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Mr. Larson assured her the intent is not to level the site of trees. He explained that the purpose of the schematics is simply to indicate the element of greenery; whether that is provided by existing or new trees is not a part of this preliminary design. Councilmember Brown referred to the restroom area at West Angela and First Street and noted the schematics indicate paving. She said the area currently makes a wonderful play space because it is so open and asked what the goal is with installing paved concrete strips. Mr. Larson explained that the idea is to provide versatility. The paved areas provide a walkway to accommodate canopies or tents for occasional use while also leaving the area open for more informal play and park use during other times, creating a lawn area that can take on intensive use. Councilmember Brown thought the combination of concrete and grass could present a trip hazard during active use. Mr. Larson disagreed, provided it were well designed, and suggested the great lawn might be more suitable for more intensive activities. Councilmember Narum said the division of the great lawn area with trees seemed to conflict with the desire to create a larger area for the bandstand. She also thought the adjacent water/adventure play area would be more suitable on the Delucchi Park side where it would not conflict with efforts to extend the plaza area from the Firehouse Arts Center during larger events. Mr. Larson said there are always tradeoffs when trying to accommodate this many uses. He noted that the great lawn area is actually quite large, more than twice the size of the current bandstand's audience area and thought the schematics might be deceiving in that regard. He said the thought was the trees would help to define the audience area as well as provide shade and relief for those at the edge of the audience. With regards to the water/adventure play element, the thinking was that there was a need for active use at that end of the park. While its proximity to the bandstand provides parents with a clearer view of their children, it also creates more sound interference during concerts and other productions. He explained that the task force considered this feature carefully and determined this to be the best location. Councilmember Narum asked why the plaza on West Neal Street was not extended up to Railroad Avenue. Mr. Larson referred to the schematic, noting locations that would allow bollards to be installed to block the intersection from First Street to just west of Railroad Avenue. He acknowledged that this has a potential to be a wonderful pedestrian activity area and said it could certainly be reconfigured. Councilmember Narum said she envisioned this area as one of the gateways of the downtown and asked if Mr. Larson felt the proposed elements contributed to that sort of feel. Mr. Larson explained that it is really better addressed during the design phase of the project but noted that the master plan calls the area out as being a gateway from both directions. He said there are two schools of thought on how to define a gateway. One is overt and uses water features, arches, signage and other more obvious elements. The other is simply to incorporate elements that make for an inviting public activity area. Throughout this process, the concept was this area should be obviously finished and welcoming but not too formal. Councilmember Pentin said he loved the features and creativity of Option A. Mayor Theme opened the public hearing. City Council Minutes Page 10 of 13 July 16, 2013