By Mary Owen
Proposed changes to Pioneer Park are drawing concerns from several neighbors in the Pioneer Meadows subdivision.
“Myself and other debating the city’s master plan for Pioneer Park do not oppose upgrading the park’s current facilities or venues as outlined in Phase 1,” said homeowner Craig Withers, a retired law enforcement officer who lives on East Burnett, the proposed access to a new parking lot on the east side of the park.
“We do, however, question the methodology used by the Park Board while developing the master plan for Pioneer Park, the conclusions reached, and their goals.”
Withers cited the hot-button issues as the closure and eventual removal of Park Road, opening the city’s easement at 10th Avenue at Burnett Street for a new parking area and the elimination of the existing basketball court.
“We would all love to see bathrooms rebuilt, more park benches, additions to the children’s playground, even the new proposed park entrance,” he said. “But closing and removing Park Road is a major controversy.”
“The majority of my neighbors are opposed to it,” said Judy Stratton, who also lives on East Burnett. “Property values will decrease dramatically and the desirability of living in this tract.”
Her husband, Harry Stratton, worries about the Stayton Police Department’s ability to patrol the new parking area, which will be less visible than existing parking options.
He is also concerned that eliminating the basketball court will downgrade the park’s “neighborhood” identity.
“It’s hard to believe what this plan will do to our neighborhood,” he said.
Last June, Withers gathered signatures from 79 homeowners protesting the proposed changes that directly affected their idea of a neighborhood park and presented it to the Stayton Parks Board. He has also spoken with elected officials outside of the meetings.
According to Public Works Director Dave Kinney, open houses were held in 2011, 2012 and this year to solicit public comment on the Pioneer Park design.
“As with any project, the city will listen and consider comments from interested groups, citizens and property owners,” Kinney said. “The city’s landscape architect, staff and Parks Board will consider all comments and arrive at a final design, which we believe is beneficial to all park users. That doesn’t mean we will agree or incorporate every suggestion from the public.”
On Oct. 21, Stayton City Council voted to accept a $387,900 grant from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department to be used for updating restrooms, creating a new west entry and drop-off area at 7th and East Marion, develop an event plaza, eliminate the basketball court, add picnic shelters, add site amenities (ADA walkways, lighting, tables, benches, trash receptacles), and install associate utilities.
Kinney said the city council and staff were clear that the Pioneer Park project slated for beginning improvements in 2014 and early 2015 does not include the Phase 2 projects that are of concern to Withers and his neighbors.
“Phase 2 projects at the east end of Pioneer Park and the closure of the park road will not occur in 2014,” Kinney explained. “We do not have funding for these or immediate plans to build them. I do not foresee the city moving forward with the closure of the park road, development of an eastside parking lot, or modifications to the east end of the park in the next five years.”
But Withers and the Strattons believe it is a “done deal” in the minds of the Parks Board members and some city staff.
“It is our view that these important elements of the master plan had never been placed front and center for the public’s consideration,” Withers said. “There is every reason to believe that many citizens may be confused on this issue.”
Kinney said residents will have plenty of time to voice their concerns at future meetings for public input, but the dates and times have not been scheduled.
According to Kinney, once a final design plan for Phase 1 is completed, the Parks Board and Public Works staff will submit the plan to the Planning Commission for review and approval, as designated by the city’s zoning code.
“As we move into the final design of Phase 1, we will also invited comments from the police department about access, lighting, placement of structures, pedestrian and vehicle safety,” he said.
When finalized, he added, “Notices of public hearing must be mailed to adjacent property owners within 300 feet of the park.”
Withers hopes people will prepare to address concerns at any upcoming meetings.
“I hope people will look at the information, the diagrams, and apply their own personal knowledge of Pioneer Park and the surrounding area,” he said. “Then ask yourself if closing and removing Park Road, eliminating the basketball court, and some of the other issues make sense as a taxpayer and a park user.”
Information about proposed changes to Pioneer Park can be found at www.staytonoregon.gov.
