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AGENDA
PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD
MEETING
7:00 P.M. L.D. LOCKETT PARK
JANUARY 14, 1991 315 L.D. LOCKETT DRIVE
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. APPROVAL OF JANUARY 3, 1991 MINUTES
III. OLD BUSINESS
} A. DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION TO football FACILITIES AT
COLLEYVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL
B. DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF PARK ORDINANCES
C. DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF PURCHASING BLEACHERS
THROUGH THE VOLUNTARY PARK FUND
} D. DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF PARKING IMPROVEMENTS
TO CITY PARK
IV. NEW BUSINESS
A. DISCUSSION OF THE LITTLE AND BIG BEAR CREEK FLOODWAY/
FLOOD PLAINS AS THEY PERTAIN TO PARKS
B. PRESENTATION BY CHANDLER-CANTREL L, INC. - PUD"S AND PARKS
V. COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. PARKS AND RECREATION
B. PARK BOARD CHAIRMAN
C. OTHER COMMITTEES
VI. OTHER CONCERNS
VII. ADJOURN
P.O. BOX 185 COLLEYVILLE, TEXAS 76034 (817) 281-4044
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PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD
MINUTES
JANUARY 3, 1991
I. CALL TO ORDER
The Regular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
was called to order at 7:10 P.M. on Thursday, January 3, 1991.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Chairman Alan Linford, Paul Vigiletti, Gail Mills,
Mary Lou Brieger, Cheryl Livingston, Lila Coley and Nick Martine.
David Fain, Parks and Recreation Coordinator and Sharon Curry,
Recreation Supervisor were also present.
ABSENT: Dawn Quinby
SPECIAL GUESTS: City Council Members Cheryl Feigel and Ed Mc
Knight; .City Manager Robert Stripling, David Tipton and Roger
Jackson
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Gail Mills made a motion to approve the minutes of the December
3, 1990 meeting as presented; Mary Lou Breiger seconded. The
motion was approved by a unamious voice vote.
III. NEW BUSINESS
A. DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF A CREATIVE PLAY AREA
Council Member Cheryl Feigel made a presentation to the
Board regarding a Creative Playground outlining the team
spirit, cooperation, socialization and enthusiasm created
in communities that have participated in these programs.
She proposed the City put together this type system with
the Board's role being to decide if a site is available;
open up the plan and let the volunteers come forward and
carry the ball. She suggested the Bransford Road property
as a possible site. David Fain presented pictures of the
Keller playground for the Board's review. Chairman Linford
suggested Board members schedule a trip to the Keller site
prior to the next meeting.
NO ACTION TAKEN
P.O. BOX 185 COLLEYVILLE, TEXAS 76034 (817) 281-4044
B. DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS TO
FOOTBALL FIELDS AT COLLEYVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL
David Fain presented a proposal from the Colleyville Football
Association for improvements to football ball field. The
proposal included the Association moving out of City Park
and utilizing the current football field and expanding to
an additional field at CMS at an estimated cost of $10,800.
The Board had several concerns that an Association
representative would need to address. As no representative
was present, Chairman Linford recommended this item be tabled
until the next meeting when a representative could make
a presentation to address the Board's concerns.
NO ACTION TAKEN
IV. OLD BUSINESS
Chairman Linford recommended moving to item C.
C. DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF NO PLAY ON SUNDAY AT
CITY PARK.
Mr. Tipton and Roger Jackson were present to address the
Board regarding lighting and league play at City Park.
Mr. Tipton wants the Board to consider not allowing league
on Sundays or after 10:00 P.M. weekdays. Roger Jackson
stated that he is in favor of setting limits, it is a city
park and league play should be allowed on Sundays, within
specific time frames. Due to the number of players leagues
may have to play on Sundays to meet the needs; it should
be left open as a last resort. He suggested putting timers
on the lights to address the problem of lights being left
on past 10:00 P.M. Mr. Tipton feels the park should be
1 available for general play; the neighbors put up with a
lot of noise and inconvenience; they would like one day
of peace and quiet.
David Fain stated the Facilities Use Agreement states games
and practices will be completed ~by 10:00 P.M.; lights out
by 10:15.
Cheryl Livingston made a motion to amend the Facilities
Use Agreement, Section 2 J, to read "regularly scheduled
athletic league games will not be played on Sundays without
the prior written approval of the Parks and Recreation
Coordinator after all other avenues have been exhausted.
Mary Lou Brieger seconded the motion.
VOTE: AYES: Paul Yigiletti, Mary Lou Brieger, Gail Mills,
Cheryl Livingston and Lila Coley
j NOES: Nick Martine
V. REPORTS
A. PARKS AND RECREATION
David Fain reported on the youth basketball program; explained
the NYSCA Coach's Certification program; reported the slide
at Sparger Park has been raised and a new office and storage
area have been bui 1 t i n the Parks office and i nvi ted members
to drop by and look at them.
B. PARKS BOARD CHAIRMAN
Chairman Linford reported the City Manager and City Attorney
are actively working on the Interlocal Agreement with GCISD.
The Park Land Dedication Ordinance is in P & Z and will
be worked on either the 14th or 28th.
The Landscape Ordinance will be on the P & Z work session
on the 14th.
New Board members are scheduled to be interviewed by the
City Council on the 14th and appointed on the 22nd.
PUD - two steps, increase minimum lot size
Tree Preservation Ordinance will not be adopted by the January
Arbor Day; by April is possible. Mary Lou Brieger asked
to pursue.
P~atatorium Sub Committee-requested to wait until new members
are appointed.
Reported the City Council is acting on approval of $850,000
in Certificates of Obligation for park land acquisition.
(David Fain reported land purchase was discussed at the
Association President's meeting. Jim Hoff will draft a
letter to the City Council recommending they pursue land
acquisition; it will be presented to the Board first.)
Reported the Arlington Baseball sign up information contains
the statement "No child will be prevented from participating
for economic reasons. Full scholarships are available."
Recommended Associations be encouraged to include this policy
and to include it for all city programs.
Webb House-ultimate use needs to be decided and a feasibility
study completed.
C. OTHER COMMITTEES
No reports
A. DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF PARKING IMPROVEMENTS TO
CITY PARK
David Fain reported there was no update available on the
parking improvements. A book has been ordered to assist
with the planning of this project and has not yet been
received.
Chairman Linford suggested banning parking on both sides
of City Park Drive; securing an agreement with the Church
to utilize their parking lot; adding a crosswalk with flashing
lights and reducing the speed limit on Bransford to 20mph
within the park boundaries. Approximately 250 to 300 parking
spaces are needed; the new plan will incorporate approximately
280 spaces.
Mary Lou Brieger made a motion to recommend the City ban
parking along both sides of City Park Drive and reduce the
speed limit to 20 m.p.h. on Bransford Road. Cheryl
Livingston seconded the motion.
VOTE AYES: Paul Vigiletti, Gail Mills, Nick Martine,
Mary Lou Brieger, Cheryl Livingston
NOES: NONE
B. DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF CITY PARK MASTER PLAN
The location of the playgrounds was discussed along with
the possibility of adding a small play area near the
concession stand if safety issues can be addressed; expanding
the jogging trail and expanding the infields from 190' to
200'. Chairman Linford stated that based on current inflation
the cost is increasing approximately $200,000 per year.
He suggested finding ways to cut costs without hurting the
integrity of the plan.
NICK Martine made a motion to approve the City Park Master
Plan as presented. Gail Mills seconded the motion.
VOTE AYES: Paul Vigiletti, Gail Mills, Nick Martine,
Mary Lou Brieger, Cheryl Livingston
NOES: None
D. DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF PARK ORDINANCES
Nick Martine moved to table this item for further discussion.
Chairman Linford recommended Board members review the
information and write down comments for discussion at the
next meeting.
NO ACTION TAKEN
VI. OTHER CONCERNS
No other concerns to address
VII. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business Paul Vigiletti made a motion
to adjourn at 10:00 P.M. Nick Martine seconded the motion
which was approved by a unanimous voice vote.
THE NEXT MEETING IS SET FOR MONDAY, JANUARY 14 at 7:00 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted:
~ Davi Fain P ks and Recreation Coordinator
APPROVED ON:
TO: PARKS BOARD
FROM: Cheryl Feigel
DATE: December 20, 1990
Many of our surrounding communities have participated in a very exciting
project, as is being done all across the Country, utilizing volunteers in the
community to assemble predesigned wooden playground systems. Enclosed you
will find additional information about one of the systems available. I would
like to suggest that the Parks Board consider the possibility of organizing such
an effort in Colleyville. I would be happy to help in any way to promote this
idea. I have participated in one of these projects where parents in the
community actually constructed five separate playgrounds coordinated all in
one weekend. The community spirit and team effort started building over a
period of several months as we designed the systems, worked with the City,
solicited the volunteers and generated enthusiasm within the community. The
project culminated as everyone came together at five different sites on one
weekend for assembly of the playgrounds. Everyone was involved from
children to grandparents. A tremendous party atmosphere was apparent as
volunteers from one site visited another site and for one weekend all segments
of the community came together for a common cause - that of our children.
The playground systems were a wonderful byproduct of a project that brought
the entire community together.
Citizens of Keller just completed such a project and they are enthusiastic about
sharing their very positive experience. Other similar systems exist within the
Metroplex that we could also visit. I would suggest that if the Parks Board is
receptive to this idea that the following steps be considered.
• Parks Board would designate a site within the Parks System.
• Parks Board would establish a committee through newspaper ads, personal
contacts, PTA, Home Owners Associations, etc.
• Committee would research options, identify funding needs and possible
resources.
• Committee would report back to Parks Board with recommendations.
• Once project is approved by City, the committee would recruit volunteers,
organize and implement the project.
One of my personal goals of community service is to encourage volunteerism. I
have worked for many years as a volunteer and have seen a level of
professionalism and committment in volunteers matching that of any paid
employee, particularily when their children are the benefactors of their
efforts. I will continue to encourage the City of Colleyville to tap into what I
believe is a gold mine of talent in this community and I would encourage the
Parks Board to seriously consider this resource as you continue to build the
parks and recreation program to meet the needs of our citizens.
Robert S. Leathers and
Associates...Architects PC
PREPARING FOR AND DOING A DESIGN DAY
1/10
Design Day is the official kick off of the community effort that will result in a quality play area for your
community. On Design Day, the lay-out and detail of your playground begin to take shape as a result
of the collaboration between the architect's representative and your community. Throughout the day,
s/he meets with the children, parents, and school or community officials to gather input for the design
of the new play area. A schematic design is completed, and the day's efforts end with the
presentation of the design at an evening community meeting.
However, the process does not start on Design Day but several weeks or months earlier. This outline
lists the general procedure followed in preparing for and doing a Design Day.
THE COMMITTEE
In preparation for Design Day, a committee of 12 to 25 adults should be formed. Selection of
these people should be made carefully, because the success of the project depends upon
them. One person on this committee will serve as the General Coordinator, or two people may
work together as co-coordinators. The other committee members will act as coordinators for
the following areas (Note that many times it is desirable and easier to have two people head
an area): donated materials, purchased materials, tools, fundraising, public relations, volunteers,
food, childcare, and children's committee. You must have all individual coordinators assigned
before Design Day. During the first few weeks following the Design Day, the General,
Children's, Public Relations, Donated Materials, and Fundraising Coordinators are most
important. It is very important that the committee members represent a diversified cross section
of the community. 50% to 70% of the committee should be parents of 2-13 year olds. At least
two members should be a teacher, principal, or active PTA person in one of the elementary
schools. Never should any one segment of the community such as Kiwanis, Rotary or one
church group account for more than 30% of the committee. At least 50% of the committee
must be female. In forming the committee the following qualifications should be considered in
searching out the heads for different areas:
1.1 GENERAL COORDINATOR(S)
The General Coordinator will determine the success of the project more than any other
single aspect of the process. He/she must be willing to make the project a priority, if
necessary setting aside other commitments to work on playground organization. In
addition, he/she must be able to arrange his/her daily schedule to allow time for frequent
contact with other coordinators. We recommend that the General Coordinator not be
a community head such as Mayor, District Attorney, Park and Recreation Department
head or employee, school principal or superintendent. Their positions in the community
detract from the grassroots appeal, and the constraints placed on their time by their
already busy schedules don't leave the necessary time for the demands of organizing
a playground project. One other requirement is that the General Coordinator be a
person who can be very tactful with others and who has not already made enemies of
local people. This is a big job; frequently two people share the responsibility as co-
coordinators. Typically the first task of the General Coordinator(s) is to recruit the other
coordinators before Design Day.
99 Eastlake Road, Ithaca, New York, 14850
(607) 277-1650
Robert . S. Leathers and
Associates...Architects PC
PREPARING FOR AND DOING A DESIGN DAY
2/10
1.2 DONATED MATERIALS
This person, or preferably two people, should not work in the construction industry. This
coordinator must have very flexible daytime (8-5) hours and will be more successful if
he or she is not familiar with construction processes or materials. This person must
have the ability to scrounge and be someone who will not take no for an answer.
1.3 PURCHASED MATERIALS
An individual familiar with buying practices and the network of companies supplying
materials is the sort of person who should head this area, i.e. a contractor, builder,
hardware store or lumber yard employee.
1.4 CHILDREN'S COMMITTEE
Two people who are very good with children should be the heads of this committee.
It is helpful if one is a current or ex-teacher in the local school system.
1.5 PUBLIC RELATIONS
One person with some experience in some aspect of media should head this. Be sure
to arrange media coverage of Design Day--a not-to-be-missed opportunity for newspaper,
TV and radio coverage.
1.6 FUNDRAISING
One person is needed to coordinate this area with several individual assistants who take
charge of particular fundraisers. As many as 4 to 6 individuals should be on this
committee before Design Day.
1.7 TOOLS
Two people, one of whom has at least working knowledge of tools, should share this
responsibility.
1.8 VOLUNTEERS
This is a crucial committee; the playground can't be built without volunteers throughout
the process. One or two people will coordinate the efforts of many others, particularly
during the last stages of the process when it is necessary to personally contact
community residents to secure commitments of volunteer workers. Often there will be
two coordinators: one to obtain individual commitments and one to contact groups.
1.9 FOOD
One person needs to secure and organize the food for feeding the workers on
construction weekend. This person need not be a professional in the food preparation
industry.
1.10 CHILDCARE
Two people are necessary to arrange activities for children and coordinate/supervise
childcare during construction weekend.
99 Eastlake Road, Ithaca, New York, 14850 (607) 277-1650
Robert . S. Leathers ar~d
Associates...Architects PC
PREPARING FOR AND DOING A DESIGN DAY
3/10
2. COMMUNITY OBSTACLES
Prior to scheduling a Design Day with our office, it is wise to anticipate some of the obstacles
that may impede or prevent you from doing your project. Building inspectors, school
administrators, school board members, city officials, neighboring property owners, and any other
concerned citizens should be contacted to ascertain what, if any, opposition to the project there
might be, and to find out if there are any application or permit procedures that must be
complied with. It's a good idea to deal with these issues from the beginning.
3. THE SITE
Before scheduling a Design Day it is necessary to locate a site or potential sites upon which
to build your project. A good site is necessary to maximize community use. If the playground
is to be used as a city or town park, the site should not be remote. Locate it in an area that
is targeted for development. If possible, incorporate the play structure with other recreational
facilities such as ballfields, swimming areas and landscaped picnic areas. The site should be
easily seen from adjacent properties and streets in order to discourage vandalism.
If at a school, the site should interface, but not interfere, with adjacent uses, so that both the
playground and playing fields can be easily supervised. We strongly discourage dividing the
playground equipment, i.e. K through 2 near one side of the school and 3 and up at another
location. Playgrounds function best when they provide a continous integrated play experience
for all ages within a single location. The design can be zoned with separate areas for different
age groups.
The site should be as flat as possible (maximum allowable slope is 3%) with good drainage.
It should be away from vehicular traffic but accessible to parking. If the site is near roads,
railways, woods, water or any other area that children could inadvertently run into, we will need
to fence the adjacent edge of the playground. We can work around existing trees, and in fact,
a few trees on site may provide needed shade.
Play equipment cannot be located on a hard surface, therefore, existing asphalt or concrete
must be removed prior to Organization Day unless your community chooses to cover the area
with rubber safety surfacing material. Even though play equipment cannot be located on
asphalt, it is frequently located close to a hard surface play area to provide best results.
The size of the overall area will be determined on Design Day based on the characteristics of
the site,'the space available, and the number of children expected to use it. The average area
used is 10,000 square feet with 4,000 square feet being small and 20,000 square feet large.
If any of the potential sites have sloped areas, notify and discuss with the architect. We may
need a survey before Design Day.
Be prepared that two weeks after Design Day the office must receive a topographical survey
of the site, unless your designer tells you otherwise on Design Day. This survey should be at
ascale of 1 /8" = 1'-0". It should show contour lines at one foot intervals and accurately locate
north, any trees, retaining walls, underground utilities, overhead electric lines within 50 feet of
the playground, roads, asphalt, concrete, drainage ditches, and permanent structures of play
equipment that may remain. Try to get this donated. Pictures in addition to the survey are
helpful.
99 Eastlake Road, Ithaca, New York, 14850 (607) 277-1650
Robert . S. Leathers and
Associates...Architects PC
PREPARING FOR AND DOING A DESIGN DAY
4/10
If you have chosen your site, then it would be helpful for us to receive a survey prior to Design
Day. However, talk with us before ordering one, so we can help troubleshoot any potential
problems that would disqualify the site you've selected.
If any site work is required, such as regrading, removing trees and stumps, etc., this must be
completed by Organization Day. After Design Day your designer will determine the extent of
site work. We may require a survey of the finished work.
Before Design Day, the General Coordinator, principal, director of buildings and grounds, and
P.E. teachers should review potential sites for the new play area, keeping in mind the above
criteria. For instance, the relationship to existing ballfields, other play areas, slope of land,
access from school and any potential conflicts with vehicular traffic should be considered in
regard to the proposed play area site. The committee should select their preferred site but be
open to change given the architect's input on Design Day. The owner should be consulted and
approval of potential locations and concept obtained. The final site will be selected on the
morning of Design Day. Since the decision must be made by 10:00 a.m., any individuals
wanting input to that decision should attend the 8:00 a.m. meeting.
4. UTILITIES
Building over underground utilities or under overhead utility lines can be not only difficult but
many times impossible. As soon as a likely site is identified, verify what utilities might be there.
Many times it is possible to work around one or two utility lines, but it might be impossible to
build on a site Criss-crossed by many utilities. It is the General Coordinator's responsibility to
have all utility companies check all underground and overhead utilities i.e. gas, electric,
telephone, sewers, water lines, septic, sprinklers, drain the and T.V. cable.
All services should be clearly marked on the ground with stakes or spray paint prior to Design
Day. Depths of underground utilities and allowable clearances necessary under overhead
utilities must be ascertained from city or county officials. Do not rely on school or town
maintenance records for information. Any site plans or surveys of the proposed building area
should be made available to the architect no later than 8:00 a.m. Design Day. However, do
not rely solely on these plans to locate utilities since these plans are not accurate as to exact
locations. Have utility companies do actual field measuring and marking on the ground of all
utilities.
5. OTHER SITE CONFLICTS
5.1 Be sure the use proposed for the site does not interfere with other adjacent uses (i.e.
the site should not be located outside the windows of the school library or close to
classrooms).
5.2 Check all adjacent buildings for proposed or possible additions and conflicts with same.
5.3 Check all zoning or other municipal requirements regarding set backs, use restrictions,
material restrictions, historic and design regulations.
99 Eastlake Road, Ithaca, New York, 14850 (607) 277-1650
Robert . S. Leathers grid
Associates...Architects PC
PREPARING FOR AND DOING A DESIGN DAY
5/10
6. SCHEDULING A DESIGN DAY
Once your core committee is formed, the site selected, and necessary approvals obtained,
you're ready to schedule a Design Day with our office. To do this, send a letter stating that
you'd like to schedule a Design Day and giving the following information:
If the playground is at a school: number of children in the school and grades.
If the playground is at a community park or other non-school location: number of schools
to be involved in Design Day; number of children at each school and grades.
For all projects: background information on the community such as: population; socio-
economic level; rural, suburban or urban environment; geographic location; etc. A description
of the site (written, photos, or a site plan) is useful. If you have a general idea of the schedule
you'd like to follow (for example, design in the fall and build the next spring), please inform us
of that. (This is tentative, but helps us at least begin scheduling.) Also let us know what
you've done to date: is your core committee together? have all approvals been obtained?
have you done any fundraising yet? etc.
Upon receipt of this letter, your name is added to our list of projects, and we begin working
on scheduling a Design Day.
7. CHILDREN'S PARTICIPATION
7.1 CHILDREN'S COMMITTEE
The children on this committee are selected before Design Day to represent their
classrooms (or schools if more than one school is involved). The purpose of this
committee is to help ensure that all children are involved throughout the entire process.
A total of no less than 25 or more than 75 should be on this committee. If the project
is happening at a school, around 25 - 35 children with one or two from each classroom
is most desirable. If the project is a central community project with many schools
involved, approximately 40 - 75 children are desirable representing as many schools as
possible. The process for selecting these children should be as democratic as possible.
One method is to ask which children want to be on the committee, then have interested
children take permission slips home to parents. From signed permission slips, draw
names from a hat.
7.2 SONGS
Before Design Day a special playground choral group should be formed (or this may
be an existing choral group with this new role}. The children in this group write songs
about their new playground or make up playground words to sing with a traditional song
(i.e. "We've been Working on the Playground" to the tune of "I've been Working on the
Railroad" etc.). This song (or songs) is then performed at the evening meeting on
Design Day. The children in this group should be different children than those in the
children's committee. The performance of the song by the children makes for a well
attended Design Day.
99 Eastlake Road, Ithaca, New York, 14850 (607) 277-1650
Robert . S. Leathers ar~d
Associates...Architects PC
PREPARING FOR AND DOING A DESIGN DAY
6/10
7.3 DESIGN IDEAS
Please do not over-prepare the children. Do not show them pictures or slides of other
playgrounds. Instead, prior to Design Day, have them draw pictures or write stories
about their ideal playground. On Design Day the Architect's representative will review
these to get ideas for the playground.
7.4 OBJECTIVE
The children are the secret to this whole process. Involve the children in every and any
way that will be a positive experience for them.
8. PUBLIC RELATIONS
Public Relations is the key to opening many doors for fundraising and donated materials, as
well as for creating the visibility necessary to interest and draw more volunteers. The Design
Day is an excellent opportunity for T.V., radio and newspaper coverage. Have the media come
either when the Architect meets with the children in the classroom or when he or she is drawing
up the design in the cafeteria.
9. HOSPITALITY
The Hospitality Coordinataor is responsible for providing housing (for one or two nights) and
food for the one or two representatives who come from our office for Design Day and
Organization Day, as well as transportation to and from the airport if needed. Any costs related
to this are in addition to the Design Phase fee, Organization Phase fee and appropriate travel
fees. For Design Day and Organization Day, we prefer to stay overnight with a local family
wherever possible, even if you are able to get a motel room donated.
10. DIRECTIONS TO COMMUNITY
The General Coordinator should make sure that, if we are driving to your area, we have
complete driving instructions (a sketch map is useful). We need to receive this no later than
one month before Design Day.
11. THE PLAYGROUND PACKETS
Very detailed information regarding every aspect of the development process is contained in
several packets which are sent to the committee upon receipt of a partial travel retainer deposit.
Since it is desirable to have the whole committee review this material before Design Day, the
sooner the deposit is paid the better. Do not panic when you receive the packets. A lot of
information is included, but it all falls into place if taken one step at a time.
12. DESIGN DAY SCHEDULE
The following schedules should serve as models. Times are subject to some variation however,
and any changes must be discussed with the Architect's office prior to Design Day. Note that
the designer from our office is limited to a total of one hour and 50 minutes to meet with
children in the classrooms (this does not include the time meeting with the Children's
Committee).
99 Eastlake Road, Ithaca, New York, 14850 (607) 277-1650
Robert . S. Leathers ar~d
Associates...Architects PC
PREPARING FOR AND DOING A DESIGN DAY
7/10
Public or Private School Schedule
7:45 a.m. Representative from architect's office arrives at school.
8:00 a.m. Meet with principal, P.E. teachers, 2 or 3 committee coordinators, and custodian
to review day's schedule and discuss playground content. Site options will be
reviewed by the designer and a site will be chosen and measured.
9:00 a.m. Architect sets up and starts laying out drawing of site. We will need a table or
desk with a smooth top (2' x 5' minimum size), electric pencil sharpener and
electric cord set up in cafeteria.
9:10 a.m. Architect will meet with kids, 2 or 3 classrooms at a time, 13 minutes with each
group. (Exactly 13 minutes from starting one group of kids to starting next
group.) Have two classes join with another class, and we will meet in the
classroom. (Do not have meetings take place in a separate room, i.e. cafeteria
or gym.) Two committee people should be available at this time to arrange for
children to gather in one classroom sitting on floor in circle and direct designer
to each classroom and take notes. Schedule may vary slightly when we review
it at 8:15 a.m.
11:00 a.m.- Start drawing up rough schematic design. Cafeteria aides should be notified
12:00 p.m. prior to Design Day that children will be allowed, in groups of 15, to come up
to the table. The designer will describe the plans and secure additional ideas
as two committee people help monitor these meetings. Meetings are just a few
minutes per group. Two or three committee coordinators should be at table to
help designer.
12:00 p.m. Lunch should be provided.
12:15 p.m. Continue drawing schematic design.
2:00 to Meet with Children's Committee. Children's Committee will be involved in several
2:30 p.m. projects related to the playground which will be coordinated with the adult
committee. At this time, we will discuss these projects and may involve the
children in design development. This will vary according to your schedule, so
check with the Architect. Two days before Design Day, each of the selected
children's parents should receive a special invitation to attend the Design Day
evening meeting with their child. The invitation should state that their child has
been selected to represent his/her classroom on this special committee.
3:00 p.m. Meet with teachers and committee. (Time of meeting will vary; the most
convenient time after school for teachers should be chosen.) During the first
10 minutes of the meeting, the designer will review the design with the teachers
and committee members.
99 Eastlake Road, Ithaca, New York, 14850 (607) 277-1650
Robert . S. Leathers and
Associates...Architects PC
PREPARING FOR AND DOING A DESIGN DAY
8/10
3:15 p.m. The committee will remain for the second portion of the meeting to discuss
organizational information, i.e. public relations, fundraising, materials, etc. Review
with committee ends at 5:15 p.m. It is important to have as many committee
members as possible at this meeting since this is the only time during Design
Day when you will be advised as to the "nuts and bolts" of organizing and
building your playground.
5:15 p.m. Continue drawing schematic design.
6:30 p.m. Dinner is the responsibility of the committee. Potluck, dish to pass, or dinner
at a local restaurant is desirable. This is the time when all committee members
and Architect have a chance to meet on an informal basis.
7:30 p.m. The evening meeting creates an opportunity for community residents to find out
what this project is about. It opens with songs by the children, followed by a
slide show of creative play areas and a presentation of the design for your play
area. The meeting ends with a general discussion and break for refreshments
at 8:40 p.m. Refreshments are important in order to keep people long enough
to sign up for committees. Have sign-up sheets for each committee on a back
table.
Note: For the evening meeting, a Kodak carousel slide projector with carousel and a remote control,
screen (as large as possible), extension cord, and op rtable bulletin board or chalk board will
be needed. If the community meeting is held in a room seating more than 150 people, a good
microphone and amplification system should be provided. The mike must be capable of being
removed from the stand and have enough cord to easily reach the slide projector.
8:35 p.m. After the general meeting, Architect meets with Children's Committee and their
parents.
8:45 p.m. Committee meeting. Finalize schematic design, preliminary schedule and
fundraising goal. Finalize discussion of committee areas.
Community Park/Plav4round Schedule (more than one school)
If the play area is not to be located at a school site, the previous schedule may change
considerably. The site meeting should include the landowner's representatives (usually city
planners or parks department personnel), committee people and anyone who desires design
input concerning site selection. Meeting with children is typically done at the school or schools
nearest to the proposed site. Design Day would then proceed in such a way as to maximize
the number of children involved in the design process. If only one school is involved, then the
day proceeds as outlined before. If more than one school is involved, then a schedule should
be planned so that the designer can travel from school to school, meeting with kids at each
school. In this situation where many hundreds of kids may be involved, it is best to arrange
a schedule where the designer would meet with groups of 60 to 90 children at one school and
then larger groups of 100 to 200 at another school.
99 Eastlake Road, Ithaca, New York, 14850 (607) 277-1650
Robert . S. Leathers ar~d
Associates...Architects PC
PREPARING FOR AND DOING A DESIGN DAY
9/10
The children should be assembled in a classroom, or other uiet area. Gyms and cafeterias
are acoustically very difficult to work in. Sufficient time should be allowed for between school
travel. The last school on the schedule would be where the designer sets up to draw, meeting
with the children at that school while he or she works on the final drawing. Thus, a day's
schedule may look like this (Refer to previous schedule for additional details regarding times}:
8:00 a.m. Designer arrives; site meeting, travel to first school
9:00 a.m. Set up drawing, layout existing site in cafeteria of School 3 where drawing is
going to be done.
9:20 a.m. School 1; 4 meetings with 60 - 90 children each, 13 minutes each (5 minute
travel)
10:20 a.m. School 2 (in auditorium); 2 meetings with 200 children each, 15 minutes each
(5 minute travel)
11:00 a.m. School 3; begin drawing, kids come up in groups of 10 - 15 after they've finished
lunch to see the drawing process and give ideas. Three committee people are
necessary to help here.
Lunch is served somewhere in here.
2:00 p.m. - Children's committee meeting. Representatives from each school, perhaps one
2:30 p.m. or two children per grade per school, will meet with designer. Children's
committee chairperson must attend.
If the playground site is not located at a school, it may be desirable to hold the
children's committee meeting at 7:00 p.m. or 8:30 p.m. before or after the
evening meeting. If you plan to do this, contact the architect's representative
and review with him/her prior to Design Day.
3:00 p.m. Design review and committee meeting.
5:15 p.m. Continue Drawing
Dinner and the evening meeting are as scheduled previously.
Note: For the evening meeting, a Kodak carousel slide projector with carousel and remote control,
screen (as large as possible), extension cord, and portable bulletin board or chalk board will
be needed. If the community meeting is held in a room seating more than 150 people, a good
microphone and amplification system should be provided. The mike must be capable of being
removed from the stand and have enough cord to easily reach the slide projector.
Although more difficult to orchestrate, this can be a very successful approach to design day for
community parks. Careful scheduling and organization is important. A tentative schedule
should be prepared in advance of Design Day and reviewed with our office before a final
schedule is prepared. Your project may require substantial alterations to these "typical"
schedules. Our intent is to maximize the children's input in the design process within the
constraints of a day's time. Plan Design Day with this in mind.
99 Eastlake Road, Ithaca, New York, 14850 (607) 277-1650
Robert S. Leathers and
Associates...Architects PC
PREPARING FOR AND DOING A DESIGN DAY
10/10
13. EVENING MEETING ATTENDANCE
It is important to get as many people as possible to the community evening meeting since this
is an excellent opportunity to broaden the support for the project and to address any specific
concerns of community members. Special invitations to the parents of the children who are
singing and those who are on the Children's Committee, combined with personal phone calls,
can insure a successful kick-off for the committee. Do not forget posters, banners, flyers,
personal invitations and newspaper articles about the project inviting people to attend the
evening meeting. Refreshments should be provided after the evening meeting, and sign up
tables with sheets of paper with committee names on them should be adjacent to the food
table.
14. ARCHITECTURAL FEES
In the interest of being fair and accurate, our office charges by the hour for most services.
This hourly rate ranges from $8 to $55 depending upon personnel. Sometime though, it is
difficult to keep track of exact time, and therefore we do have some flat rate charges.
14.1 DESIGN DAY TRAVEL/RETAINER
All "travel" charges are computed as actual travel expenses plus time. We ask for
prepayment of a partial travel retainer to secure your commitment for a Design Day.
This deposit is non-refundable. The "playground packet" is sent to you upon receipt of
payment. The balance of the travel retainer varies depending upon location and will be
quoted once the Design Day date has been arranged. This final travel retainer is due
prior to Design Day.
14.2 DESIGN PHASE FEE
The $650 fee for the Design Phase covers the costs of a representative from our office
doing the Design Day, the drawing of a 1/8" scale schematic plan, preparation of your
Potential Donated Materials List, reproductions and postage costs, and organizational
time by telephone from payment of the Design Day Travel/Retainer deposit to
acceptance of the proposal. The fee is due prior to Design Day.
14.3 PROPOSAL
Two to ten weeks after Design Day (when the approximate scope of the project has
been determined and the $800 non-refundable construction deposit has been accepted),
the Architect's office sends the committee a proposal which outlines the remainder of
the services and fees involved. Your committee will review this proposal and has the
option to discuss changes in it or even reject it. The proposal serves as a letter of
agreement between the Architect and the committee. The only obligation your
committee has until this "contract" is agreed upon is the travel retainer and design phase
fee. Total fees for our services have ranged from $1,500 to $18,000 on projects with
total budgets of $6,000 to $95,000. The proposal must be signed and returned to our
office or any disagreements negotiated, by the due date.
99 Eastlake Road, Ithaca, New York, 14850 (607) 277-1650
Des' sin
ood citizenshi
~ p
Monticello builds a sense of community
by building a playground
z
The community-built Monticello
playground, des~oned by Robert
Leathers Assoc~ares. has be-
come Minnesota s model for
handicapped access~bdity by in-
corporating such features as
ramped walkways lcppositel.
which lead to elevated sand r=-
bles, transfer piarforms on slides
and play features at wneeichar
height.
[t isn~t easy to get a play=wound de-
sir~ted by Robert Leathers upstate
Vrw 1•ork firm-no matter how
well-heeled your- cuntnutnity is..1sk
Cheryl Fullet•. ,Jolly Sloneker and
Vlarilvn Henningson in Monticello.
Blinn.. one of onh• seven Vlinnrsota
communities to own one.
For the better Dart of two years
the trio spearheaded a community-
wide cantpai~ to build a Leathers~
playground next to the grade school
on the outskirts of town. During that
time tktev schlepped slide projectors
to meetin<s all over the community,
from the Lions Club anti ~•F'W' to the
$aseball association. seeking dona-
tions of time. money. tools. cas-
seroles and child-care services. They
~isitetl play_rouncls and talked ~r-ith
handGcapped-accessibility specialists
around the country' to fmd out how
to make their pia}ground ~linne-
sota•s model for disabled kids. Thev
even got the kids-from elementary
to senior hi:h-to raise 36.000 in
pennies.
People were so fired up that for
the five-day marathon last flay in
which yolunteet•s built the piay-
`n•ound. 1S skilled construction su-
pervisors signed up each day from-
a.m. to 10 p.nt. to oversee gn•oups of
volunteers. The $oy scouts and po-
lice anti sheriff reserves camped out
to ~=aged the site. The \ational
Guard supplied tents. anti tits city
trucked in picnic tables. Each day
volunteers fed .~00 people and had
so much leftover food that they gage
the surplus to area food shelves.
~ hen they needed last-minute do-
nations. -uch as sod and black fill
early on ~untiay notching. Fuller
all({ HenIllIP_~utt Ills[ titled through
the phone book. Jo its ob ed was the
community that '•if you needed
sontetlun!~. you just got nu the phone
anti before loh_ a truck would dr-iye
up.•• Hetutittgsou says.
Over the past _°.~ years Robert
Leathers. the architect "lime masa-
zine clubbed the "Johuuy :~pplrseed
of the St,-ing tirt.•~ has developed a
detailed system on how to built( this
sense of community throu_rh denim.
Monticello. surprisingly t•nough. is
fairly typical. First. there~s design
day. in which an architect from
Leathers' firm meets «ith the tow-n•s
~•hildren to brainstorm ideas.
Throughout the day the designee
works on the scheme in an area
where kids c•an drop by to watch.
_Vnd even though there are some
constants from cutmtumity to com-
munity-the telltale silhouette of a
Leathers' p~aygruund looks like a
ntetlieyal tot~~tscape and kith usual-
ly ask for tl>;ngs like monster caves.
black holes, tot•nadu Aides. train..
jail;. tightropes and race cars-
each playn•ound is different.
The firm then issues _ntidelines on
how to nutbilize the resources of the
comtnttrtity. suggrstiotts so detailed
that they even profile the type of
pet•sonaliri well-suited to the yat•i-
ous committee-brad positions. Thou
there•s the building blitz in which
the townspeople costs out in droves
to constrtu•t rite coutplex structtn•e.
a a follow-up. the first even pt•o-
vides a checklist on maintainins the
playground.
$ut µhat makes the Monticello
project unique is its unusually
strong concern for hant(icappeci ac-
cessiltiiity. Montit•ello~s schools
ciruw special-nerds kills froth five
districts. But Henningson anti
Fuller say the plavgr•ound's focus un
serving disabled audiences would
have happened regardless. "Its an
all-cltildren~s park. It should be for
evervhotlv.•• Fuller says. "How
could ~ ou make a playground for
just half the children'!•~
Vlach of the play area is ramped
and includes 1 ~ Features at
wheelchair height. The race car. for
example. has a steering wheel that
any kid can comfortably maneuver.
cubbyhole under the hood makes
for easy wheelchair clearance while
providing a hiding space for able-
bodied kids. _~nd a handicapped
area with elevated sand tables.
transfer platforms that help dis-
abled kids to open-air slides and
climbing bars and rings is con-
structed so that tlisabled kids have
eve contact ttith children in other
areas. Interspersed is equipment
for a range of abilities so that hantli-
capped areas arena se~n•e~*atetl.
But the accessibility design is in-
visible. Iou•re more apt to notice
that every inch of this 1 ~ .000-
square-foot pia}-ground has been
lovingly sanded to remove sharp
edges and splinters. _~sk any kid for
a rota-. and you~re proudly shown
the monster cave. where paintings
of mythical beasts by some of the'
Monticello children are tac•kecl
away ut a mazy of ct•a»1 spaces. Ot•
they~ll steer- volt to the black holy
whet•r children descend tht•ou~~h a
stack of truck tires to a rice s~~-inz
below. _Vtul they're yisilth- de(igltted
when you falter a bit in the
Monticello "rarthc{cake zone.-- u
hinged passageway that throws
first-time users a little off balance.
~ but you see in these kids is a re-
markable sense of pride and owner-
ship. Says Hettrugsson: "[lids tome
flees «ith grandpurertts and say. '[
built that.' The loci. really feel it's
theirs. It .just clichrt't show up out of
a catalo;.nte.•~ I.F:
SEPTEMBER OCTOBERt990 31