Parks and Public Landscaping Advisory Board Agenda and Packet 2019 10 03

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I ` Cityoj Im Louisville PARKS, RECREATION & OPEN SPACE Memorandum To: Parks and Public Landscaping Advisory Board From: Allan Gill, PLA, Park's Project Manager Date: October 3, 2019 Re: Sundance Park Study — Introduction and Program Discussion Information and Summary: When Sundance Park was developed in the mid-1980's it was seeded with a native turf type species called buffalo grass. As buffalo grass is considered xeric in nature, the irrigation system was designed only to be used for establishment. Over time adjacent property owners never took to the look (buffalo grass browns out without water) and requested that the City keep the water on. Since then, Park staff has continued to water the site and has tried to maintain a look, closer to a bluegrass park rather than a native site without a proper irrigation system or bluegrass. Homeowners new to the area are often confused as to why the turf on site is broken in to patches of green and brown. The intent of this current planning effort is to understand the needs and desires of the residents/users that live adjacent to and those that use the area. This project would incorporate a public process with the Parks and Public Landscaping Advisory Board and adjacent neighbors/park users to develop a study, which outlines steps moving forward for this site. Once a concept plan is developed, staff could then work towards improvements: be it working towards establishing a bluegrass park or reestablishing native grass. Also as part of this process, park amenities shall also be discussed which may include but are not limited to: • Benches • Disc golf • Additional Trail Connections • Maintenance of plant material • Other items Next Steps: • Assess the current condition of the irrigation system • Assess the current health and vitality of trees and shrubs on site • Gather initial thoughts from PPLAB • Engage adjacent neighbors/users to gather their input • Develop potential phased approach to improvements (this could include the need for a larger scale, masterplan or actual improvements that would need to be included in future budget requests.) 11