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RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE RHODODENDRON GARDEN RESOURCE COMMITTEE Nature of the Committee Members of the committee include the following community members: Curtis Huey, Ray James, George Jette, Ron Lovinger, W. Riley Matsler, Bert Tepfer, Pam Vorachek, and Gordon Wylie. John Etter, Jeff Hale, and Michael Robert provided resource material as Parks and Recreation staff members. A simple majority of the community members was used to resolve the following purpose statements and recommendations. The Purpose of the Rhododendron Garden, adopted February 11, 1985, by the Committee The purpose of the rhododendron garden is to provide a unique horti- cultural garden for the public use in accordance with the City's ordinances and Park Rules. The horticultural collection includes rhododendrons and companion plants, especially the collections from local pioneers in rhododendron culture, and continues to grow with species rhododendrons and current hybrids of Northwest enthusiasts. The rhododendron garden is enhanced by its natural setting and tranquil environment, and these elements should be preserved. Clarification of the Purpose Statement 1. It is the department's responsibility to preserve the natural beauty of the rhododendron garden, and to protect it from encroachment such as private use. 2. The rhododendron garden was not designed to accommodate weddings, but to provide a quiet atmosphere of peace and solitude, and for the en3oyment of the flowers. 3. Weddings and other private use of the rhododendron garden are an infringement of the general public's right to use the park. The committee recommended that the plan offered by George Jette be further refined, and made the following specific recommendations: Concerning the roads: 1. The existing road, The Heights, beginning at the south end of the road, and working north as far possible, should be improved. a. The cut rood banks should be stabilized with plantings following the improvements. 2. Summit Avenue should be relocated to an area south of the existing road - -a switchback alignment to connect with The Heights. This should be implemented as soon as funds are available. Concerning parking: 3. The picnic area parking lot should be removed altogether, and other parking should be created first. Parallel parking alongside The Heights on the low side of the road and heed -in parking on the top side of the road are the suggested areas for other parking. 4. As an interim plan, the entrance of the parking lot should be removed, pending police agreement. The parking lot should have a gate at the southern entrance and be locked nightly by the police. 5. Parking facilities should be amended to include handicapped parking sites, bicycle parking, and bus loading and unloading.