By KARLEE VAN DE VENTER
Staff Intern 

Medical Lake City Council focused on parks for summer

 

Last updated 4/15/2021 at 11:32am



MEDICAL LAKE – City council members convened on April 6, addressing new and continued legislation in the town.

The Parks and Recreation committee had been undergoing updates and developments in Peper Park. Many further developments are in the works as well. Their goal is to transform Peper Park into another valid option for water sports and activities, according to administrator Doug Ross.

This stems from an effort to control park population over the summer, in regard to COVID-19. Another park becoming popular could offer enough space for people to enjoy their summer, while remaining COVID-safe.

But beyond the park population, Parks and Recreation is excited to see the improvements to Peper Park. Ross expressed how just the cleaning and superficial changes made a significant difference along the way, raising their anticipation for other projects.

The committee is gathering more rocks to place near the waterfront at Peper Park. Ross explained that the concept is to create a terrace-like effect going into the water, though this is still in progress.

The geese at Peper Park have begun to spend less time there in response to these changes. The committee was anticipating their move, as they often relocate in response to city improvements or changes. They hope to keep the geese from all spending their time in one park, to make it more enjoyable for park-goers.

Councilmembers also discussed the city’s plan for events and reservations over the summer. After responding to COVID-19 last year, events in Medical Lake parks had to be significantly altered.

Ross suggested the possibility of closing events at parks entirely over the summer, in regard to large-scale events like weddings. Ross claimed that trying to control those events was too strenuous and often not successful.

Councilwoman Heather Starr countered Ross’s proposal with her own: limited event permits. That way people could have events and the city could still profit, while COVID-19 was kept in consideration.

Ross said that a lack of reservations and events would only account for approximately $10,000 -- $12,000 of the city’s revenue. Earlier in the meeting during the budget report, it was determined that the city was taking in more revenue currently than it was spending, more than account for Starr’s concerns.

The issue was left to be determined.

The Public Safety committee cited an increase in unlawful fires in the town. This was followed with ash being dumped around Shepard field, which was cleaned. Medical Lake has strict fire policies, only allowing for certain recreational fires.

This summer is meant to bring low groundwater and high fire risk, meaning the danger of recreational fires will soon be increased.

The Public Works committee mentioned another Spring Clean Up Day in the town on May 8. This includes free dumpsters for city residents to use. Previous years have brought significant problems in location, like traffic and space issues. The committee is considering moving the event to Waterfront Park in response, but details are to be determined.

 

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