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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-04-03 Parks & Recreation Packet - Work SessionParks & Recreation Commission Work Session Page 1 of 1 April 3, 2025 Kenai Parks & Recreation Commission Work Session – Leif Hansen Park Policy Update April 3, 2025 – 5:30 PM Kenai City Hall - Council Chambers 210 Fidalgo Ave., Kenai, AK 99611 *Telephonic/Virtual Information Below* Agenda A.CALL TO ORDER B. INTRODUCTION – Tyler Best, Parks & Recreation Director C.COMMISSION DISCUSSION – Leif Hansen Park Policy Update D.PUBLIC COMMENTS (limited to 3 minutes per individual) E.ADJOURNMENT Registration is required to join the meeting remotely through Zoom. Please use the link below to register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/V1dny2DRRFy4HSKiZNlX4w The agenda and agenda items are posted on the City’s website at www.kenai.city. Copies of the agenda items are available at the City Clerk’s Office or outside of Council Chambers prior to the meeting. Please contact the Parks and Recreation Director at 907-283-8262 for additional details. **COMMISSIONERS, PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ATTEND THE MEETING** 1 MEMORANDUM TO: Chair Wisniewski and Parks & Recreation Commission FROM: Meghan Thibodeau, Deputy City Clerk Tyler Best, Parks & Recreation Director DATE: March 12, 2025 SUBJECT: Leif Hansen Memorial Park Policy Update The Parks & Recreation Department has recently made 47 new spaces available for purchase in Leif Hansen Memorial Park. Given that the park policy has not been updated since 2001 and contains outdated and inapplicable information, we believe this is an appropriate time for a comprehensive review and update. As we consider potential revisions, we ask for the Parks & Recreation Commission’s input and recommendations to ensure the policy remains relevant and effective. Below are staff’s proposed updates for your consideration: •Restructuring of sections. The old policy is presented in a way that is difficult to find information and includes redundancies. Staff’s recommendation is to reorganize the policy’s content into the following sections: o Purpose o Administration & General Provisions (New Section) Hours of Operation Fees Re-sell or re-assign Records Reservation of Park Facilities Disclaimer regarding responsibility for loss or damage o Permanent Memorials Memorial Sidewalk Plaques Memorial Rocks o Memorial Plants & Landscaping Memorial Planting Requests Planting & Maintenance o Prohibited •Remove references to Council-approved planting materials [Planting/Plaque Placement Policies 1 & 2]. Currently, an Additional Plant Information document is attached as an addendum to the Council-approved policy and provided to the public when purchasing a 2 Page 2 of 2 memorial. Staff recommends treating this document as a separate, standalone resource rather than an official addendum to the policy. This approach would allow staff to update the document as needed. •Remove references to a Council-approved plan [Planting/Plaque Placement Policies 1 & 2]. The forthcoming 2025 Parks and Recreation Master Plan is intended to guide the Department’s infrastructure and programming in the future. •Remove references to licensed landscaper [Planting/Plaque Placement Policies 4; Procedures 4]. Installation of planting materials is done in-house by the Parks & Recreation Department. •Add language regarding limited availability of space for memorial planting requests. Due to space constraints, only specific areas within the park can accommodate memorial trees or shrubs. This addition would clarify that requests for memorial plantings will be evaluated based on available space as determined by the Parks & Recreation Director. This would apply to new plantings as well as replacement plantings. •Remove references to future program expansion including red memorial bricks and Memorial Wall [Planting/Plaque Placement Policies 5 & 8]. The forthcoming 2025 Parks and Recreation Master Plan is intended to guide the Department’s infrastructure and programming in the future. •Remove Leif Hansen Memorial Park Reservation Information section. The Parks & Recreation Department oversees park reservations and recreational use within the City. Staff recommends removing this section to provide flexibility for Administration to make updates as needed. Certain items regarding prohibited uses may be moved to a Prohibited section. After this work session, your recommendations will be incorporated into the updated policy, which will be presented for your approval at the May 1, 2025 regular meeting before submitting it to the City Council for final approval. Attachments: •Recommended Changes to Statement of Policy and Procedures, Leif Hansen Memorial Park •Statement of Policy and Procedures, Leif Hansen Memorial Park (approved 11/7/2001) 3 Leif Hansen Memorial Park Policies and Procedures Page 1 of 3 STATEMENT OF POLICY AND PROCEDURES LEIF HANSEN MEMORIAL PARK Council Adopted 1990 The City of Kenai, acting upon the wishes of the public, established a park whereby the community is able to have planted a tree, shrub, or flowers in memory of a loved one, either living or passed. The park was named for a young man who contributed much to the community, however, the park is open for anyone desiring to commemorate their own loved one. The City Council hereby establishes Policies and Procedures for the implementation of the planting of the park to ensure the longest life of the planting and the uniform distribution which will enhance the individual material planted and the park as a whole PLANTING/PLAQUE PLACEMENT POLICIES 1. The Kenai City Council has approved a design for the Memorial Park and all planting will be done in accordance with the plan and the suggested list of planting materials 2.Any requests for deviation from the plan or planting materials shall be reviewed by Council prior to placement. 3.Plaques must be uniform due to the dimensions of the spaces in the sidewalk and of the same materials (black granite), however, the wording and logos are up to the individual. Any inappropriately worded plaques of an objectionable nature will be removed. 4.All materials which are planted in the Park are to be done by a licensed landscaper. The City will maintain the materials after the material is planted by the landscaper. The landscaper has agreed to guarantee the material for one year. The City will not guarantee any planting done by individuals nor beyond the one year guarantee. 5.Future program expansion will include the development of the fountain to include red memorial bricks that may be purchased by participants. 6.As was originally intended, trees and/or shrubs planted in the park are intended to serve as a living memorial to those who passed on. 7. Subject to the Kenai City Council approval, large group memorials may be placed at the locations identified on the site plan under the following guidelines: a.Rock shall not exceed 4’ x 4’ in dimension; b.Rock shall be indigenous to the local area; c.Site shall not exceed 6’ x 6’ unless otherwise approved by the Parks and Recreation Director; d.Site shall be lined with plastic edging, weed fabric, and bark; and, e. Individual(s) making the request must cover all expenses. 8.Future planning will also include a Memorial Wall to be located at the location indicated on the site plan. The Memorial Wall will include plaques that may be purchased by participants. 9.No miscellaneous items, i.e. trinkets, windsocks, mementos, additional planting material, etc., shall be installed within Leif Hansen Memorial Park. All such items left are subject to removal by Parks personnel. Commented [MT1]: Move to: Purpose Commented [MT2]: Move to: Policy Page 1 Commented [MT3]: Remove Commented [MT4]: Move to: Permanent Memorials – Memorial Sidewalk Plaques Commented [MT5]: Move to: Memorial Plants and Landscaping – Planting and Maintenance. Remove reference to licensed landscaper, as planting is handled in-house Commented [MT6]: Remove Commented [MT7]: Move to: Memorial Plants and Landscaping Commented [MT8]: Move to: Permanent Memorials – Memorial Rocks Commented [MT9]: Remove Commented [MT10]: Move to: Prohibited 4 Leif Hansen Memorial Park Policies and Procedures Page 2 of 3 PLANTING/PLAQUE PLACEMENT PROCEDURES 1.Any person desiring to plant a memorial planting material, please contact the City Clerk. The City Clerk will assist with the selection of location and material to be planted. A design is available for selection for placement and a suggested list of materials is also available from the City Clerk. 2. The City Clerk will assist in the selection of the working of the plaque. The plaque will be placed by Parks and Recreation personnel at the desired location. 3.Upon receipt of the cost of the plaque and planting material, the City Clerk will place the order at the appropriate time (if the order is received during the planting season, the order will be made upon receipt. If the order is received during the months when planting is inappropriate, the order will be assembled and held until spring.) 4. The landscaper and the Parks and Recreation personnel will handle all required work done in the park. The landscaper guarantees planting for one year. Parks and Recreation personnel will maintain the planting thereafter. LEIF HANSEN MEMORIAL PARK RESERVATION INFORMATION GENERAL POLICY STATEMENT Leif Hansen Memorial Park, while not in use for Park Department sponsored or co- sponsored activities, will be made available for a deposit to groups for weddings and memorial services. Groups just be non-profit/non-commercial and operate within park rules and regulations. Park reservations are on a first-paid, first-served basis. GUIDELINES 1. Reservations for park use for the upcoming summer can be made at the Kenai Recreation Center beginning March 1. All reservations must be made in person. A refundable deposit of $200 must be made to secure the reservation. If damages exceed the deposit amount, the group or individual sponsoring the event agrees to fully reimburse the City of Kenai for costs of repair. The date is reserved when payment is received and reservations must be made at least three (3) days in advance. 2. The reservation area consists of all physical characteristics of the park (frontage park sign, gazebo, water fountain, veteran’s memorial, lawn, sidewalks/memorial plaques, trees/shrubs and flower plantings.) 3.ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ARE PROHIBITED. 4.A copy of the reservation must be in the applicant’s possession when using the facility. 5. Cancellations must be made at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance of the reservation date. Allow at least three (3) weeks for return of deposit. Commented [MT11]: Move to: Memorial Plants & Landscaping – Memorial Planting Requests Commented [MT12]: Move to: Permanent Memorials – Memorial Sidewalk Plaques Commented [MT13]: Move to: Memorial Plants & Landscaping – Memorial Planting Requests Commented [MT14]: Move to: Memorial Plants and Landscaping – Planting and Maintenance. Remove reference to licensed landscaper, as planting is handled in-house Commented [MT15]: Remove Commented [MT16]: Moved to: Prohibited 5 Leif Hansen Memorial Park Policies and Procedures Page 3 of 3 6.User will leave the facility in the same condition as when they arrived. All cleaning must be accomplished immediately following the event. 7.An adult must be present at all times. 8.A dog brought into the park must be on a leash. Any person with a dog will be responsible for both the conduct of the animal and for removal of feces deposited by such animal from the park. 9.Riding, parking, or driving (except city maintenance vehicles) any bicycle, tricycle, motorcycle, motor vehicle, skateboard, or rollerblades through the park is prohibited. 10.Arranging temporary structures of any kind (tent, shelter, bulletin boards, posts, poles or signs for advertisement) are prohibited unless written authorization from the Parks and Recreation Director is obtained. Commented [MT17]: Removed Commented [MT18]: Removed 6 Leif Hansen Memorial Park Policies and Procedures Page 1 of 3 STATEMENT OF POLICY AND PROCEDURES LEIF HANSEN MEMORIAL PARK Council Adopted 1990 The City of Kenai, acting upon the wishes of the public, established a park whereby the community is able to have planted a tree, shrub, or flowers in memory of a loved one, either living or passed. The park was named for a young man who contributed much to the community, however, the park is open for anyone desiring to commemorate their own loved one. The City Council hereby establishes Policies and Procedures for the implementation of the planting of the park to ensure the longest life of the planting and the uniform distribution which will enhance the individual material planted and the park as a whole PLANTING/PLAQUE PLACEMENT POLICIES 1. The Kenai City Council has approved a design for the Memorial Park and all planting will be done in accordance with the plan and the suggested list of planting materials 2.Any requests for deviation from the plan or planting materials shall be reviewed by Council prior to placement. 3.Plaques must be uniform due to the dimensions of the spaces in the sidewalk and of the same materials (black granite), however, the wording and logos are up to the individual. Any inappropriately worded plaques of an objectionable nature will be removed. 4.All materials which are planted in the Park are to be done by a licensed landscaper. The City will maintain the materials after the material is planted by the landscaper. The landscaper has agreed to guarantee the material for one year. The City will not guarantee any planting done by individuals nor beyond the one year guarantee. 5.Future program expansion will include the development of the fountain to include red memorial bricks that may be purchased by participants. 6.As was originally intended, trees and/or shrubs planted in the park are intended to serve as a living memorial to those who passed on. 7. Subject to the Kenai City Council approval, large group memorials may be placed at the locations identified on the site plan under the following guidelines: a.Rock shall not exceed 4’ x 4’ in dimension; b.Rock shall be indigenous to the local area; c.Site shall not exceed 6’ x 6’ unless otherwise approved by the Parks and Recreation Director; d.Site shall be lined with plastic edging, weed fabric, and bark; and, e. Individual(s) making the request must cover all expenses. 8.Future planning will also include a Memorial Wall to be located at the location indicated on the site plan. The Memorial Wall will include plaques that may be purchased by participants. 9.No miscellaneous items, i.e. trinkets, windsocks, mementos, additional planting material, etc., shall be installed within Leif Hansen Memorial Park. All such items left are subject to removal by Parks personnel. 7 Leif Hansen Memorial Park Policies and Procedures Page 2 of 3 PLANTING/PLAQUE PLACEMENT PROCEDURES 1. Any person desiring to plant a memorial planting material, please contact the City Clerk. The City Clerk will assist with the selection of location and material to be planted. A design is available for selection for placement and a suggested list of materials is also available from the City Clerk. 2. The City Clerk will assist in the selection of the working of the plaque. The plaque will be placed by Parks and Recreation personnel at the desired location. 3. Upon receipt of the cost of the plaque and planting material, the City Clerk will place the order at the appropriate time (if the order is received during the planting season, the order will be made upon receipt. If the order is received during the months when planting is inappropriate, the order will be assembled and held until spring.) 4. The landscaper and the Parks and Recreation personnel will handle all required work done in the park. The landscaper guarantees planting for one year. Parks and Recreation personnel will maintain the planting thereafter. LEIF HANSEN MEMORIAL PARK RESERVATION INFORMATION GENERAL POLICY STATEMENT Leif Hansen Memorial Park, while not in use for Park Department sponsored or co- sponsored activities, will be made available for a deposit to groups for weddings and memorial services. Groups just be non-profit/non-commercial and operate within park rules and regulations. Park reservations are on a first-paid, first-served basis. GUIDELINES 1. Reservations for park use for the upcoming summer can be made at the Kenai Recreation Center beginning March 1. All reservations must be made in person. A refundable deposit of $200 must be made to secure the reservation. If damages exceed the deposit amount, the group or individual sponsoring the event agrees to fully reimburse the City of Kenai for costs of repair. The date is reserved when payment is received and reservations must be made at least three (3) days in advance. 2. The reservation area consists of all physical characteristics of the park (frontage park sign, gazebo, water fountain, veteran’s memorial, lawn, sidewalks/memorial plaques, trees/shrubs and flower plantings.) 3. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ARE PROHIBITED. 4. A copy of the reservation must be in the applicant’s possession when using the facility. 5. Cancellations must be made at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance of the reservation date. Allow at least three (3) weeks for return of deposit. 8 Leif Hansen Memorial Park Policies and Procedures Page 3 of 3 6.User will leave the facility in the same condition as when they arrived. All cleaning must be accomplished immediately following the event. 7.An adult must be present at all times. 8.A dog brought into the park must be on a leash. Any person with a dog will be responsible for both the conduct of the animal and for removal of feces deposited by such animal from the park. 9.Riding, parking, or driving (except city maintenance vehicles) any bicycle, tricycle, motorcycle, motor vehicle, skateboard, or rollerblades through the park is prohibited. 10.Arranging temporary structures of any kind (tent, shelter, bulletin boards, posts, poles or signs for advertisement) are prohibited unless written authorization from the Parks and Recreation Director is obtained. 9