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Ms. Ayala discussed the distance between the skateboard facility in the Sports Park and the residences. She noted the park is well used and can be noisy. When one considers the above-ground effects of the in-line facility, she was concerned about noise. Mr. Brozosky asked if the master plan had elevations, so the viewers could tell the in-line skate facility was above ground. Mr. Wolfe said it did not, it only indicated where various elements would be located on the site. The height was indicated in the construction drawings when they came forward for review. The Parks and Recreation Commission and staff recognized that many people were not looking at the height elevations. The primary focus was on where the elements were located. He believed that is why the Commission recommended lowering the facility. Mr. Wolfe said there were many elements requested to be placed in this park. It is a very narrow park and staff tried to get as many elements as people wanted and the City could afford. Mr. Brozosky asked how the element was designed. He believed ten feet from top to bottom was a little extreme. Did the consultant recommend it and do the kids really want that much height? Mr. Wolfe said the kids did want that and the consultant designed it in such a way as to minimize safety concerns. If Council approves the recommendations, it will be more like seven and a half to eight feet. Mayor Pico asked if there would be a fence between the in-line skate facility and the neighbors' fences. Mr. Wolfe said yes and explained the design and rationale for placing fences. Mayor Pico inquired about the trees to be planted. Mr. Wolfe staffhas always worked with the residents to select the best trees for coverage and sound issues. The trees will be taller than the fence and the two feet of lattice. Some people had concerns about their view of the ridge and staff will work with them regarding spacing of the trees. Ms. Hosterman asked if the trees were native species? Mr. Fulford said they are aristocrat pear trees, which is an ornamental pear. It is the same as what is growing in Veterans' Plaza on Peters Avenue. It gets about 35 feet tall with a 20-25 foot spread. It is deciduous and if the neighborhoods prefer an evergreen, staff would work with them. One neighbor suggested camphor trees. That would be a good, dense, evergreen screen. It will take some years for the canopies to grow together for a complete screen. Ms. Hosterman wanted to make certain that new plantings are native species versus exotics. She asked Mr. Fulford to keep that in mind. Pleasanton City Council 7 02/04/03 Minutes