FANS meeting summary Sept 8th, 2010

Meeting was opened by Cindy Johnstone, a short update of coming events where FANS will be present:

Sept 11, West Wash Park NA Home Tour  --FANS will have a table at Lincoln Elem.  to promote FANS.  10-4

Sept 18th  FAll Tree Planting Seminar and Demo-Washington Park 10:30 -1:00

Sept 19th Pearl Street Market- FAns will have a table with Platte Park People to promote FANS 9-1

Oct 9th Putting the Beds to Bed

Needed:  FAN Volunteers for Sept. 18th and Oct 9th.  Contact Cindy Johnstone

FANS Guest was Mark Upshall with Denver Parks and Rec and coordinator for the Washington Park Boathouse rehabilitation and improvements.

The bid for phase I was over budget.  The fire suppression requires drawing a large water pipe from Exposition close to the Boathouse and contributed to the over budget bids. Another bid process has started which has moved the beginning of the project to late November or Early December.  Expected completion date in early July.

The scope of the project now is to restore the exterior, add fire suppression, update electrical and plumbing, add handicapped access with a ramp to the west side of the Boat House and change the terrace grade and upgrade the south terrace.

There will be a secondary project with  funding to redo the restrooms and add a bride’s changing room on the lower level.

The future phases were explained and will happen when money becomes available.  The Washington Park Master Plan will include these remaining phases and allow it to be placed on the Parks and Rec CIP list.  These phases include on the lower level, a prep space for events, a community room, three offices and restoring the windows to the original design on the lower level.

After the presentation there were questions about a family changing room (not possible with space), date of completion, funding source from State Historical Society ( would require starting over again from the beginning)

After the guest speaker, there was discussion about the condition of the park this summer (pleased with the irrigation, beautiful gardens),safety on the roadway (same as it has been rather chaotic especially on weekends), Rock and Roll Marathon Oct 17th with four band planned to be playing in four different locations along the edges of the park.  (concerns about noise levels and disruptions of circulation around the park).

Admission Based Special Events Policy was discussed. Joan Deming attended the meeting and shared that 80% of the people who attended were opposed to the policy. The vote of the parks and recreation advisory board was 10 to 7 in favor.    Both Councilmen Brown and Nevitt’s advisory board members voted in favor of Admission Based Special Events policy.

Meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m.

October meeting cancelled