We continue to want to work with the city. Our plan includes providing brand-new, state-of-the-art playground equipment and surfacing with a location that serves the needs of all visitors by preserving the open green space, the shade, and the waterfront view. We have over 1000 signatures in favor of our plan!
Tomorrow, we have a meeting scheduled with Park’s Director, Rachel, the City Manager, Victor, Mayor Bugera, and possibly other city council members. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss Park Director Rachel’s questions listed below.
Recap of recent initiatives:
Monday, March 20, 2023, City Council Meeting
Harbor Springs community leader and member of our advocacy, Tim Patton, presented our plan to Harbor Springs City Council. The presentation was generally well received. By consensus vote, Council sent the proposal back to city staff and the Parks and Recreation Board for review and recommendation.
In closing, Mayor Bugera stated, “This is a great opportunity for the town and a really nice playground. Let’s push it forward.”
The Council meeting minutes (pages 4-5):
The recording of the meeting (starting at 1:39:33):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ELHMWa-Aks&t=6027s
Tuesday, March 21, 2023, Parks and Recreation Meeting
Playground expert Doug Smith attended the meeting and meticulously answered questions about the equipment and surfacing. One committee member strongly stated that we should preserve green space and that perhaps no playground should be installed. While another member seemed resigned to only finding faults in the plan, unwilling to consider options, and openly displayed her discontent. After a lengthy discussion, it was determined that Parks Director Rachel would follow up with Advocates for Zorn Park with questions. Additionally, Rachel indicated that this playground decision would be up to her and DPW Director to recommend to the City Council, and it will not go back to the Parks and Recreation board for a vote.
Promising hopes of collaboration between the City and Advocates for Zorn Park, Mayor Bugera closed the meeting by stating, “Let’s get something positive done or do nothing at all.”
The recording of the meeting ( starting at 55:57):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erLa6Hag1Rk
Wednesday, March 22, 2023, Park Director Rachel’s follow-up questions via email and our responses ( in red):
Would the advocacy group be willing to add swings to their proposal?
Doug suggested a see-saw with the same oscillatory movement as a swing, requiring significantly less space for the fall zone. Doug designed this unit to target two age groups, with the thought of an authentic playground experience for motor, social, and sensory development. The one single slide and side pieces focus on ages 2-5, and the double slide side focuses on ages 5-12. Yet the unit is connected, allowing free play across the equipment, and caters to children with disabilities. The color and components, as proposed, are not set in stone and can be designed to meet the community's needs best.
Would the advocacy group be willing to pay for the sidewalk to go around playground and fencing for parking lot? Parks would need to be able to add benches in the concrete and tables around structure.
Sidewalks - to preserve green space yet meet ADA accessibility requirements, we did not incorporate the need for additional concrete walkways. We would want a better understanding of where you would like increased sidewalks, but we will leave the option open.
Fencing – Once the final location is determined, let's look at the pros and cons of fencing.
Would the advocacy group be willing to discuss removing some of the older equipment and creating a smaller footprint in the original location? Or donating for new equipment in a location other than proposed in groups presentation?
As Tim Patton mentioned at the City Council meeting, we are open to accommodating changes within our location. We planned this location because it preserves green space, shade, and unobstructed views of the waterfront.
Would the advocacy group be willing to forgo the turf to spend more money on equipment? I'm assuming here that the turf is the bulk of the cost.
Not sure what additional equipment needs you are referring to, but we are striving to have the best surface for safety and access for all children, a natural look, and the lowest ongoing maintenance and cost to the city.