October 2003 News Coverage - Laserfiche WebLink

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Amazon Park Phase:Planning The Amazon Park planning process kicked off September 25 with the first in a series of public workshops. The bond measure specified using a portion of the funds for ballfield development,but additional funds are available for other park improvements which will be identified through the public process. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2004,but may be phased into 2005. The public process is also an opportunity to revisit the existing Amazon Park Master Plan which was adopted in 1994. Issues have been raised since that time,including a shortage of paved parking during certain times due to the popularity of Amazon Pool. The existing master plan will be amended as needed based on this planning process. Amazon Pool Phase:Project complete Bethel Community Park Phase: Construction The east side improvements project at Bethel Community Park got under way in late July. Construction includes earthwork,a restroom,concrete walks, finishing the skate park perimeter,two playgrounds, lighting,a shade structure, site furniture,artwork,landscape, irrigation and the utilities for a future water play area. Major earthwork is complete,the walls are up on the restroom,a majority of the concrete flatwork is complete,underground utilities are in,and irrigation is being installed. The sidewalks along Haviture Way and the connection to Meadowview School were completed in time for the start of the school year. Construction is on schedule with completion anticipated by mid-November. Delta Ponds Phase:Planning and design Planning and design work on the Delta Ponds project continues,with the project partners expected to • complete the 60%plans by the end of September. Following the anticipated signing of a project cooperation agreement between the City and the U.S.Army Corps of Engineers this fall,contractors will begin work on removing invasive species in advance of the restoration and recreation improvements to be constructed in 2004. Recreation improvements at the Delta Ponds will create safe access to the ponds for people of all abilities and will include two small parking areas,accessible gravel trails,a wetland boardwalk,footbridges,and benches. Other amenities will include wildlife viewing areas and interpretive signage,which will provide educational and recreational opportunities for visitors. The City and Corps funding contributions have been leveraged to obtain additional resources. The City recently received a$250,000 grant from Oregon State Parks Department for the Delta Ponds project,and six local Rotary clubs have signed on to adopt the Delta Ponds project as their"Centennial Service Project" to commemorate 100 years of Rotary. A unique private/public partnership has formed through the help of "Oregon Solutions,"which has resulted in a group of Delta Ponds Partners who meet regularly for project updates and involvement opportunities.It is envisioned that additional resources will be garnered from these partnerships to create a more successful Delta Ponds project. Skinner Butte Park Phase:Planning/implementation The Willamette Greenway permit application was approved earlier this year and received many supportive comments at the public hearing. Following the refined recommendations of the newly completed habitat inventory,habitat restoration efforts will continue this fall with protection of native prairie on the west summit of the butte. Work includes removing invasive species and planting native seed. Native prairie will also reappear,according to the master plan, in an area of lawn near Lamb Cottage. Site preparations are under way to receive seed and seedlings grown at a local nursery during the summer from hand- collected,native seed. Skinner City Farm(SCF),a not-for-profit group and member of the new Network Cill Charter School,was the successful respondent to a request for proposals to manage the new community POS Quarterly Update: 10/02/03 2