CCMIN032304 - Laserfiche WebLink

allowed to utilize this public land in a way that has so many negative aspects. EBRPD was formed by the public to carry out the wishes of the public for a series of regional parks and open spaces for public use. He believed EBRPD amended the original water slide agreement with little or no consideration to the public. If the expansion of the water park is approved, and if EBRPD can amend the agreement as it has done, he asked what the community would face next? He urged Council to turn down the proposal for the expansion of the water park. Keville Parker, 7452 Muirwood Court, noted that she was an employee of Mr. Kierstead 23 years ago when the water slides were built. She mentioned that the same unfounded fears that the quality of life as the community knows it will end in Pleasanton were declared then and are being heard today. As a result of the water park, Pleasanton youth have benefited by receiving summer employment since 1981. This past year, 36 Pleasanton youth received job training and employment at the Rapids Water Slides. Through the years, she has witnessed first hand how generous the applicant has been to the community by assisting many local charities, schools, churches and athletic programs with fundraisers. The applicant plans to continue his support and is proud to be a part of the Community of Character. The proposed water slide expansion is a well-planned project that she believed would benefit the people in this community. As a Pleasanton resident, she asked Council to approve the proposed expansion, for without it, Pleasanton may loose this project as well as the water slides. David Pollard, 847 Rose Avenue #1, believed that if Council disapproved this project, it might as well kick the Alameda County Fairgrounds out of town. He wanted Pleasanton to be a community that is not walking on eggshells. He would like to see Council put a stop to the continuing flow of fear in the community. He urged Council to show integrity and vote in favor for the expansion of the water park. Jason Shehab, 2823 E1 Capitan Drive, moved to this community for its quality of life. He was concerned as to how the applicant's facts were derived regarding traffic and noise. Every expert brought forth what he considered very vague information. He was told that the noise study took into account 25 kids yelling at the top of the hill. He questioned how California Splash could simulate 3,000 to 4,000 people yelling and screaming? He was concerned that the City would be allowing a commercial enterprise to profit from public EBRPD operated parks. He believed EBRPD would like the revenue opportunity because the water park is currently at a deficit. He was concerned that Pleasanton would become an amusement park destination and not the fine City that it currently is. He did not believe the proposed expansion of the water slides fit the Community of Character values of the City. He was confused as to why the BMX Park was linked to this expansion. He supported the idea ofa BMX Park and believed it was good clean fun, and at no cost to the children. While the expanded water park might be a novelty at first, he believed that over the long term, children of this City will not frequently use it and the community would then bear the burden of all of the negatives fi'om outside attendees. He was concerned about the comparison between today's water parks to the expanded water park, as they are completely different in size and scope. He was confused by comments made that the children and youth of this community do not Pleasanton City Council 10 03/23/04 Minutes