04-16-24 - PTRC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee – April 16, 2024 Page 8 Recreation Supervisor Johnson stated the City has GIS software which tracks the locations of donated benches but he is not sure if all of the benches are in fact accounted for. He said the PTRC could plan a route first and then determine where the current benches are in order to decide where future benches are needed. Committee Member Rogers indicated that they don’t have a map of the trails that is accurate. Committee Member Jacobson stated she understood Recreation Supervisor Johnson was suggesting that they provide a bench route indicating where they want to see benches placed. She thought this was an interesting way to look at it and they would be able to determine which route(s) gets used a lot. Then they would confirm if there are benches on that route already. Youth Committee Member Edgar stated there are a lot of benches along the Hazelnut loop and that her grandma walks that route, noting it was nice for her to use the benches. She suggested placing benches at other locations that have a similar walking loop. Recreation Supervisor Johnson noted there is a trail map though it may not 100% updated, so we know where the trails are. He also referenced the GIS software which has recorded the locations of at least the donated benches. He said a majority of benches are placing in park settings, next to a playground or looking out over a baseball diamond for example. He asked the PTRC to make a recommendation of a location such as a trail loop. Chair Anderson said unless there is an objection, this discussion was more informational. She said this topic could be tabled or put on the list for 2025 and be revisited in the future when the group looks to finalize the 2025 plan. Committee Member Olson noted the group has ideas, but it is more how to sort the list and how to make the idea happen and when. Committee Member Jacobson asked if trail projects come with benches. Recreation Supervisor Johnson replied this was probably not the case. MOTION: Committee Member Johnson moved and Committee Member Committee Member Olson seconded a motion to move the bench initiative to 2025. The motion carried (9-0). Committee Member Dietz stated the benches should be facing a nice view. He noted while resting on the bench, he would like a sit-spot to have a view. Youth Committee Member Edgar said to her the point of a bench is to rest because not every spot along the route will have a nice view.