Nyack Parks Commission Minutes November/December2017
Meeting Minutes taken by James Willcox
(Note: Combined meeting due to the holidays)
Park Commissioners present:
Jim Willcox
Carolyn Cairns
Bert Hughes
7:00 PM Meeting begins
Parks Commission Update:Parks Commission will be looking to fill two open slots in 2018. The Commission will be looking to add diversity to the makeup of the Commissioners so that the interests of a wide range of residents within the Village are better represented.
It was suggested that the Parks Commission meet with the new mayor, Don Hammond, early in the new year to discuss his vision of the role of the Parks Commission going forward.
White gravel near the waterfront: Several commissioners questioned whether the new white gravel fill near the waterfront area would present an obstacle to those with disabilities who might require a wheelchair. There was a question whether this was a short-term fix, and whether the Village was considering the use of mats that would allow those in wheelchairs to get closer to the water. The Commission will reach out to the Village to understand the plan.
Benches: The Nyack Park Conservancy is selling memorial benches in Memorial Park as a way to raise funds. The Parks Commission believes that it should be consulted prior to any purchases or installation, and there should be an approval process to make sure bench designs and locations are consistent with the Master Plan for the park. The Parks Commission would like to create a map of the park that would show both current and planned bench locations.
Stickers in Memorial Park and Village:There was some discussion about the proliferation of “Vinnie” stickers at the skate plaza and elsewhere in the Village. The Commission will ask the Village to remove them, and Vinnie to stop tagging the skate plaza.
Water fountains in Memorial Park: The Commission revisited this issue, will ask the Village for an update on the plans to reinstall a water fountain on the top portion of the park, and to provide/construct a base that can stabilize the fountain near the restroom, which is frequently in need of repair.
Memorial Park Master Plan:In preparation for the new year and its role offering advice to the Villageon whether planned activities, designs, and installations are consistent with the park’s Master Plan, the Commission would like to get a comprehensive map of the master plan to work from. The Commission will reach out to the Village administrator or Quennelle Rothschild, the Village’s landscape architects.
8:15 Meeting adjourned.