Memorandum 17-090 Jack Gist Park Plan

Memorandum 17-090

TO:                         Parks, Art, Recreation and Culture Advisory Commission

THROUGH:         Homer City Council

FROM:                  Councilmember Heath Smith

DATE:                    June 12, 2017

SUBJECT:           Jack Gist Park Plan

The purpose of this memo is to direct the Parks, Art, Recreation and Culture Advisory Commission (PARCAC) to advise the Council on development plans for Jack Gist Park.

At one time, Jack Gist Park was envisioned to house facilities for equestrian, soccer and softball recreational activities. To date the primary recreational activities at Jack Gist Park are softball and disc golf; equestrian and soccer facilities have developed at alternate locations. The 2017-2022 CIP request for Jack Gist Park prioritizes drainage improvements, a concession stand and equipment storage, and an irrigation system.

In March of 2017 PARAC requested and received Council support of Resolution 16-133, the acquisition of Lot 3 adjacent to the Jack Gist Park. However, the possibility of acquiring additional acreage at Jack Gist has prompted questions regarding the long-term development plans for the park.

                Items to address in the recommendation to Council include:

Proposed plans for the development of Lot 3
Why Lot 3 is more critical to development of the park than other area lots
How Lot 3 fits into the overall goals of the park
Prioritization of land acquisition over development of infrastructure at the park
Any other justification for the purchase of Lot 3

Enc:

Jack Gist Park 2017-2022 CIP write up

Map depicting location of Lot 3