HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 1981.12.03 - 38704OAKLAND COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
RED OAKS PUBLIC HEARING
MADISON HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
March 3, 1981
Chairman Lewis E. Wint called the Public Hearing to order at 7:30 p.m. and intro-
duced the Parks and Recreation Commissioners present: George Kuhn, Carol Stanley,
Marjorie Walker, and R. Eric Reickel, Manager of the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Mr. Wint welcomed the people in attendance which were approximately 100 and ex-
plained that the purpose of the Hearing was to review the findings of the con-
sultant, James C. Scott & Associates pertaining to future development plans for
the Red Oaks Park between 13 Mile and Dequindre Roads.
Mr. Wint requested input and comments from the audience on the presentation given
by Mr. Scott and stated there would not be any debate as to the concept but
discussion was encouraged for the purpose of taking their input and, if it was
determined to be suitable, include it in the master plan.
Mr. Wint turned the meeting over to Mr. Scott who presented the findings of his
firm. This was done with slides and narration by Mr. Scott. The presentation
involved the four phases which included the original 26 acres as possibly the
only development that would take place.
Phase II was the addition of 13 acres between the park area and 13 Mile Road.
Phase III was the addition of the 60+ acres north of the drain which is presently
owned by the Red Run Drainage Authority.
Phase IV was the development of the 26 acres with the road that would eventually
go into the 60 acres to the north if that were to be acquired.
The major facilities suggested to be involved in the master plan were an entrance
off 13 Mile Road, bicycle moto cross, a wave pool with a giantwater slide,
parking lot to accommodate 150 cars, a possible large playground area or a ball
diamond and some open area for field games.
James Perry, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Royal Oak, read and
presented a resolution passed by the City of Royal Oak at its Commission meeting
of February,16, 1981. The resolution endorsed the concept of a wave action pool
if it could be self-supporting. A copy of the resolution is attached.
A majority of those present were in favor of a wave pool at the Red Oaks Park.
At the conclusion of Mr. Scott's presentation, he turned the meeting back to
Mr. Wint who addressed the people in attendance. There were questions asked,
some of which are submitted as follows. They do not necessarily indicate all
questions that were presented. "Where does the money come from?" "What is the
timetable?" "What about the traffic pattern on 13 Mile Road and will it
increase?" "With the tax revolution, would this be just a partial project?"
"Would it go unused?" "Hours of operation?" "Can there be an exit only on
Dequindre?" "What would the admission requirement be for residents and non-
residents?"
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(Red Oaks Public Hearing, March 3, 1981)
Dick Rakovich, Recreation Director -for the City of Hazel Park, stated that a
lighted diamond was not as important as an adventure playground. He asked con-
sideration for outdoor ice skating on a plaza with artificial ice that would
serve the area and use buffers to try to avoid additional noise pollution in the
area.
At the conclusion of all the comments, Mr. Wint thanked everyone for attending
and the meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m.
7
Eric`"Rei kel
/./Manager
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P.O. BOX 64
ROYAL OAK, MICHIGAN 48068
rebruary 24, 1981
TO: Chairman Wint and Members of the Oakland County Parks & Recreation Commission
SUBJECT: City of Royal Oak Statement - Red Oaks Park Public Hearing
March 3, 1981
The City of Royal Oak favors the concept of an Oakland County Park System. Our
residents have overwhelmingly supported the work of the Oakland County Parks
and Recreation Commission, through a favorable vote on your millage every five
years.
Our City has encouraged you to provide areas and facilities in South Oakland
County, closer to the majority of County residents. In addition, it is our
opinion that a county park system should provide large scale or unique facilities
that cannot be justified by the individual communities.
The residents of Royal Oak, in a 1976 survey of recreation needs, listed an
outdoor swimming facility as our number one priority. We have not been able
to meet this need, due to the unavailability of funds.
It is after consideration of these points that the City of Royal Oak endorses
the concept of a Wave Action Pool, if your feasibility study indicates it can
be self-supporting. This facility will be a unique attraction for the residents
of Royal Oak and this area. Furthermore, we support the expansion of Red Oaks
Park should additional -land and funding become available.
(nes T. Perry, Dir Etor
CREATION AND PUB C SERVICE
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