|
Current Status
This project is being designed and permitted. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2011.
Parks Advisory Commission Presentation March 19
Staff will update the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission about the recent changes to the concept plan at the Commission's next meeting:
Friday, March 19, 2010
Noon-3 p.m.
Firstenburg Community Center
Public conference room
700 NE 136th Ave., Vancouver, WA
No action will be taken on this topic. The meeting is open to the public.
>> Get the facts about the federal Boomsnub/AIRCO Superfund site
The county recently adjusted the concept plan for the project in an effort to help address neighbors’ concerns about safety, noise and environmental preservation. The revised plan is an improvement over the previous concept plan because:
- The north-south connector road no longer separates the ball fields from the neighborhood park, thereby eliminating the potential safety hazard of families crossing a road.
- It preserves more of the existing trees on the site than the previous plan.
- It moves both the road and parking lot further away from the nearest residents.
- It allows the Environmental Protection Agency’s monitoring wells to remain separate from the sports fields, and thus easier to access.
The plan is still a draft and will continue to be adjusted and improved when possible throughout the design process. The final version that will be submitted to the state and county for development and environmental permits will be presented to the public for review at an open house in April or May 2010. An invitation to this open house will be mailed and e-mailed to neighbors in advance.
Click the following links, or scroll down the page, to access additional project information:
Project Description
This 20-acre site is located on Northeast 78th Street, about a quarter mile west of St. Johns Road. The property currently features open fields on the south side and a forested area on the north side.
To meet the needs of the local youth sports groups that would use this site, the project scope includes two intermediate-sized baseball fields, two tee ball fields and one large multi-use field that can be used for baseball, soccer, lacrosse and field hockey. The draft plan also includes batting cages, a restroom/concessions building, a parking lot, access roads and walkways, landscaping and improvements to adjacent roads. The county has also identified space on the north side of the property that can be used for a future neighborhood park or urban open space.
Public Participation
The design and layout of the baseball fields is directed by the number and size of fields needed by the teams using them and orientation to the sun. As a result, there is relatively little flexibility in their design and layout within the property.
However, it is important that the county understand and respond to neighbors’ concerns or questions regarding the project before it moves forward to construction.
There will be a variety opportunities for the public to provide input about this project, including:
- April 2009 public meeting to review draft concept plan and an online comment period for those who couldn't attend the meeting.
- July 2009 public meeting to review updated draft concept plan and an online comment period for those who couldnt' attend the meeting.
- October 2009 Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting to review the draft concept plan with opportunity for public testimony.
- December 2009 Board of Clark County Commissioners Consent Agenda to review and take action on the draft concept plan with opportunity for public testimony.
- A public open house will occur in April or May 2010 to allow the public to review the latest design drawing, associated studies, and Type 3 development permit and State Environmental Protection Act (SEPA) permit applications. A postcard invitation to this open house will be mailed to residents living within a few miles of the property. The documents will also be posted on this Web page for those who can't attend the open house.
- A formal public comment period will occur as part of the Type 3 development review and SEPA environmental permitting processes in April or May 2010. This will include an opportunity to provide written comments and/or verbal testimony at a land use public hearing.
For regularly updated information about this project, sign up for the project e-mailing list by filling out the electronic form at the bottom of this Web page.
Project documents:
February 2010 revised concept plan (682 kb PDF)
September-December 2009
July/August 2009
April/May 2009
Project Funding
Design and construction of the Hazel Dell sports fields will be funded by the real estate excise tax, which is paid whenever property is sold. Basic maintenance of the park will be funded by the Greater Clark Parks District, a special district approved by voters in the unincorporated urban area of Clark County in 2005.
Additional maintenance costs and site improvements will be paid for by the sports leagues using the park. Contact Information:
Matt Griswold, Project Manager
Clark County Public Works
Phone:
360-397-6118 x. 4372
E-mail: Matt.Griswold@clark.wa.gov
If you would like to be added to the e-mailing list for this project, please provide the following:
 |
Subscriptions |
|
 |
|
|
|
