HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-05-01 Parks & Recreation Packet - Work SessionParks & Recreation Commission Work Session Page 1 of 1
May 1, 2025
Kenai Parks & Recreation Commission
Work Session – Leif Hansen Park Policy Update
May 1, 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/KWYMhHGPSDSJpnK0U5trFQ
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**
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MEMORANDUM
TO: Chair Wisniewski and Parks & Recreation Commission
FROM: Meghan Thibodeau, Deputy City Clerk
Tyler Best, Parks & Recreation Director
DATE: April 23, 2025
SUBJECT: Leif Hansen Memorial Park Policy Update
The Parks & Recreation Commission held a work session on April 3, 2025 to review proposed
changes for a revised Leif Hansen Memorial Park Policy, and requested a second work session
to review a finalized draft of the policy prior to their regular meeting.
The draft policy is attached, and includes all proposed changes outlined in the March 12, 2025
memo provided in the April 3, 2025 and May 1, 2025 work session meeting packets. The draft
policy also includes further proposed updates, which are listed below for your consideration:
•Clarification on “inappropriately worded plaques of an objectionable nature”: At the April
3, 2025 work session, Commissioners suggested clarifying how inappropriate or
objectionable content may be determined while keeping the policy language open-ended
and nonspecific. Staff reviewed cemetery policies from other municipalities and consulted
with the City Attorney to develop the revised language now included in the
Commemorative Plaques section.
•Commemorative Installations instead of Memorials: The original policy permitted plantings
“in memory of a loved one, either living or passed,” but later referred to such plantings as
“a living memorial to those who passed on.” While it is generally expected that
commemorations honor those who have passed, the original language does not explicitly
prohibit tributes to living individuals. To better reflect this, the Clerk’s Office recommends
replacing the term ‘Memorial’ with ‘Commemorative Installation’ throughout the policy.
•Changes to Prohibited section: Staff reviewed Kenai Municipal Code and current on-site
signage to align the policy with existing park rules:
o “Alcoholic Beverages are Prohibited” revised to better reflect provisions in KMC
2.25.010 – Prohibited in Certain Places.
o “An adult must be present at all times” removed.
o “Riding, parking, or driving…any bicycle, tricycle…skateboard, or rollerblades
through the park” prohibition removed.
o “No excessive noise or loud music” added.
o “Camping is not permitted” added.
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Following this work session, additional changes may be introduced as amendments at the
Commission’s regular meeting.
Attachments:
•March 12, 2025 Memo to Parks & Recreation Commission with original proposed changes to
policy (from 4/3/2025 work session)
•Draft 2025 Policy – Leif Hansen Memorial Park
•Original 2001 Statement of Policy and Procedures, Leif Hansen Memorial Park
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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
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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.
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PRK – 70.001 KENAI MUNICIPAL CEMETERY REGULATIONS & FEE SCHEDULE
Effective Date: Pending Page 1 of 3
CITY OF KENAI
PRK – 70.002
LEIF HANSEN MEMORIAL PARK POLICY
PRK – 70.002 LEIF HANSEN MEMORIAL PARK POLICY
Purpose
Leif Hansen Memorial Park was established by the City of Kenai to provide a place where
community members can honor loved ones with permanent commemorative installations and
plantings. Named for a young man who contributed much to the Kenai community, the park is
open to all who wish to create a lasting tribute.
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines and operational rules for the administration of
the Leif Hansen Memorial Park. These regulations apply to all persons utilizing the park and are
intended to promote long-term plant health, ensure uniform development, and enhance the overall
appearance of the park.
Administration and General Provisions
Hours of Operation: The Leif Hansen Memorial Park is open year-round for pedestrian traffic.
Operating Hours are 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m., Monday-Sunday.
Fees: All fees shall be as set forth in the City’s schedule of fees adopted by the City Council.
Forms for reserving and ordering commemorative plaques and plantings are available at the City
Clerk’s Office, 210 Fidalgo Ave., Kenai. Payment is due in full at the time of purchase. If the
purchase of a commemorative location reservation is intended for a future use, any difference in
cost for the plaque must be paid in full by the purchaser before the plaque is ordered.
Re-sell or re-assign: It is prohibited for the purchaser of a commemorative space to re-sell or re-
assign except to the City.
Records: The City Clerk shall maintain records of all purchases made within the Leif Hansen
Memorial Park. The record shall include all files and maps.
Park Reservations: Reservation of Leif Hansen Memorial Park facilities are coordinated through
the Parks & Recreation Department.
The City of Kenai shall take reasonable precaution to protect all commemorative installations
within the Leif Hansen Memorial Park from loss or damage but expressly disclaims any
responsibility for loss or damage.
Permanent Commemorative Installations
Commemorative Sidewalk Plaques
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PRK – 70.001 KENAI MUNICIPAL CEMETERY REGULATIONS & FEE SCHEDULE
Effective Date: Pending Page 2 of 3
CITY OF KENAI
PRK – 70.002
LEIF HANSEN MEMORIAL PARK POLICY
Commemorative plaques are set along the walkways throughout Leif Hansen Memorial Park,
creating a walkable experience to honor community members.
Forms for reserving locations and ordering commemorative plaques are available at the City
Clerk’s Office, where staff will assist with design and ordering. While wording and logos may be
personalized, plaques must conform to standard size and material requirements (black granite)
to match existing markers and plaque space specifications. Inappropriate content, as determined
by the City in conformance with applicable law, will not be permitted on any commemorative
plaques.
Once completed, plaques are installed at the selected location by Parks and Recreation
personnel.
Commemorative Rocks
Designated areas of Leif Hansen Memorial Park are reserved for large rocks intended for group
commemorations. Forms for reserving commemorative rock spaces are available at the City
Clerk’s Office. Applications must adhere to 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.
Commemorative Plants and Landscaping
As originally intended, trees and/or shrubs planted in Leif Hansen Memorial Park serve as living
tributes to honor beloved community members.
Commemorative Planting Requests: Forms for reserving and ordering commemorative plantings
are available at the City Clerk’s Office, where individuals may be assisted with the selection of
approved planting materials. Upon receipt of payment, the City Clerk will place the order for the
planting to be installed during an appropriate season.
Due to space constraints, only specific areas within the park can accommodate commemorative
trees or shrubs. Requests for commemorative plantings will be evaluated based on available
space as determined by the Parks & Recreation Director.
Planting and Maintenance: All materials planted in the park will be installed by the Parks and
Recreation Department. The health of the plant material will be guaranteed for one year after
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PRK – 70.001 KENAI MUNICIPAL CEMETERY REGULATIONS & FEE SCHEDULE
Effective Date: Pending Page 3 of 3
CITY OF KENAI
PRK – 70.002
LEIF HANSEN MEMORIAL PARK POLICY
installation. Following this period, the Parks and Recreation Department will provide ongoing
maintenance of the commemorative plantings.
The City will not provide any guarantees for plantings beyond the first year after installation. If a
tree or shrub dies, Parks staff may remove it. A replacement planting may be ordered through the
Clerk’s Office subject to approval by the Parks & Recreation Department.
Prohibited
No miscellaneous items, i.e. trinkets, windsocks, mementos, etc., shall be installed within Leif
Hansen Memorial Park. All such items left are subject to removal by the Parks & Recreation
Department.
Unauthorized planting of trees, shrubs, flowers, or any other vegetation is prohibited. All plantings
must be arranged through the approved application process and will be installed by the Parks &
Recreation Department.
Alcoholic beverages may not be consumed in the park, unless obtained from a holder of a caterer’s
permit, special events permit, or recreational site license issued by the State of Alaska.
No excessive noise or loud music.
Pets must be leashed. Any person bringing a pet into the park is responsible for its behavior and
waste removal.
Driving or parking any motor vehicle (except city maintenance vehicles) within the park is prohibited.
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.
Camping is not permitted.
Effective Date Description of Changes
Pending Initial policy approved
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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.
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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.
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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.
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