NEWS

Notes from the Keizer Parks Board meeting

The Keizer Parks Advisory Committee met Tuesday, Dec. 10. Here is what was discussed:

• A subgroup of the committee members reported on efforts to revise the memorial policy in the city’s parks. The goal is to more clearly delineate the responsibilities of those making memorial contributions and what the responsibilities of the city will be moving forward. 

• Keizer Parks Supervisor Robert Johnson said the increased presence of the area’s homeless residents in parks is having a noticeable impact on staff time. Cleaning up after encampments are urged to move on requires taking extra precautions in many cases. 

• Matt Lawyer, a member of the board, followed up on a request by fellow board member Wayne Frey to install semi-permanent goal posts at Country Glen Park. Frey made a pitch for a matching grant in November that was denied due to concerns over usage. Lawyer launched a Facebook poll in the area around the park which seemed to indicate there is support for such facilities, but that many did not know that less resilient goals had been installed in the park. The previous goals deteriorated quickly and didn’t see as much use as Frey hoped for. 

• Frey reported on the results of a bike rack inventory in Keizer parks. Ten of 19 parks have bike racks of varying capacity. Frey suggested putting Sunset Park in west Keizer at the top of the list when the city begins looking at installing additional racks. Johnson said the city is planning to install a donated bike rack at Meadows Park in the near future. A bike rack that was taken out at The Big Toy in Keizer Rapids Park will also be put back once some additional renovations are complete. 

grassrootsThe next meeting of the committee is Tuesday, Jan. 14.