,real property transactions,current and pending litigation
issues and to consider records that are exempt by law from public inspection. All discussions within this session are
confidential;therefore nothing from this meeting may be disclosed by those present. Representatives of the news media
are allowed to attend this session,but must not disclose any information discussed during this session.
Re: Suggested 2006 Park and Recreation Goals for the City of Tigard
* The City of Tigard develops a Recreation Division to offer recreation
programming for youth, teens, and adults.
* The City of Tigard develops non-park recreation facilities
(Community Recreation Center and Skate Park)
* The City of Tigard financially supports the development and construction
of a public skateboard park.
* The City of Tigard continues to look for ways to acquire active park space
and protect green space inside its urban growth boundary.
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Goals
Goal #1 - Identify and become informed of community
interests and needs pertaining to Parks and Recreation.
Objectives
1. Conducted a citywide park and recreation assessment
survey.
2. Communicate with the public and other park and
recreation groups.
Goal #2 - Create and enhance existing partnerships that
provide community recreation opportunities.
Objectives
1. Partner with the Tigard-Tualatin School District to
maximize the joint use of facilities.
2. Support the use of community/school pools.
3. Partner with the Balloon Festival Committee to support
it as an annual event.
4. Collaborate with recreation focused groups and
community special events.
5. Identify areas of volunteer activities.
6. Encourage community involvement in the City's
volunteer program.
Goal #3 - Evaluate and make recommendations in support
of community recreation programs for Tigard.
Objectives
1. Recommend long-term strategies for citywide
recreation facilities and programs.
2. Recommend recreation activities and programs for all
interests and age levels.
3. Provide input to, and support of, the City Council's
annual park and recreation Council Goal.
Goal #4 - Support park and recreation policy and make
recommendations to the Tigard City Council.
Objectives
1. Provide input to, and support of, the City's Visioning
process entitled "Tigard and Beyond".
2. Recommend updates to the Tigard Municipal Code as it
pertains to park rules and regulations.
3. Prioritize recommendations by being informed and
advised of guidelines, resources and community
interests.
Goal #5 - Recommend long-term strategies for citywide
facilities.
Objectives
1. Recommend funding strategies for park acquisitions,
development, maintenance, operations and other
Capital Improvement Projects.
2. Consider establishing Bull Mountain parks and open
spaces if annexed.
3. Recommend funding strategies for park maintenance
operations and Capital Improvement Projects.
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting
March 13,2006
Good Evening. My name is Chris Garsteck and I am the chairperson of the Tigard Dog
Park Committee.
The Tigard Dog Park Committee is a small citizen committee that was formed in
September 2000 to address residents' concerns regarding the need for off-leash dog parks
in Tigard. Since that time,the committee has worked closely with City management and
staff to establish and maintain off-leash dog parks. Tigard is the first community in
Washington County to create this type of park. We strive to set a good example for other
communities to follow.
The Dog Park Committee has been an effective citizen's group due to the cooperative and
productive partnership that we have developed with the City of Tigard. We would like to
develop a similar partnership with the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Our
mission is to provide Tigard residents with safe,off-leash areas where dogs and their
owners can play and socialize. Like the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board,we
advocate specifically for dog park recreation opportunities for a growing Tigard.
3jvA WiUL YaN
I would now like to introduce Jim Stevens from the Dog Park CommitteeA.ellkbout our
purpose here tonight.
Presentation to Rec. Committee
Intro: Chris- Who we are and what we do.
Concern: Eventual closing of Potso Dog Park
Question: What can we, the Parks & Recreation
Committee, the Dog Park Committee
and the City Council do to be
proactive to provide an off-leash dog
park replacement for Potso?
D.P. Functions: Provide activities, information,
some intervention with problems,
assist the Parks Staff with minor
repairs, etc.
News Articles: Dan Plaza in the Tigard Times.
Barbara Sherman reporter for
the Times.
• Should we be actively be seeking new
property, using existing city property that has
little appeal for ark and recreation use, but
pp p
would be good for a dog park? Also any
unused area of Cook Park (if it exists).
• The Tigard D.P.C. will keep users informed of
the situation and ask for their ideas.
• We hope that Rec. Committee is aware of the
importance of the D.P. to users, and dogs
from a social, recreational (people and dogs
get exercise)
• Late Mayor Jim Griffith was a supporter of
D.P. as is Mayor Dirksen (who is a regular
judge at the Halloween party).
• What are your recommendations?
• The T.D.P.C. would like your continued
support.
• The T.D.P. C. will help out in any way we can.
• Tigard is way out in front with D.P.
development (the first in Washington
County). We continue to set an example for
other cities (Beaverton doesn't have any and
their residents us ours).
• Here are three a-mails from users who state
how they view the value of dog parks.
• In summary, the City of Tigard has set the
example, people and dogs have come to rely
on the D.P. and we would like to see that need
maintained and maybe expanded.
G'Iza'r�'14 I o S
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Karen Goodale <kgoodale@comcast.net> wrote:
Dear Tigard Dog Park Committee,
I was just sick today after reading the headline on the front page of
a Tigard newspaper saying that Potso Dog Park might be closing.
1 do understand that what is happening with the property
where Potso park is located is out of your hands. 1 just want to tell
you why the Potso park has been so important to me, and my own
dog,with hope that one of the other Tigard parks will be able to
provide a fenced area for small dogs& puppies.
I live in Garden Home, and close to the off-leash Gabriel Park,
where we had taken our Jack Russell Terrier(Lucy)to play for
several years from the time she was about 3 months old. When
Lucy was almost 2 1/2 she was attacked at Gabriel Park by a large
dog that was ball obsessed, and"thought" Lucy was going to take
his ball.The owner of this dog was right there, and pulled her dog
off, but a Rottweiler that was nearby, ran over and took over the
attack, before my Lucy could even get up. The owner of the
Rottweiler was not close by, and wasn't even aware the attack
was happening. I couldn't get a hold of the Rottweiler's collar, and
1 was scared to death that she was killing my Lucy.Another lady
tried to grab her collar, and when she couldn't, she had a ball
chuck-it in her hand, and tapped the Rottweiler on top of her head
to make her look up, and another man grabbed her collar. My Lucy
was terrified, but fortunately wasn't seriously injured physically.
She had We"indents" in her face, and under one eye, that almost
broke through the skin, but didn't. But,what happened to her
emotionally from this attack was just as heartbreaking. She had
always felt happy and playful at the park, loving all dogs... large or
small... but after the attacks she never felt safe there again. She
was always nervously watching the larger dogs. If she was playing
with a small dog, and a larger dog came near, she would stop
playing out of fear, and come back to stand between my legs. I
wrote to the City of Portland Parks, explaining what had happened
to Lucy, and asked if they could please fence in a small area
where small dogs&puppies could play safely. 1 never heard back
from them.
Two months after Lucy was attacked at Gabriel Park she suddenly
went totally blind overnight, and was diagnosed with something
called SARDS(sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome)
that is pretty rare, and still no official medical documentation as to
the cause of SARDS. It is believed to be non-hereditary, and one
of the most common things noticed by veterinarians is that most
dogs that go blind from SARDS have had some sort of"stressful"
event happen recently. Lucy had not had anything new, or
stressful happen in her life, other than the dog attacks. I had
decided not to take her to the dog park anymore, but someone told
me about Potso park having a small dog area. I took Lucy there to
see how she would do, and she immediately felt safe there with
"ust the small dogs around her, and she would happily run and
play with the dogs(listing to their dog tags to tell where they were)
and she still even still plays ball! Lucy LOVES going to Potso
park, and it breaks my heart to think this might end. Over the past
2 years going to Potso park I've met so many other dog owners
that have come to Potso because of the small dog area, after their
dogs being attacked at parks without a small dog area, or seeing
other small dogs be attacked,and fearing for their dogs safety,
started coming to Potso.
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I have never been to either of the other Tigard parks, Ash Street,
or Summerlake, because I know they do not have special small
dog areas. I just hope and pray that after hearing my own story,
and the fears I've heard expressed from others that came to Potso
for the small dog area, that the Tigard Dog Park Committee will be
able to find a way to fence in a small dog area at the Ash Street, or
Summerlake Parks?As far as I know,out of all of the off-leash
parks, only Potso and Hazeldale(in Vancouver, WA) have
a special area for our small dogs. Potso Park is the very "highest
rated"dog park on Portland Pooch's dog park comparison web site
at: http://www portiandpooch_com/doWarks/coMparison.htm I
truly believe this is because of the small dog area, and being able
to provide a safe play area for our small dogs. Those of us with
small dogs want our dogs to have the chance to play and have fun,
but most of all, we need to know our dogs will be safe. It isn't just
aggressive dogs, I know some owners that have very small dogs
are just fearful that their very small dogs could be seriously injured
(unintentionally)by larger dogs that are just playing.
After Lucy went blind I put up a web site sharing her own story,
and other blind dogs from a support list I help on for blind dogs
owners. There are some videos of Lucy playing ball at Potso, and
another video of Lucy and another little blind dog that visits Potso
park named Tigger at: http://www.blinddogs.net Please let me
help in finding a way to have a
know if there is anything I can do to p g y
small dog area, even if it would mean raising funds to pay for a
fence?
Thank you very much for listening to my concerns.
Sincerely,
Karen Goodale
kgQqda[le@cprncast.net
(503)246-7631
'First Off Leash Dog Parks in Washington County"
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First Off Leash Dog Parks in Washington County"
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Tigard Dog Park Committee
"Deuermeyer, Deanne M"
<deanne.m.deuermeyerc@intehcom> wrote:
I just heard that Potso Park might be closing. Is this true?This is
very sad news. There are so few dog parks that have a separate
area for small dogs and the idea of losing one of these few special
places is very upsetting.
I have two small dogs I take to the small-dog area of Potso
regularly. Its always a very busy place in the summer. I think we
were there almost every day last summer. Like many of the small-
dog owners who go to Potso, my dogs don't do well in a mixed/big-
dog park. My dachshund, Isabella, is in her element at Potso. She
runs and plays non-stop. She has several friends she loves meeting
up with there, and every day there is someone new for her to meet.
Looking at her and her buddies greeting each other, you'd think they
were long-lost siblings. In contrast,the few times 1 took her to a
mixed dog park, she mostly cowered. There was no other small
dogs there for her to play with anyway. I've only rarely seen small
dogs in the mixed dog parks. Who can blame them for not wanting
to play there—Isabella is a 9-pounder. Those 70+ pound labs could
kill her with a single mis-placed step. Some of the big dogs also
seem to think the little guys are prey. Then there's my other dog,
Tigger. He's another 9-pounder. In addition to being small, Tigger is
a special-needs dog. He's blind and suffers from an anxiety
disorder. Even the little dogs are overwhelming to him at times. I
can't ask him to even attempt at socializing with a giant dog under
those conditions.
I know of several small dogs who go to Potso who's owners used to
take them to mixed dog parks until their little dogs were attacked by
a big dog. It isn't safe for them. Do you know if there are plans in
place to create a replacement small-dog park if we do lose Potso?
Would it be possible to take over part of the land that is used by
some of the current mixed size parks to fence off an area for the
little guys?Gabriel seems like it would have plenty of space for
doing this and I heard Lescher Farms is very large and could
probably handle being divided to add a small dog area.
Please, if you haven't already done so, come visit the small-dog
area at Potso some day when the weather is nice enough for the
dogs to be out playing. Look at how much fun they're having, then
imagine them cowering at their owner's feet instead of playing in a
big dog park, or having to just stay home because there isn't
anyplace for them to go. Then please consider helping us small-dog
owners find an alternative if we need to lose Potso.
Thank you for your time&consideration!
Deanne
t owner of Tigger and Isabella
1
"First Off Leash Dog Parks in Washington County"
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From: Tigard Dog Parks <tigarddogparks@yahoo.com>
To: Jim Stevens <jcalculus@comcast.net>, Lynn Stevens
<lynn.stevens@bullivant.com>
Subject: Fwd: Ash Street Dog Park
Date: Mon, 13 Mar 2006 16:33:02 +0000
Here's an email from a user.
.Tames &Joan <catnap13@comcast,net> wrote:
From: "James &Joan" <catnapI3@comcast.net>
To: <tigarddogparks@yahoo.com>
Subject: Ash Street Dog Park
Date: Sun, 28 Aug 2005 18:31:21 -0700
Good Morning:
I am one of the managers of the Portland Chihuahua Round-ups Group,
(formerly the Portland Chihuahua Meetup Group). You may recall that we
requested staging a pot luck at your Ash Street facility on August 14th, which
was denied.
We have made every effort to take advantage of the great weather we
have had this summer by scheduling meetings every two weeks instead of
just the third Sunday of the month.
The group attended meetings in the small dog area of POTSO Park this
season until the August 14th get-together when we began meeting at ASH
STREET. We have been averaging about 12 members and 16 dogs per
event
Even though ASH STREET has no running water or separate area for
small dogs,we are very pleased with this park due to the large shade tree
there and that it is little used. Chihuahuas are very small dogs and we have
found that they could get their head caught at the entrance gate to the park.
We have solved this problem by creating a second gating area much like
that used at POTSO Park. This fence is removed after each meeting.
Also, the group's managers police the entire park after the members have
left with the goal of leaving the park in better shape than when we arrived. It
is in all our best interests that your dog park program remains popular and
successful.
Our next meeting is set for Sunday, September 11th at ASH STREET.
Don't be too surprised if the membership leaves you"a little something" in
your red collection box there:-).
Thank you ever so much for making local dog parks possible and speaking
for our group,we will make every effort not to take this program for granted.
Sincerely,
James Hembree
cptRapl3@comcast.net
i
"First Off Leash Dog Parks in Washington County"
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Diane Kuhn-synthesize grab rec erogram in ut feb 21 2006.doc Pae 1
PRAB INPUT RE: RECREATION PROGRAM(S)
March 13,2006
Short Term
-develop web site/directory of non profit recreation available in Tigard
-part time staff person to assist
-research other area rec programs as well as informal poll of what courses
would be popular
-depending on the offerings-summer or fall start
-one or two community wide special events-Multicultural focus?
Octoberfest?Outdoor music/theater?Partner with the library or schools?
- Y
next expand year
-Solicit course offering ideas from three places:
1.What other communities started with
2. Specific comments from web inquiries and other letters
3.What unique offerings Tigard might have based on the PRAB's network
of contacts (i.e.,I know someone who would likely teach a card making
class)
-Have this list prepared by the March meeting.This will require each
of us to make a list and submit to the board via email,someone to do
a little research,and someone to compile past contact from the
community.
-Select course programming based on a metric of cost,ability to
host(do we have the necessary facilities,etc),and ability to "pull
off' to have ready for first offering.We could do this at the March
or April meeting,based on how comfortable everyone would be.Then we
can submit it to the Council. Include in submission layout of how
advertising,sign-up,etc would work.
-Advertise classes on City of Tigard Website and in Tigard Times,as
well as in other appropriate locations (such as Tigard HS pool front
desk)
-Complete orientation with volunteers and course teachers by the end of April.
-Have a "dry run" of each course that PRAB and Council members could
attend if necessary during April.
Mane Kuhn_-snthesize rab Tg ro ram in ut feb 21 2006.doc Pa e 2
-Begin classes during May/June.
-Evaluate process at June PRAB meeting and determine next steps.
-Evaluate success of short term program and use that information to
determine which "route"is most feasible.
-Select class curriculum(s) and schedule
-Identify potential facilities
-Develop financial/management strategy(e.g. Costing, funding,staff,etc.)
-Submit proposal to Council by April 10
-Preparation
1. Develop recreation program outline
2. Secure instructors (need contract)
3. Post class sign-up throughout community(e.g. library and online)
4. Misc.
- Begin first classes in June (in time for summer vacation)
- Evaluate program and expand as needed
- Find out what exists in our community presently (i.e..programs
that are in present session or are so seasonally at various venues
throughout the area).
- Inquire as to local talent that would be interested in
volunteering/contracting to instruct programs of interest.
- Identify locations
- Contract development for facilities,instructors,and overall
administration of program management.
- Marketing tools and media blitz to community
- Proposal to Council
1) Program Layout
2) Logistics
3) Funding
- Establish Timeline Projection
-Create a directory of local programs that are currently
Diane Kuhn-s thesize grab rec program,,input feb 21 2006.doc Page 3
available in the City of Tigard. This should be web based as well as
printed copy. The printed copies should be kept at the City and Library
at a minimum.
-For our presentations,we researched other programs in areas the
same size as Tigard and found some easy start up programs. We need to
fizrther refine the research and information found.
-To start this,we need to have a part time staff person assigned
to recreation.
-Add an additional annual event as a recreation program"kick
off'
-Start classes-utilize existing locations (schools,retirement
facilities,city facilities)utilizing volunteer instructors-utilizing
existing locations and volunteers,we should be able to start by early
summer Qune/July).
-Develop recreation program"business plan"
-Increase utilization of presentations to city groups
-Public awareness/involvement
Diane Kuhn-sypthesize 22b.rec ro ram in ut feb 21 2006.doc Pa e 4
Long Term
-Fully funded recreation division/bond measure 200?
-continue with media blitz to raise awareness
-have part time staff person coordinate talks/presentations- 15/20 minute
presentations that could be incorporated with a group/organization's regular
meeting
-actual presentations could be delivered by board members
-I like the idea of having a plan in place for Jan 2007
-build recreation center
-Collect information from other communities for presentation to
PRAB. Find out:
1. Start up costs
2.Their timeline
3. Scope of offerings
4. Management Arrangements
-Develop three different"routes"with increasing levels of
involvement(which will also affect cost,timeline,and agency
requirements)
-Outline program
1. Include tie in with short term program
2. Community presentations
- Estimate program costs/funding
-Develop funding strategy
-Identify timing for bond and/or tax levy
-Solicit training/consulting for PRAB related to bond measures
-Finalize plan for recreation program by Jan. 2007
- Outline a more comprehensive division or department who's menu of
programs encompasses an expansive list of programs like (TBA,Babe Ruth
Baseball,Tigard Youth Football,The Youth Soccer programs, Swimming,
Kite flying,Oh Yes--Day Care,and playing checkers on Sunday) Shoot
The Moon.........................
Diane Kuhn -s thesize rab rec ro ram in ut feb 21 2006.doc Pa e 5
- Cost It...Fund It
- Re-enter The Community Rec Center............
- Cost It....Fund It
- House Ways&Means Conunittee.........Grants/Bond/Tax
Measure....Timeline
-Add more classes, following our proposed business plan.
-Full time recreation staff/team. At a minimum one full time
person by January 2007.
-Develop funding strategy for more classes,hired instructors,
facilities,advertisement.
-Bond measure
-Recreation Center/facility
Diane Kuhn -s thesize grab rec prog,ram input feb 21 2006.doc
Other
-We should have access to a current demographic snapshot of Tigard. How
many people have kids?How many are seniors?How many people actually
USE and know about the current facilities,ie swim schedules and
structure?
-we should do an inventory of all the classes offered at
certain places like that pool,the library,etc. and perhaps figure
out if absorbing those classes in to a rec program would work.We'd
have to see if we could provide a benefit to the programs by taking
part,such as added marketing and web exposure.
-perhaps there are teams and clubs out there that would be
interested in joining under a"rec program" umbrella.
-people wish we had a rec center. I got the impression that there
are a lot of people who want one,we just have to make it easy for
them to come together and voice their thoughts as a group. Maybe if we
have an open house,we could collect information there and invite
people to take action by attending PRAB meetings,writing the city
council,etc.
-FROM A RESIDENT: Dan,Getting back to you from your last email. I don't know that I
will be able to attend the meeting. If you can pass any information on to the board would
be wonderful. The classes that I would be interested in for my family/children are: Toddler
classes: art,music, sports,dancing,pre-school or some sort of drop off class that lets them
interact with other kids/teachers. Also child care so us mothers can work out and take
classes.
-I think that along the way here you should put up on the website a
survey of some sort and invite the community to our board meetings.
We'll need to promote our efforts and solicit response,and then turn
that response around and ask those who are interested to act as
advocates for the addition of a rec department.
-It seems to me like it would be useful for the City to provide some
employment hours to collect community responses,research similar
communities' efforts,and then coordinate promotion of our efforts.
-Of course,the short term is easier to figure out because I feel like
we can more easily pass costs along to class attendees.
-As 1 indicated last night,I am in favor of approaching as many people as possible to get
input not only on what short term courses would be of interest,but how people would react
to being given the opportunity to support a much broader program through a bond measure
DianeKuhn-s nthesize rab recro ram in ut feb 21 2006.doc Page 7
or a tax.There was some resistance from Board members last night about taking time to go
to various groups for the purpose of making presentations.A simpler way might be to
publicize that the PRAB is seeking input on these issues and have a form available to
distribute to different groups (CPOs,new neighborhood groups,at the library desk,even on
the Tigard Web site). Once a broad base of support is evidenced,then the Council with the
help of the PRAB can make some decisions on how far and how soon to proceed.
(On a related matter,I have heard the complaint that if Tigard residents want to take classes,
etc. through THPRD,they have to pay extra for being outside the district.What they don't
seem to realize is that the people inside the district are partially funding the programs to
begin with and then paying for classes they take. Sorry,had to get on my soap box on that
one.)