BACKGROUND: A few weeks ago some buzz started about possible plans for a public swimming pool at Tanager Park. Neighbors were alarmed when a site map appeared in the “Updated Open Space Master Plan of Parks and Recreation” report prepared by a consultant the City hired. The report would be reviewed by the Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) on April 27. City Staff recommended approval of the report.
Tanager Park neighbors got organized, got educated on the issue, held a neighborhood planning meeting, met with the Chairman of the Parks Commission, circulated a petition. One of the neighbors came to a Mesa Verde Community, Inc. board meeting and shared their concern. As a result, the Board of MVCI voted to send a letter to the PRC in support of leaving the park as is.
UPDATE: The story is not quite over. The outlook to preserve the park as is looks very good. Because of the neighbors’ organized and articulate response, all five PRC members indicated they want every reference to an aquatic facility at Tanager Park removed from the report before they vote to pass it on to the City Council for final approval. The PRC directed the consultant to ensure the Commissioners’ comments and the neighbors’ concerns were included in a memorandum to the report.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Email Commissioners and staff (addresses below) before the deadline of May 10. Technically, all comments before and during the Public Hearing will be included in the public record, but practically, it will be difficult for the Commissioners and staff to give thoughtful attention to comments after May 10.
Attend the PRC Public Hearing May 25, 6pm, at City Hall, 77 Fair Drive.
Kim Pederson, Chairman, parkdistrict1@costamesaca.gov
Liz McNabb, parkdistrict2@costamesaca.gov
Kristina Bogner arkdistrict3@costamesaca.gov
Arlis Reynolds parkdistrict4@costamesaca.gov
Leah Ersoylu parkdistrict5@costamesaca.gov
Recreation Director Justin Martin justin.martin@costamesaca.gov
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~Robin Leffler, President, MVCI
Mesa Verde Community, Inc. 