Bethel Field Projects: Baseball, Softball

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pps-tr-Arut--,31)- E czfri 25 Sept 10 Meadowview Park and Haviture Way Safety Meeting Public meeting regarding traffic speed, street lighting and park improvements 9:30 am In attendance: James Howell, Judy Howell, Nick Carter, Don Frosland, Terry Brocksmith, Todd Russell, Pat Farr Brush Clearing in Meadowview Park In the center of the open space south of the baseball fields is a copse of mainly deciduous trees, fully under grown with brush, including blackberries, English ivy and poison oak. Several trails cut through the brush, with hidden clearings with evidence of overnight camping and possible drug/alcohol use. In the summer of this year an arson fire was set, with requested response and control by the City public safety departments. Officer Mark Hubbard of the K9 unit was in response. Numerous sightings of (transient) campers entering and /or leaving the brushy area have been noted by neighbors. Dangerous activity has been noted often, but is usually hidden by the brush. A tree fort was constructed and subsequently removed. Loud yelling and swearing have been noted by neighbors. One neighbor has stated, "My kids are never going over there." The group in attendance at the meeting has asked me to inquire with the city about clearing the brush (as has been done at both Irwin and State Street Parks with much success). Neighbors are willing to help in the initial clearing of the brush and ongoing light maintenance under City staff supervision. It is in consensus that the park and playground would seem and actually be safer with a line of sight through the trees being achieved by clearing the brush. Lighting in and around the park and street The lights around the playground and parking area are attractive and match the park well. However, some dark areas exist that attract loud and often belligerent behavior at night. Fights and weapons have been witnessed by neighbors. Additionally, the incandescent lighting seems to be vulnerable to damage when vandals shake the poles, often damaging the lighting filament. Street lighting on Haviture Way adjacent to the park is often out of service and sometimes flickers when lit. The group agrees that additional lighting in the parking area and around the playground and open space would create a safer environment at night. Traffic calming on Haviture Way and in the park auto traffic and parking area Haviture Way is a busy pedestrian and bicycling street. During the school year many children cross the street to attend school at Meadowview K -8 school and the attached school ball fields. The 1