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HomeMy Public PortalAboutMcCall, Idaho: Parks and RecreationThe Idaho Statesman 8/5/79 Page #1 or 4 Pages Doom - sayers jolted bv the saw mill's closure are whistling a happier tune McCall By JOHN ACCOLA The Idaho Statesman MCCALL — Sollie Callender, pres- ident of Inter - Mountain State Bank, leaned back in his chair, lit another cigarette and tried to think back to November 1977 when the old red mill, after 37 years of operation, became a reminder of McCall's past. "Two years," said Callender un- believingly. "How the time flies." What may seem like ancient his- tory today was actually a critical pe- riod of transition for this central Idaho community situated on the fo- rested banks of Payette Lake. The turning point began in 1977 when Boise Cascade Corp., blaming na- tional forest land -use plans for creat- ing a timber supply shortage, shut down the sawmill and threatened McCall with the loss of a $1.5 million annual payroll, widely touted by lo- cals as the mainstay of their city's retail trade. But on this July morning there is little evidence of economic decline. Amid the petunias and potted plants lining the sun deck and boardwalk of the Shore Lodge are well - heeled guests more than willing to pay 65, cents for a '1-nurce glass of orange juice or $1.50 for pie a la mode. Although the Maverick conven -' fence store on 3rd Street has a $10 maximum on gas purchases and smoke no longer pours from the old mill's stacks, there is no energy or fi- nancial crisis here. Acres of floating logs that once covered a bay on the lake's east side have been replaced by man -made playthings — gas -guz- zling houseboats with Astroturf decks and custom -made fiberglass motorboats with $300 stereo systems. Stores are reporting record sales. On some evenings, hungry customers wait an hour or longer for tables at some of the town's 12 restaurants. And on weekends, McCall's half dozen motels and three campgrounds are 90 to 100 percent full. "We remark about it every day," said the proprietor of McCall's oldest hotel. "You don't realize there is a gas shortage or anything else." The summer construction industry is in full swing, so much so that Idaho Power and Ma Bell can't keep up with'the number of new residents. Even McCall's airport is having trouble coping with the increased summer traffic, which has boosted the community's population of 2,300 to well over 10,000. "I'd say air traf- fic ill the past 2 years has doubled," said Robert Franklin, the airport'$ general manager. "We have as many as 100 planes tied down on weekends . Ten years ago if we had 10 on the field I'd say it was crowded." As the Star -News, McCall's weekly newspaper, reported recently, the town's latest round of prosperity is as noticeable as "the bright summer sunlight shimmering off Payette Lake.' "I can safely say that McCall has safely weathered the storm," chuckled Callender, who estimated that Inter - Mountain Bank's McCall branch has increased its deposits as much as 18 percent since the mill's closure. Most likely Joe Johnson, assistant manager of Idaho First National in McCall, would agree. "Over a 2 -year period, we've had a 36 percent in- crease in deposits," he said. "It's a tremendous increase, it really is." McCall's ability to evolve so smoothly from mill town to resort city has left those who bemoaned the mill's departure with a little egg on their faces. "I must admit I was one who thought it would affect the econ- omy," said John Edwards, manager of the Shore Lodge. But Edwards, like many McCall businessmen, un- derestimated his city's drawing power among southern Idaho resi- dents who find McCall's recreational opportunities and cooler summer temperatures well worth the 21/2- hour drive from Boise. "McCall's just like a ski hill," he conceded recently. "The more peo- ple you get in Boise, the more people you get on top of the mountain." Although thankful for McCall's re- bound, there are those who find it be- wildering. "You just can't take $1.5 million out of a small town and not feel it ... but nobody has been able to figure out why McCall didn't suffer," said Callender. For an answer, one might turn to residents like Perc Shelton, a McCall real estate agent and developer who estimates he has sold 5 miles of Payette lakeshore property since he went into business nearly 35 years ago. A businessman who understands the human psychology of "owning a piece of the rock," Shelton was one of the few who didn't worry over the mill's closure in 1977. "I told people in 5 years you won't even know a mill was here," he said. "What you have here are people coming up to buy a back lot with no intentions to build but only to say, `I own a lot up in McCall.' It's been a thing Mr. Jones and Mrs. Smith al- ways did. There's always been an aura of owning property up here." A look into Idaho's early history reflects the same McCall magnet- ism. In his 1914 History of Idaho, Henry Fouch writes of plans being made to "make Payette Lake not only otte of the most beautiful but one of the best equipped pleasure places in the West" and inevitably "a great inter - mountain Chautauqua center." So, despite McCall's dependence on the timber industry, it has never been just a sleepy little mill town. Since the early 1900s, the area has served as a summer mecca for well - to-do Idahoans determined to set their business worries aside, escape the heat and have a good time. Sa- loons, brothels, casinos, fine restau- rants and swinging dance halls — at one time McCall had them all. Recalled Dorothy Barley, 64, whose politicking father Carl Brown played a major role in the '30s devel- oping McCall into a recreation area: "In those days, you had to be friendly or you were an outcast." Traditionally, a good share of Payette Lake's 26 -mile shoreline has been reserved for Idaho's upper crust. Today, its addresses resemble a mailing list for a Who's Who from the Boise Valley. Among the nota- bles: the J.R. Simplots, Jonathan C. Scotts (A &P grocery stores), Joe Al- bertsons, James Bruces (Idaho Power), William M. Agees (Bendix Corp.), and other financial kingpins like the Oppenheimers, Hansbergers, Hendrens and Tertelings. Like fine old china or priceless family jewels, much of the property has been passed on from one genera- tion to another. When the old family lakeshore cottage of Boise business- woman Joan Carley was destroyed by fire several years ago, she did what any blue - blooded Idahoan would do. She rebuilt, but this time a "cabin" of more elaborate propor- tions. "I always thought if I could leave a little bit of McCall to my kids that would really be worth something," said Carley, whose new home sports half a dozen bedrooms and a pano- ramic view from one of the lake's oldest subdivisions, Sylvan Beach. The mill someday may be shops and condos The Idaho Statesman 8/5/79 Page #2 or 4 Pages A sailboat rests at its mooring at Payette Lake The Idaho Statesman 8/5/79 Page #3 or 4 Pages But the Carley residence is a mere bunkhouse compared to other homes bordering the lake's west side (jok- ingly referred to by some as Payette Lake's "Oyster Bay "). One resident has added four stories to his family's once- humble log cabin; others have opted to build new homes with glass walls and massive redwood decks, using granddad's summer cabin as a guest house for overflow guests. But by far the most impressive Lakeshore residence is the Simplot complex — an Idaho version of San Clemente's Casa Pacifica. The Sim- plot estate consists of more than 80 rolling, forested acres and some 1,500 feet of shoreline. Amenities include a tennis court, stables and a swimming pool that extends more than 40 feet from the shoreline into the lake. McCall is a far cry from its more worldly competitor, Sun Valley. Rusty, tinned -roofed bungalows vie for space next to sprawling ranch - style dream homes. Many of the area's most expensive residences re- main hidden from the road by dense forest, accessible only by unobtru- sive dirt and gravel driveways. "Sun Valley is a man - created re- sort," said John Edwards, who has lived in McCall for 20 years. "This is natural." Natural or mishmash, a piece of the good life in McCall does not come cheap. Land prices have soared in re- cent years to the point that Perc Shelton says they've "gone berserk." The most noticeable increase has been Lakeshore property, where a lot is no longer measured by the acre but by the foot. Ten years ago, Lake- shore property was selling for $100 to $200 a foot; today the same land is going for $1,000 to $1,500. Shelton said a three- bedroom home with a small apartment bord- ering 82 feet of shoreline is on the market for $200,000. A few years ago he appraised the same home and lot for $65,000. "I would say the greatest variable I've had was an offer last year of $100,000 for a vacant lot," Shelton said. The property, which includes 100 feet of shoreline and is 350 feet deep, sold in the late '40s for $2,000, Shelton said. "Now, that's quite a spread." l u9� _ 3 aT if Pops But even at these prices, lakeside property is scarce. Approximately 41 percent of Payette Lake's shoreline is owned by the state of Idaho. Shel- ton estimates that more than 80 per- cent of Valley County is federally or state owned and another 10 percent by timber interests like Boise Cas- cade. For McCall's 45 licensed real es- tate agents, the problem is not so much finding a ready buyer as it is finding a seller. "You might say 6 to 7 percent is all the ground you have to work with," said Shelton. "In McCall . all you have to do is stick your hand out and you're touching Uncle and the state." Commerical property also is at a premium. Gordon Fouch, -a retired Forest Service worker, said he bought two vacant, commercially zoned lots near McCall's airport last November. "I paid $6,000 for one and $7,500 for another and I can sell them now for $18,000 apiece," he s0id. Rarely does a week go by that a bank representative doesn't call him on the phone urging him to sell, Fouch said. John Dobroth works on an eight -unit condo in McCall The Idaho Statesman 8/5/79 Page #4 or 4 Pages According to Sandy Bates of McCall's planning and zoning depart- ment, 49 house building permits were obtained from the city in 1977 com- pared to 19 in 1976. In 1978, despite forecasts of economic doom in the area, the city issued 60 more. Al- though construction loans are be- coming more difficult to secure, Bates said she has noticed no de- crease in building permits issued this year. Idaho First's Joe Johnson said McCall is attracting an influx of mid- dle- income couples, primarily from the Boise Valley, who want to build second homes. "The wife works, they have one or two children and a combined income ranging from $40,000 to $65,000 ... and they're bound and determined to have a cabin in McCall," he said. "We're getting people who are undergoing what you could call a life- style change. They're nb longer in tune with the hustle - bustle California thing. But they find that the Boise Valley is leaning toward that pace and they want to get clear away from it." A drive through McCall's streets and campgrounds reveals large num- bers of mainly Idaho and California license plates. Are Californians some of the new land investors? Randy Geddes, an agent for All - American Realty, said the "Califor- nia syndrome is not as strong as some people make it out to be. When condominiums from a 16- unit lakeside complex called Eleva- tion 5,000 went for sale last year, Geddes said 60 percent of the buyers were Idahoans, most from the Treas- ure Valley. Although the complex is still under construction, the two - story townhouses, priced from $100,000 to $160,000, all sold within 3 weeks, he said. Geddes also has noticed former Idahoans, many who were forced to leave the state for career reasons, are becoming prime McCall inves- tors. "They want a piece of their state," he said, but adding that high ,interest rates are keeping many of the potential buyers away. "If you don't have any money, you don't think about it," he said. "But if you've made some good investments Today's tight money market gives the impression McCall is an exclu- sive country club for retirees or upper- income families. Not so, ac- cording to several McCall Realtors. "We get all types," said real estate agent Sheila Davis. "I've noticed quite a few young people — people in their 20s — who want to be out in the country, have a chance to invest in some land and build a home." Said Shelton, "There's been such an influx of young people ... that the older folks just don't know who everybody is anymore. I've got guys in the plumbing and painting busi- ness I've never met." A year ago, John and Niki LeClair, a couple in their mid -20s, pooled their savings with a brother and a friend and bought 40 wooded acres 6 miles outside McCall. Although John, a smokejumper turned electrician, and Niki, a waitress, were unable to se- cure a construction loan, they began building their dream home with the profits made through the sale of a house in Sheridan, Wyo. The LeClairs' home, an impressive three -story structure made of pine and birch, is three - quarters tinished. But its construction was made possi- ble only with the help of laboring friends and salvaged building mate- rials. Windows were rescued f,om a Junkyard and an old Ashley wood - stove, which serves as the home's primary heating source, was given to John by an `old timer" who was re- modeling his cabin on the South Fork of the Salmon River. Construction help was enlisted from friends Kim and Judy Kirkland, newlyweds who are building a home next door. Kim, a carpenter, also plans to finance his home without a loan by doing most of the construc- tion work himself and bartering his skills for building materials. The LeClairs and Kirklands are typical of the growing number of young couples who have decided to settle here. Impressed by the area's natural beauty and clean environ- ment, they say they are willing to sacrifice the conveniences of urban living. "I don't know what it is about McCall," said Niki, who came here from Glenwood Springs, Colo. "It's the people, I guess, and it's so beauti- ful .... but there's not much job secu- rity at all. It's great for the rich but us paupers ... " The coming winter could bring economic hardships for people like the LeClairs and Kirklands. Both couples could find themselves jobless should the tourist trade end sud- denly. "We're like farmers. We have to make hay when the sun shines," said Edwards, who as a hotel keeper finds himself walking the same economic tightrope during the winter. "Any- body who has a business in McCall can do well in the summer ... but in October and November you can shoot a cannonball through the place and not hit anybody." Brundage Ski Area, McCall's ski mountain, drew record crowds last year as did the annual Winter Ice Carnival. But skiing, snowmobiling and the weekend carnival are the only tourist attractions in town dur- ing the long winter. Nevertheless, this summer's tour- ist boom is an encouraging sign that McCall may be in for its best winter season ever. Perhaps vacationing Idahoans, fearful of gas shortages in neighbor- ing states, are on their way to redis- covering what this little town is all about. Said Rick Cummins, manager of nearby Ponderosa State Park, where several cross country races are scheduled for the winter. "I think the whole secret is to see if this whole (resort) thing sustains itself." sleep with the stars Campgrounds Idaho's Heartland is reknowned for its natural wonders, and there are plenty of places to get close to that beau - ty, in day -use parks maintained by the federal'government, state and cities. For those interested in sleep- ing under a towering ponderosa pine or beside a flowing stream, numerous public campgrounds also are available. State Parke PONDEROSA STATE PARK Ponderosa State Park, two miles northeast of McCall, is on a forested peninsula in Payette Lake. This natural lake was formed thousands of years ago by glacial activity. Large granite boulders can be seen throughout the park, giving evidence of the glacier's force. Basaltic cliffs on the north end of the peninsula were created by volcanic activity prior to the glacial era. Geologists believe that this peninsula extended to the west side of the lake and was cut off by the advancing glaciers. Ponderosa Park has a varied topography. Within its bounds are arid sagebrush flats, steep basaltic cliffs, dense woods, grassy hillsides, meadows and marshes. Among other interesting features of the park are two marsh areas. They were lakes at one time, but are now almost completely evolved into wet meadow. Lily Marsh is north of the picnic area and Meadow Marsh is on the east side of the main road near the Meadow Marsh hiking trail. Because of its uniqueness, Li- ly Marsh has been nominated into the National Register of Natural Places. The park is abundant with large, mature ponderosa pines, also called yellow pine. Some of these trees are 400 -500 years old and reach heights of 150 feet or more. This concentration of large, old trees is unusual so close to sawmills and logging activities, but the trees were preserved earlier in this century so that everyone could enjoy their beauty. To allow enjoyment of the natural beauty of Ponderosa Park, nature trails and roads have been developed as well as picnic areas, scenic overlooks, a children's play area, a program area, beaches and a boat ramp. Camping is popular at Ponderosa Park and the camp- ing season traditionally opens Memorial Day weekend. The park has 110 campsites with water and electricity for $8 per night and 60 sites with water only for $6 per night. Extra vehicles are charged $4 each. As many as 85 campsites can be reserved, leaving 85 on a first -come, first - served basis. Reservations must be received at the park no later than 10 days prior to arrival. A $5 reserva- tion fee must accompany the re- quest. A day -use fee of $1 per day is charged for all motorized vehicles entering the park. An- nual passes may be purchased for $10 and is honored at all Idaho state parks charging an entrance fee. The day -use area is a popular swimming and barbecuing spot for area residents as well as visitors. The covered group pic- nic area can be reserved for a $10 fee. PACKER JOHN'S CABIN Located nine miles west of McCall near New Meadows, Packer John's Cabin State Park offers unlimited camping with vault toilets, central water, tables and grills. The small, historical park covers 16.5 acres. Fee for over- night camping is $3. Situated in the park is a small one -room cabin originally built in 1862 by John Walsh, a packer operating between Lewiston and Boise. The cabin was the site of early Idaho ter- ritorial political conventions in 1863 and 1864. NORTH BEACH At the north end of Payette Lake in McCall lies the 500 -acre North Beach area, containing the largest public sandy beach on the lake. There are vault toilets on the west side of the beach but no other facilities. A pleasant canoe outing begins by launching your boat by the bridge over the North Fork of the Payette River past the north end of the lake and paddling down to North Beach for a picnic. The trip is calm and en- joyable but, as you near North Beach, keep an eye out for speeding boats. McCall Parke It doesn't take long for a visitor to McCall to realize that finding a way to get down to the shore of Payette Lake is easier said than done. Much of the lake shore is privately owned or is on state land that is leased to private parties. The city of McCall, however, maintains several city parks along the lake that offer views equal to those enjoyed by the most exclusive lakeside homes. The city also maintains a "pocket park" located downtown. Mill Park: Mill Park is the newest of the city parks. Follow Lake Street east of the flashing traffic signal in the center of town and bear left at the Idaho Department of Lands building. The park is easy to spot because it is next door to the former Boise Cascade Corp. sawmill, much of which burned in a fire in March 1984. Look for the large red waste - burner teepee, which still stands as a landmark on the lakeshore. The park has a large expanse of grass and a pier and walkway on which to relax or stroll and look out over the lake. Also ;.available are a sand volleyball court and two horseshoe pits. Mill Park also is reputed to be the best place from which to watch McCall's annual fireworks display on the Fourth of July. The park also features restrooms, which are locked at night, and game tables. Rotary Park: Rotary Park is located along Payette Lake on the west side of the lake's outlet into the North Fork of the [layette River across from the Shore Lodge motel. Many of the park's facilities have been built and funded by the McCall Rotary Club with assistance from other service clubs and civic organizations. The park is perfect for an afternoon picnic with the family and features picnic tables, playground equipment, and several hundred feet of beachfront. The park also has public restrooms and drinking water. Art Roberts Park: Art Roberts Park is small, but gets a lot of use because of its location in the heart of downtown bet- ween May Hardware and Krahn's Home Furnishings. The park features a terraced grassy slope for sitting and watching boats pass on the lake or observing the Fourth of July fireworks. A small beach stays above the water line all summer long. Community Park: Communi- ty Park is a good place for resting after a hard day of shop- ping in McCall's downtown shops. It also is suited for a sack lunch in the sunshine. The park is located at Lenora Street along Third Street, which also is called Idaho 55. The park has a grassy area and benches, but no restrooms. Davis Beach: Davis Beach is the most out -of- the -way place maintained by the city, but. it also is among the most pleasant. To get to the beach, follow Davis Avenue along the east side of the lake to its intersec- tion with Lick Creek Road. Continue on Davis Avenue past Lick Creek Road and turn left at the first street, where a "Dead End" sign is posted. Follow that street to the beach. The 100- yard -long beach has no facilities, but the swimming is excellent. Campgrounds McCALL Ponderosa State Park: 890 acres two miles northeast of McCall on Payette Lake Penin- sula. 170 campsites with water and electricity. Fishing, boat launch, day -use area, group picnic shelter, am- pitheater. The park features water ski- ing, cross country skiing in the winter, visitor's center, art displays, nature trails, swimm- ing, campfire programs, shower, playground. Fees are $8 per night for sites with hook -ups and $6 per night for 60 sites furnishing water on- ly. Each extra vehicle is charged an additional $4. As many as 85 campsites can be reserved on a first -come, first- served basis. Reservations must be received at the park no later than 10 days prior to ar- rival. A $5 reservation fee must accompany the request. North Beach: Camp along the shore of Payette Lake. Outhouse on west side. Fishing, water skiing. No fee. Grouse: Six campsites next to Goose Lake; 10 miles north of McCall on Brundage Mountain Road. Take Idaho 55 west to ski area turnoff and turn right. Keep left. Fishing, boating and camping. $3 overnight fee. Hazard Lake: Five miles nor- thwest on Idaho 55, then 22 miles north on Brundage Moun- tain Road. Boating and fishing. Four acres with 12 units. $3 overnight fee. Lake Fork Campground: About eight miles from McCall past Little Payette Lake on Lick Creek Road; nine units; fishing. $3 overnight fee. Ponderosa: 31 miles nor- theast on Lick Creek Road at Secesh River; 14 units; fishing. $3 overnight fee. Upper Payette Lake; Along the shores of the lake; about 14 miles north of McCall on War- 1 ti's c c --)s .f c ren Wagon Road; 9 units; boating, fishing. $3 overnight fee. NEW MEADOWS Last Chance Campground: Located between McCall and New Meadows,. two miles off Idaho 55; 31 units; no water. $3 overnight fee. Cold Spring Campground: Located on Lost Valley Reser- voir, eight miles southwest of New Meadows on U.S. 95, then follow forest roads; 31 units; boating, fishing and berry pick- ing. $3 fee. Slaughter Gulch Camp- ground: Located on north end of Lost Valley Reservoir; 18 units primitive facilities; boating and fishing; no water. Free. Packer John's Cabin State Park: Three miles southeast of New Meadows on Idaho 55; 16 spaces on 10 acres; fishing. $3 per night. IGr� Spar - �'lP� -mss McCall rec to sponsor swim le- ssons Summer sun has warmed Payette Lake to an inviting temperature, perfect for taking the kids down to the lake for swimming lessons from the Mc- Call Recreation Program. Recreation Director Hugh Cooke said the city of McCall will sponsor two weeks of lessons at the Art Roberts Park swimm- ing area, beginning Aug. 5. Beginning and intermediate lessons will be offered to youths ages 7 to 13 years. Cbst for the lessons is $10 for a series of 10, one -half hour lessons. Class size will from eight to 12 youths per class, Cooke said. The lessons will be held Mon- day through Friday at the park site in downtown McCall, with daily times from 11 a.m. depen- ding upon swimming ability. The last class of the day will be held at 4:15 p.m., Cooke said. A mandatory registration and class placement is set for Tuesday and Wednesday, July 30 -31, from noon to 3 pm. at the park. Students should come prepared to get wet and will be evaluated on their swimming ability and placed in the appropriate class. Cooke said it should take about 15 minutes to evaluate the students. Anyone wishing to register ear- ly or needing more information can contact the McCall Recrea- tion Program at 634 -7280. - McCall gazebo plan hits snag BY RANDALL BROOKS The Star -News News that a deed donating land for Art Roberts Park prohibits any permanent buildings has put a kink in plans for a gazebo at Art Roberts Park. The snag was noted to the Mc- Call City Council Thursday dur- ing a presentation on the gazebo by a McCall citizens group. Council member Gary VanKomen called for the council to hold any action on the gazebo project until April 23 after hear- ing a report on deed problems from McCall City Administrator Bud Schmidt and parking con- cerns from other council members. All four council members said they support the volunteer pro- ject, which is aimed at improving public facilities in McCall, but said they were worried a gazebo in the busy downtown location might create traffic congestion and parking problems on Lake Street. Schmidt told council members that a warranty deed for the park land donated by the former Wescott Oil Corporation in 1959 said the land was to be used for a public park. The deed said that no perma- nent buildings were to be built on the land or the deed would be forfeited. "I think it's important to give this some serious consideration," Schmidt told the council. Holden said the Wescott Oil Company had goneout of business in 1968 and that efforts to find who was responsible for the deed has been unsuccessful. Council members suggested that the group should work to contact whoever was responsible for the company's assets and get permission for the structure. Proponents of the gazebo pro- ject came armed with petitions and letters of support from various civic groups. But council members also received a letter from Dan Krahn, owner of "My view is, our most signficant asset is our beautiful lake." — Mayor Clyde Archer Krahn's Home Furnishings, against the location. Council member Marion Johnson also reported she had received at least six phone calls from citizens asking that its loca- tion be moved. VanKomen and Johnson sug- gested that representatives of the gazebo project meet with Schmidt to look at alternative locations for the structure. That meeting took place Fri- day, with Schmidt reporting that several alternatives to its location and design were discussed. He said the group looked at an alter- nate site on city land located next to the Cutty Sark Restaurant, and also talked of a new con- figuration for the gazebo building, possibly as a hexagon or octagon, if it were to be built at Art Roberts Park. Schmdit said the change would allow the structure to be placed behind a tree in the park, lessen- ing its effect on the lake view. Current plans show the gazebo as a 12- foot -by -30 -foot rectan- gular building which would be centered on the streetside level of the 110- foot -by- 150 -foot park. Mayor Clyde Archer worried that the building might block the view of Payette Lake for visitors. "My view is, our most signifi- cant asset is our beautiful lake," he said. "How significant is the blockage ?" Linda Holden, spokeman for the gazebo group, said she felt the building would actually be less obtrusive than the current practice of parking cars in front of the park. Under the group's plans, several parking spaces on Lake Street would be eliminated. McCall Area Chamber of Commerce President Bonnie Allen and Executive Director Jennifa Lorenzi both spoke in support of the project. "We have a lot of ugliness in our downtown," Allen said. Lorenzi said she felt the city needed a focal point downtown and that the gazebo would be a helpful asset. City Administrator Bud Schmidt said removing two to three park- ing places bordering Art Roberts would be a concern, but should not be a major issue in deciding where the gazebo should be plac- ed. He discussed alternative sites for the gazebo such as city land next to the Cutty Sark Restaurant and near the city's water station, but Holden said she felt they were too far out of town. Council member Richard Moltke cast the lone vote against VanKomen's suggestion of building the new park. Moltke thought the gazebo might work in Art Roberts Park if it were redesigned and placed in a less obtrusive location. Council member Bob McCar- ty, who immediately voted with VanKomen on the issue, said pro- tecting the lakeview was his main concern. "I feel Art Roberts Park should be free and clear of obstructions," McCarty said. Council member Marion Johnson waited for several minutes before casting the deciding vote against the Art Roberts site, giving no reason to the unsuccessful petitioners. Holden and her group left the room in anger and continued a discussion loudly outside the council chambers, charging the council with ignoring public sup- port they had gathered and using the gazebo group's work to pro- mote its own ideas. Schmidt said Friday the city staff would begin working on the new park plan this week and hoped the gazebo committee would reconsider its decision to withdraw its support. q /S� Gazebo backers withdraw offer after McCall suggests marina location, BY RANDALL BROOKS The Star -News Two McCall area couples who had volunteered to raise funds and build a public gazebo have backed off in anger after the Mc- Call City Council refused to allow it to be built in Art Roberts Park downtown. Citing previous planning ef- forts in another direction, council members on Thursday voted 3 -1 in favor of a plan to pool the city's resources to instead build a small park where members felt the gazebo would be more ap- propriate. The new park location includes 400 feet of city - controlled lakefront located south of the ci- ty boat docks at the Sports Marina. Under plans discussed in the past year by citizens committees studying McCall's park, recrea- tion and transportation needs, the park would eventually tie into a lakefront boardwalk from downtown to Mill Park. The marina park idea is similar to one touted last year by Rick Fereday, a Valley County Water- ways commissioner and owner of May Marina. Fereday has unsuc- cessfully tried to get grant fun- ding for such a project. Rough plans discussed at Thursday's meeting call for con- struction this summer of about 30 parking spaces, a landscaped grass area with the gazebo as a focal point, and restoration of the beach. Current long -term boat trailer parking at the site would be eliminated. The motion by council member Gary VanKomen called for the ci- ty to authorize the gazebo at the alternate site, with the city staff mobilizing this summer to fund and construct the park facility. Linda Holden, speaking for a committee headed by her hus- band, Douglas, and Mike and Kathy Barton, objected and withdrew the offer to build the gazebo. "I think we just had an im- promptu decision and we withdraw our proposal," she said. Holden had argued their idea had been to construct the gazebo as a focal point for Art Roberts Park to help the downtown sec- tion of McCall. "In all seriousness, we're try- ing to get a diverse age group in the park," she said. In her second presentation this month to the council on the plan, Holden offered city council members additional "en- dorsements of the idea from various McCall civic groups plus a petition she said carried 150 names of supporters. Shirley Potter, a McCall resi- dent, questioned whether all signers of the petition actually agreed with the committee's re- quirement of Art Roberts Park site for the gazebo. Potter was the first to suggest that the marina site near the Huckleberry Corners commercial area might be a better long -term investment. Dan Krahn, a downtown businessman who had opposed the Art Roberts Park location because of parking considera- tions, argued that the downtown park next to his furniture store is already well used. "One thing to remember is that Art Roberts Park is used as it is now," Krahn said. "My concern is the parking." In his report. to the council, City Administrator Bud Schmidt said removing two to three park- ing places bordering Art Roberts would be a concern, but should not be a major issue in deciding where the gazebo should be plac- ed. He discussed alternative sites for the gazebo such as city land next to the Cutty Sark Restaurant and near the city's water station, but Holden said she felt they were too far out of town. Council member Richard Moltke cast the lone vote against VanKomen's suggestion of building the new park. Moltke thought the gazebo might work in Art Roberts Park if it were redesigned and placed in a less obtrusive location. Council member Bob McCar- ty, who immediately voted with VanKomen on the issue, said pro- tecting the lakeview was his main concern. "I feel Art Roberts Park should be free and clear of obstructions," McCarty said. Council member Marion Johnson waited for several minutes before casting the deciding vote against the Art Roberts site, giving no reason to the unsuccessful petitioners. Holden and her group left the room in anger and continued a discussion loudly outside the council chambers, charging the council with ignoring public sup- port they had gathered and using the gazebo group's work to pro- mote its own ideas. Schmidt said FridaN the city staff would begin working on the new park plan this week and hoped the gazebo committee would reconsider its decision to withdraw its support. '� i - 5i4 r 1 McCall sticks by original park plan Y TOMI GROTE bond passed by voters last June to « he Star -News When I voted for the park, finance the park. The McCall City Council voted nanimously last Thursday night tol expected park. " Many in the crowd were adamant that parking be kept to a minimum jest a downtown merchant group's Lance Eckhardt in the park. "When I voted for the' ffort to expand parking in the pro - - park, I expected park," said Lance posed Payette Lake waterfront park Eckhardt, who owns a travel agency n downtown McCall. Feb. 22, when a group calling itself McCall architect Andy Laidlaw, a downtown. The council voted to stick with the Downtown Merchants Coalition member of the park design team, Crystal Visions owner and down - he parking scheme for the park made a plea to expand the number of presented eight alternatives to the town businessman Humphrey riginally recommended by the parking spaces from the proposed 27 council and the crowd, many of Kellogg called the council's expendi- AcCall Parks and Recreation to a larger number. whom had to be content to listen ture of funds to draw alternative 'ommittee and the McCall The merchants were concerned from the hallway because they plans for expanded parking , 'lanning and Zoning Commissio, that inadequate parking in the park �fter hearing two hours of impa,, would worsen the already spare park- couldn't squeeze into the council ludicrous. The park is an aes- statement," Kellogg chambers. Chet c, "It's b ioned testimony from a crowd c ing conditions downtown, when vis- bout 60 citizens. itors using the park spilled into the At 60 parking places, only 3/4- the first time si I acre (of the more than two acres) is been here that we've voted to do About 15 people spoke in oppo- downtown parking area. The council park," Laidlaw said. The five op- something beautiful, and special in- ition to the merchants' appeal in an then instructed the park designer to tions ranged from 20 parking places terest creeps in." The aesthetics of the park were mpromptu public hearing, the see- sketch new plans to see how the end in a row on the subject. The park would be affected by 40, 50 and in the park's interior to 50 and car- ried price tags from $31,730 to heavy on the minds of parking op- "(More irst airing on the subject occurred at 60 parking spaces to accommodate $56,080. The costs for the parking ponents. parking) is a viola - he council's last regular meeting on park users. would come out of the $1.1 million S-fo t,� l/Ue�S OC&0 e--� qj /01 90 THE STAR NEWS - THURSDAY OCTOBER 4, 1990 r P.O. 2nd St. Hwy.5 NA 9� Z m cn I McCall ..: dsold.to � land Land sold to......� buys City by Gentry :. for park 1`11111 — Mtn. Monkey Business Map shows land McCall bought for park. Gentry (Continued from Page A -1) At the end of 1989, Gentry and the city negotiated toward a perma- nent easement that would give the city perpetual rights to the land as long as it was used as a park. How- ever, Gentry withdrew her offer just before negotiations were completed on the advice of her accountant. Earlier this year, she offered to allow the city to continue to use the land under a license agreement, but city council members balked at the 30 -day cancellation clause. Council members then ordered its staff to negotiate a purchase of the site. Council members believe the city should own the land since own- ership would better qualify the city for grants to help build the lakefront park, city council President Bob McCarty said. The decision to buy the Gentry land also was made easier following a tentative deal made earlier this year with San Diego developer Douglas Manchester, who owns the site now occupied by Century 21 - Chisholm Realty. That site also is part of the ____1 Proposed riverfront park. Manchester agreed to trade the Century 21 parcel for a portion of Mill Park that would add lake frontage for Manchester's proposed Payette Lake Lodge. Approval of the trade is still being considered by state and federal park officials. The trade is expected to save the city tens of thousands of dollars that it otherwise would have spent from the bond fund to buy the Century 21 property. The funds saved could then be dedicated toward buying the Gentry land. Purchase of the Gentry parcel was not anticipated when the bond issue was put before voters. If the land trade with Manchester is approved, the city will then be the sole owner of a long stretch of lakefront land between the McCall Mall and the Payette Lake Lodge site. The main private parcel within the park, previously owned by the Brown family of McCall, was pur- chased earlier by the city for $320,000. BY TOM GROTE The Star -News The city of McCall acquired an important link to its holdings along the shore of Payette Lake last Friday when the McCall City Council from agreed to buy a strip of Nancy Gentry. Gentry, of McCall and La Jolla, Calif., owns the 34- foot -by -100 foot parcel that sits across East Lake Street from Mountain Monkey Business, which Gentry also owns. The land is part of a waterfront park scheduled to be built next year using funds from a $1.1 million bond issued passed by McCall vot- ers in 1989. In a special meeting Friday, the city council accepted Gentry's offer to sell the land to the city for $119,000. Upon closing of the deal, Gentry has agreed to donate $29,000 to the city's park development fund, making the net purchase price $90,000. Up until this year, the city has been using the land as a park through a temporary easement granted by Gentry. Sod was planted on the land and picnic tables were installed. (See" Gentry," Back Page) McCall buys land for park BY TOM GROTE The Star -News The city of McCall acquired an important link to its holdings along the shore of Payette Lake last Friday when the McCall City Council agreed to buy a strip of land from Nancy Gentry. Gentry, of McCall and La Jolla, Calif., owns the 34- foot -by -100 foot parcel that sits across East Lake Street from Mountain Monkey Business, which Gentry also owns. The land is part of a waterfront park scheduled to be built next year using funds from a $1.1 million bond issued passed by McCall vot- ers in 1989. In a special meeting Friday, the city council accepted Gentry's offer to sell the land to the city for $119,000. Upon closing of the deal, Gentry has agreed to donate $29,000 to the city's park development fund, making the net purchase price $90,000. Up until this year, the city has been using the land as a park through a temporary easement granted by Gentry. Sod was planted on the land and picnic tables were installed. �co P.O. I Hwy.5 y� NA F �5-51t? lYe ws Land sold to City by Gentry z Z R M Mtn. Monkey N Business --1 Map shows land McCall bought for park. At the end of 1989, Gentry and the city negotiated toward a perma- nent easement that would give the city perpetual rights to the land as long as it was used as a park. How- ever, Gentry withdrew her offer just before negotiations were completed on the advice of her accountant. Earlier this year, she offered to allow the city to continue to use the land under a license agreement, but city council members balked at the 30 -day cancellation clause. Council members then ordered its staff to negotiate a purchase of the site. Council members believe the city should own the land since own- ership would better qualify the city for grants to help build the lakefront park, city council President Bob McCarty said. The decision to buy the Gentry land also was made easier following a tentative deal made earlier this year with San Diego developer Douglas Manchester, who owns the site now occupied by Century 21 - Chisholm Realty. That site also is part of the proposed riverfront park. Manchester agreed to trade the Century 21 parcel for a portion of Mill Park that would add lake frontage for Manchester's proposed Payette Lake Lodge. Approval of the trade is still being considered by state and federal park officials. The trade is expected to save the city tens of thousands of dollars that it otherwise would have spent from the bond fund to buy the Century 21 property. The funds saved could then be dedicated toward buying the Gentry land. Purchase of the Gentry parcel was not anticipated when the bond issue was put before voters. If the land trade with Manchester is approved, the city will then be the sole owner of a long stretch of lakefront land between the McCall Mall and the Payette Lake Lodge site. The main private parcel within the park, previously owned by the Brown family of McCall, was pur- chased earlier by the city for $320,000. /V4 �qp Mc Call park faces e r delay ano th _ McCall" long -awaited lakefront in time to start construction next Park on Payette Lake has received month, but Belts said he was told another setback with the word that b Corps officials in Walla Walla, federal bureaucracy will delay con- Wash., that they have a backlog of struction. permits to process. Clearing that McCall City Council members acklog likely will take another two were told last Thursday that con- months, Belts was told. struction on the central part of the Council members told City Ad- park likely will be delayed until ministrator Bud Schmidt to contact after summer. the city's federal representatives to ask them to intervene with thz Corps. Meanwhile, the council ordered bids to be let to build the re- stroom for the park, which would not sit on the wetlands area. Don Belts, the McCall designer who drew the plans for the park, told council members that the delay is due to hold -ups by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in giving approval for construction on the park lands considered to be wetlands. The Bush Administration's poli- cies dictate that there be "no net loss" of wetlands nationwide, mean- ing that any wetlands proposed to be filled must be replaced elsewhere, Belts said. The city has proposed replacin; the wetlands in the lakefront par] with wetlands at the old city landfil along the North Fork of the Payett( River across from the McCall Smokejumper Base. The landfill wetlands would be fenced to protect it from abuse, under the city's pro- posal. The city had hoped to obtain a permit from the Corps of Engineers The snag is the latest delay to plague the lakefront park, which is being financed with a $1.1 million bond issue passed by voters in 1989. The city has been waiting for the past 18 months for approval from the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation and the National Park Service to trade a part of Mill Park with a piece of the lakefront park now owned by San Diego developer Douglas Manchester. Without approval of the trade, the city cannot move the former Century 21 building now on the site or build the parking lot that is planned for the area. The city has spent $410,000 from the bond issue so far on the lakefront park to buy the land from its former private owners, and $50,000 has been spent on design and engineering. About $200,000 is budgeted to build the first phase of the park, which will include the restrooms, parking, the beach area and landscap- ing. An entry plaza and other fea- tures are proposed to be built later. 6_ ,O -19 1 Sfdi,^ /Vew'ti Aid r ",14?q3 McCall rec continues fun camps The McCall Recreation Program is continuing its series of fun camps for youths age nine to 12. Children must have a bicycle and helmet to attend the camp. Weekly sessions start Monday and on Aug. 30, and run from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Camps will be limited to 20 children, and cost of the camp is $30 per week. Each day, children will meet at Fairway Park at 1 p.m. where activi- ties will begin. They may be picked up at the McCall - Donnelly school tennis - basketball court area at 5 p.m. During the week, participants will be supervised by Recreation Program staff. Activities will include arts and crafts, field sports such as kickball, tag, softball, and soccer. Bicycle rides, library visits and trips to Legacy Park and Davis Beach are planned. Organized beach activi- ties and swim times utilizing the buddy system will be supervised by a certi- fied Red Cross instructor. On rainy days, activities will be held at the McCall- Donnelly High School gym, M -D Elementary School multipurpose room or the McCall Public Library. Sign -ups will be taken at the front desk of McCall City Hall and will be limited to the first 20 children signing up for each week. For information, call 634 -3006. he City of McCall will provide park and recreation amenities that contribute to the health and well being of its citizens by inviting them to adopt an active lifestyle and which also attract visitors to the city. — ML%Ion Statement, McCall Parks and Recreation Department r McCall Dept. of Parks and Recreation Tonii Gi -ofe, chair • Alevubers: IX -nnis Coyle -, Kalhp Killen, jim Wtive, Gary 1'ax K(Amen > Require an annual, written evaluation of park maintenance programs from the city staff to be due to the committee in April of each year (Objective IV, strategy 1) > Develop an Adopt -a -Park and Adopt -a- Garden program to Tomi Grote, chair ........ 634 -8542 The following are actions that are new to ibis mnion of the Dennis Coyle, McCall Parks and Recreation Master Plan wbicb the committee vice chair ...634 -2164 considers to be the most t4sible recommendations. They are Kathy Killen .................634 -7348 extracted here for the mader's convenience, but they shouldn't 1994-MASTER PLAN- 1 9991 replace a tborougb reading of the entire document. 0�jecfives )I- Require an annual inspection of the city's parks by the parks and recreation advisory committee to determine the 'k " '` following: `� •::: • deficiencies in current sites (Objective I strategy 5) l gY �.�rategies • deficiencies of safety features (Objective IV, strategy 3) • deficiencies in general park maintenance to be noted SUMMARY OF MAJOR in a staff drafted annual evaluations of park RECOMMENDED ACTIONS maintenace programs (Objective IV, strategy 1) > Require an annual, written evaluation of park maintenance programs from the city staff to be due to the committee in April of each year (Objective IV, strategy 1) > Develop an Adopt -a -Park and Adopt -a- Garden program to Tomi Grote, chair ........ 634 -8542 encourage more organizations and individuals to donate Dennis Coyle, their carpentry or gardening skills under the city's supervi- vice chair ...634 -2164 sion. (Objective IV, strategy 2) Kathy Killen .................634 -7348 Jim Ware ...................... 634 -2209 > Appoint a subcommittee of citizen users of the recreation Gary Van Komen ........634 -7446 programs to evaluate the recreational program package annually and comment to the committe in June of each Address correspondence to: year. (Objective VII, strategy 2) Parks and Recreation Dept. P.O. Box 1065, McCall, Idaho > Appoint a subcommittee to recommend alternative and expanded funding sources for park and recreation devel- opment and maintenance (Objective X, strategy 1) > Establish a fee structure throughout the parks and recre- ation system that offers discounts to city residents and other significant contributors (Objective X, strategy 2) April, 1994 Page 2 n=18n.oa Productkm ottt& aoannew aooewa by nw vhwkTunh cmpek nom. mcaa Unho McCall Dept. of Parks and Recreation Tmid Grole, choir - Members: /h^►►nis G►►•le, K► IPY KiNr►►, fin► Ware, Gmy Vim Komen OBJECTIVE L• Develop a variety of community park and recreation sites that guarantee a high quality of life consistent with the wishes of the citizens of the City of McCall. Strategies Obeectives 1. Provide high quality public tennis courts, playfields and .,� tra il networks. a: 2. Expand offerings and facilities in existing park and recre- ation sites. Areas that need attention include expanded park- ing, P "° `' • equipment storage, signing, access, playground swc- Stra�egies tures, indoor recreation opportunities and restrooms. CONCERNING PARK 3. Prioritize the future development of public park sites. Parks DEVELOPMENT AND should serve the broadest cross- section of citizen interests MAINTENANCE possible and serve the needs of significant segments of the population. 4. Commit to future construction that is of commercial stan- dard Wherever aesthetic considerations are not an overriding factor, park designs should favor low maintenance features and vandal resistant equipment. 5. Annually assess all current sites and determine the follow- ing: a. project costs and personnel required to upgrade these sites to a more functional level. Priority should be given to improving existing sites before develop ing new ones. b. existing park /recreation services, facilities and operational procedures. Adjustments should be made based on changing needs of the community. 6. Encourage the adoption of ordinances that ensure adequate parks, open spaces and bikeways be provided in newly developed areas in the city of McCall to meet the recreational needs of increased populations. 7. Recognize that recreational services or sites often stimulate the local economy enough to help offset operating/adminis- tration costs. 8. Support the preservation of natural drainages, wildlife habitat and unique areas within the city when prudent and encourage developers to preserve natural areas rather than relandscaping them, especially in the case of side hills, prop- erty borders and irregular land parcels, which are easy to April, 1994 leave natural. Page 3 This section continued next page McCall Dept. of Parks and Recreation Tontl Grole, cbttir - Mentbevs: Ih•►t►tis CoYle, KedbY Killen, jim flirt•, Gin_)• Vim Ko►nr►t OBJECTIVE LL Develop, maintain, improve and expand accesses and views to guarantee public access to Pay ette Lake, Payette River's North Fork and natural assets within the City of McCall. Strategies 1. Improve existing facilities on Payette Lake to include: a. Better access from both land and water b. Adequate parking c. Safety for users d. Site amenities including restrooms, tables, benches, informational signs, landscaping. 2. Encourage the establishment of common rules with other governing agencies to foster a unified approach to waterway development. 3. Provide Payette Lake facilities with designated areas for boaters and swimmers to better balance use and safety. a. Ski docks b. Signing c. Fishing access areas d. Moorage /short term storage e. Public boat launch sites f. Buoyed swimming areas 4. Develop facilities for better use of Payette River's North Fork a. Pathways b. View Points c. Fishing access areas 5. Encourage float boating access to Payette River with a put - in near the outlet and take -out down river. Include informa- tional signing with safety recommendations. 6. Evaluate the impacts of managing N.F. Payette River flows to allow recreational floaters to use the river for an extended season and when prudent, encourage such management. 7. Improve and protect existing park lands along N. F. Pay ette Lake and N.F. Payette River and acquire additional public lands on all McCall's waterways by donation, trade, purchase, property or access rights. Ibis section continued next page April, 1994 Page 4 ' McCall Dept. of Parks and Rccreation "yam Tuttti Grule, ebuir • Members: rs: De nnis Cet►•li-, Kalb ► Kille•u. Jiut Mitre, Gmy i im Km mw OBJECTIVE M. Encourage use of park and recreation facilities by providing a trail network which Minks McCall's park and recreation facilities. Strategies 1. A trail system should serve in getting from point- to-point, park - to-park, for transportation within the city, and for ingress to and egress from the city. The system should be a useful link between facilities: private, public and academic. It should link neighborhoods with the commercial core of the city. 2. The design of the trail system should incorporate the use conflict strategies in Objective DC 3. Waterfront shoreline and views should be incorporated, wherever available, into the trail system 4. Vest pocket parks and natural areas should be incorporated along the trail system. 5. Develop minimum standard (Class 3) bikeways to link areas wherever construction of a 10 foot wide trail is not practical. OBJECTIVE N: Provide safe, accessible, well maintained and efficiently administered park and recreation facilities. Strategies 1. Improve the monitoring of park maintenance by annually requiring the city staff to prepare a written evaluation of park maintenance programs. The plan should include a detail of tasks, standards, schedules and responsibilities to address deficiencies. The report will be submitted to the committee in April of each year so that the committee can consider the information in it's budget requests relative to park mainte- nance. 2. Develop an Adopt -a -Park and Adopt -a -Garden program to encourage more organizations and individuals to donate their carpentry or gardening skills under the city's supervision. 3. Annually analyze the safety and access features of current park designs and make recommendations to city council on prudent improvements. Encourage prompt corrections to those deficiencies. 4. Comply with the provisions of the Americans with Disabili- ties Act and require that the provisions of the act be incorpo- rated into any new park design. 5. Be reasonably assured that adequate future funding for April, 1994 maintenance will exist prior to expanding park and recreation Page 5 sites. Ibis section continued next page McCall Dept. of Parks and Recreation Pont/ Grob, cbalr • Members:IAwwls Coyk% Fn/hy Killenjim Wiirr, Gtory Vim Konten 6. Require that new facilities be visually appealing, but con- structed for low - maintenance and of vandal resistant materials. 7. Require private and civic organizations to seek city govern- ment input and assistance prior to petitioning the parks & recreation advisory committee to donate or build public recre- ation facilities. 8. Require that projects slated for donation: a. Be feasible and desirable to the city. b. Be completed in accordance with a pre - agreed time table. c. Be constructed of commercial/industrial grade mate- rials. d. Be completely operable before acceptance by the city. 9. Establish a system to encourage and evaluate maintenance suggestions by city employees and citizens. OBJECTIVE V: Minimize use conflicts in the city's parks. Strategies 1. Design parks that a. segregate incompatible recreational uses. b. are sensitive to the existing uses of adjacent land. c. minimize conflicts in modes of transportation, such as bicycles and pedestrians 2. Where conflicting uses must occur together, minimize the impact of the conflict through education, signing, scheduling of time and site management. 3. Establish and enforce city ordinances that control conflict ing uses of recreational sites and facilities. 4. Establish and manage some sites that serve a sole purpose or use, when no other solution will work as well. OBJECTIVE VL• Develop a partnership with private, local, state & federal recreation providers in order to avoid duplication of services. Strategies 1. When invited, designate representatives of the park and recreation advisory committee to serve in organizations dedi- cated to recreational development in the greater McCall recre- ation area and report the activities of these organiza lions regularly to the committee. 2. Encourage any organizations involved in recreational devel- April, 1994 opment in the greater McCall area to seek the input of the Page 6 parks and recreation advisory committee and vice - versa. McCall Dept. of Parks and Recreation 7urrrl Grub, cbnir' • �1Ir adn r:c: lhvnrts (r►�li•, l�rrlb� J�1 /lrrr, flnr tis "nrr, Grn_� l inr A "rinn rr OBJECTIVE VII: Promote, develop and implement year round community recreation programs. Strategies 1. Develop a package of recreational programs that appeals to 0 j eetives all age groups and levels of ability. ,� ,.. 2. Continually stimulate interest in lifetimes its and recre- Y Po ational activities by appointing a subcommittee of citizen users of the recreation programs to evaluate the recreational program package annually and comment to the committee in • �t rat �° June of each year on the following: e ies a. Elimination of or improvements to existing programs CONCERNING RECREATION based on their popularity. PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND b. Evaluate the volunteer coaching program and rec- MAINTENANCE ommend improvements. c. Evaluate the appeal of the recreation program pack- age relative to various age groups and levels of ability. d. Keep the recreation program package dynamic by analyzing changing recreational trends. Recommend new programs that the department can afford to spon- sor (by eliminating the expense of a less popular program, by attracting new fees, etc.). OBJECTIVE VIII: Sponsor and administer recreation programs that use role models to encourage respon slble behavior by youths. Strategies 1. Encourage funding to attract educated and experienced leaders. 2. Comply with the Drug -Free Workplace Act. 3. Support facilities and programs that offer youth controlled opportunities to gather and participate in programs that are healthful and encourage social, mental and skill development. ' McCall Dept. of Parks and Recreation Tu►ur Grote, their - Members: Dennis Co1•lr, Kallg Dille►►, Jim i[i►rr. Gtirj 1"(101 Kome►► ectives gies CONCERNING FEES AND FUNDING April, 1994 Page a OBJECTIVE IX: Recognize that parks and recreation programs, facilities and services are valuabk to the citzens of McCall and that profitabillty is only one consideration in evaluating those programs, facilities and services. Strategies 1. Fees charged for special services, supervision, set -up or privileges should be determined in consideration of the fol- lowing: a. market value of service or privilege b. restrictions such requests place on the public's use of park facilities c. nature of the use: profit, non - profit, personal, etc. d. value of the use to the quality of life of the citizens of McCall 2. Fees for youth programs or educational sessions should be kept to a reasonable minimum. OBJECTIVE X: Recognize that there is a serious disparity in who pays for parks and recreation services in McCall and who uses parks and recreation services in McCall. Attempt to find a way to balance the burden. Strategies: 1. Create a subcommittee chaired by a member of the park board to recommend alternative funding sources: concessions, grants, gifts, special elections, fund raising efforts, etc. This committee would also explore special taxing districts, annex- ation of properties to city limits, etc. to spread the funding burden of basic park infrastructure expenses over more of the population of the park system's users. 2. Establish a fee structure throughout the park and recce ation system that eases this imbalance by offering discounts to city residents and to other significant contributors, etc. as approved by the advisory committee. 3. Examine land dedication ordinances or other techniques for site acquisition and development. ' McCall Dept. of Parks and Recreation Toped Groh•, Cbnlr - Members: Dennis Coyk-, Krrlb) Killen, firer Wtiv •, Gmy 1 ien Bonin i ISM Park FAI�Vqy � I Actions rtes ACTIONS TARGETED FOR COMPLETION DURING THE TERM OF THIS MASTER PLAN Riverfrons; 5ke rays:. a,W.r 21 April, 1994 Page 9 Fairway Park 1. Develop the park as a community park and playfield to serve the growth on the east side of McCall. The playfields will serve the city's youth recreation programs and take any spillover from the playfields to be built at the riverfront park site. 2. Build restrooms 3. Install more pleasing landscaping that includes shade trees, a natural barrier between the park and Ameri Gas, and incor- porates the addition of the bike path to the site. Golf Course Clubhouse 1. Sell site, use funds to match bike path grant and use any remaining balance to cure current priority maintenance short- comings. Riverfront Site 1. Commission a park design to look at the following uses: a. playfields design for multi-use: baseball, softball, soccer b. "Noise" recreation area c. RV park d. open amphetheater e. Iarge events such as crafts fairs, outdoor expositions, concerts, etc. f. soft winter recreation such as sledding, etc. g. sport access to river: fishing, rafting, etc. Design to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act. 3. Insist on competent, professional planning. A develop- ment of this type along the river will bring down heavy environmental concerns, not the least of which is the heavy use of fertilizer on the softball fields and the presence of wetlands on and near the site. 4. Comply with mitigation requirements on Phase I of Legacy Park by placing required fencing of wetlands. Bike Paths 1. Complete aquisition of railroad right of way behind City Hall (Kalman) Ibis section continued next page McCall Dept. of Parks and Recreation Tomi Grote, cbulr • Members: lhvt►tls Ogle, Kalb), Killenjim Mitre, Gtt► y Vim Ko►ttwt soot An R0 Roberta Park _ 2. Develop or have in progress all four sections currently planned: a. Miles Standish to Legacy Park b. Legacy via downtown to Park Street down Forest Street to Shore Lodge c. City to Deinhard to Riverfront Park d. Down Highway 55 to Warren Wagon Road 3. Bike path design to emphasize: a. Minimizing use conflicts (see Objective IX under goals and strategies) b. Incorporating views of waterfront and natural amenities c. Vest pocket parks and natural areas d. At least minimum standard (Class 3) bikeways. e. Safety and interpretive signage 4. Emphasize extention of bike path into neighborhood areas and into other areas of interest expressed by the community. Art Roberts Park 1. Redesign park and replace sprinkling system to accommo- date the following uses: a. Street level sitting area landscaped with hardy pe- rennials & shrubs, benches, picnic tables and low maintenance walkways to give shoppers, downtown area employees, senior citizens and the handicapped a lakeview place in the middle of town to take a break or eat a snack. The design must accommodate the winter use of this area as a stage for Winter Carnival. b. Grassy areas for relaxation and play c. Larger beach d. Restrooms Make short term improvements and repairs a. Replace 2 sections of dock, west of park, install dock bumpers b. Remove existing restroom facility c. Repair drinking fountain d. Clean lake bottom e. Assess and if necessary, make improvements neces- sary to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Ibis section continued next page ' McCall Dept. of Parks and Recreation v. Tour! Grrdr, cbrrlr - Members: Donn s Oylt% Ktill►y Killefl, fire Move, Grn_� 1'mr Kollir•u D1vls Davis Beach 1. Construct restroom facility. 2. Install swimming buoys. 3. Build retaining walls around the exposed roots of trees for improved safety and aesthetics. 4. Relocate some mismatched picnic tables from Legacy Park to Davis Beach 5. Assess and if necessary, make improvements necessary to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. 6. Relocate docks to one side to better protect swim area 7. Define parking area, pave and mark. Mill Park 1. Replace sprinkler system (from '87 master plan) 2. Install children's playground equipment beside restroom. 3. Re -plant high - maintenance garden areas that have fallen into disrepair with less demanding ground covers and vegeta- tion. 4. Assess and if necessary, make improvements necessary to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act. 5. Expand parking. 6. Improve access at Hemlock Street 7. Relocate restrooms to park entrance and combine with an information kiosk. ommunity Park Eliminate the need for mowing this tiny little site by replac- g grass with low growing perennial ground cover. Coordinate maintenance with the volunteer efforts of iyette Lakes Progressive Club ennis Courts. Neighborhood Parks Assess sites and evaluate value to park system Attach !commendations as addendums to master plan. Tbis section continued next page McCall Dept. of Parks and Recreation iun►1 Grub, chair • Members: Dennis Op le, Fulh� l�illwr. Ji►►► R'en-e•, Ge►►•) 1 "lur KI -14vt April, 1994 Page 12 Rotary Park 1. Relocate some of the mismatched picnic tables from Legacy Park to grassy area. 2. Remove large rocks from water's edge. 3. Build retaining walls around the exposed roots of trees for improved safety and aesthetics. 4. Enclose back of garbage area 5. Improve steepness of steps 6. Clean lake bottom 7. Assess and if necessary, make improvements necessary to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act. 8. Safer surface for playground 9. Coordinate maintenance and improvements with the volun teen efforts of the McCall Rotary Club Legacy Park 1. Manage use of volleyball court to minimize impacts on neighboring businesses. 2. Install swim buoys. 3. Construct an observation deck over the concrete pylons on the southeast shore. 4. Construct pole fence along rim walkway to discourage traffic on bank. 5. Purchase 6 matching picnic tables and relocate mismatched existing tables to Rotary Park and Davis Beach. 7. Install drinking fountain 8. Clean lake bottom 9. Improve appearance of pumphouse with shade awnings and benches. 10. Assess and if necessary, make improvements necessary to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act. 11. Complete Phase I with sidewalk around eastern perimeter { j, McCall Dept. of Parks and Recreation Iuu1i Grule, choir • .1lrwhrrs: D4.1111A G11•1•. both), tiillenji111 llilrr. Gr11• 1"(111 Ko wd-11 In preparation for the writing of this master plan, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee toured the city's existing parks and made a checklist of desired improvements and repairs. That list is the basis for the site specifics section of the plan. The master plan lists the committee's entire "wish Actions list ". This section lists what our priorities are and what we believe are those of the community. • S On April 26, 1993, the parks and recreation committee con- peC is ducted a public hearing on this master plan drab. The hearing was well attended and the committee heard the opinions of several concerned citizens. Keeping that public comment in mind each committee mem- Park Sites ber was asked to weight the actions recommended in this master plan according to their order of preference. The scores PRIORITIES were totaled to produce this priority list. Our goal is to see that most of this list is accomplished in the five year term of the plan. 1. Finish aquiring land for bike path 2. Design and construct bike path 3. Relocate docks, install swim buoys at Davis Beach 4. Construct a restroom at Davis Beach 5. Make all listed improvements to Fairway Park, including constructing a restroom, and make all recommended small improvements to existing parks 6. Install a pole fence around the rim of Legacy Park, redesign and remodel Art Roberts Park and define /pave parking area at Davis Beach 7. Design and construct core facilities at Riverfront Park 8. Replace dock at Art Roberts Park 9. Construct east perimeter sidewalk at Legacy and improve pumphouse exterior appearance 10. Fill in old restroom at Art Roberts and construct new one 11. Construct an observation deck on top of old pilings at Legacy Park, replace sprinklers at Mill Park, expand parking at Mill Park 12. Identify and develop undeveloped neighborhood parks 13. Make recommended improvements to Community Park April, 1994 Page 13 14. Relocate restroom in Mill Park to entrance (to serve both park and bike path traffic) and construct an information kiosk Park & Rec Priorities Tally j 3/21/94 Project ITomi Dennis i Kathy ,Komen Ware Baker Total 1. Blke Path Land A ulsition 1 1 1 1 1 1' 6 2. Bike Path Design & Construction 1 1 1 1 1 11 21 7 3. Swim buo s /dock relocation - Davis Beach 1 1 1 3 3 1 10 4. Restroom at Davis Beach 2 1 2' 3 4 1 13 5. Fairway Park Improvement package 3 1 2 4 3 1 14 wild restrooms, add shade trees, etc. Little stuff-all parks 1 2; 1 5 3 2 14 icnic fables, minor landscaping improvements) Restroom st Fairway Park 1 1 21 4 5 1 14 6. Pole fence, Legacy Park - 1. 4, 1 5 3 2 16 Art Roberts Park redesign I 1 1 2 i 31 51 3 2' 16 Define/pave parkIng area -Davis Beach I 2 21 3 31 31 3' 16 7. Riverfront Park Construction 41 3! 41 2 2 21 17 S. Dock replacement-Art Roberts 21 5 21 3 3 3 18 9. East perimeter sidewalk - Legacy 51 21 2 1 5 4 1 19 Pumphouse exterior Improvements-Logacy 1 4 21 5 4 3 19 10. Restroom at Art Roberts 5' S 1 5 4 2 22 11. Observation deck, Legacy Park 3' 51 21 51 4 4 23 Sprinkler system replacement-Mill Park 5; 3 41 5 4 2 23 Parking ex nslon, MITI Park 21 4, 41 5 4 4 23 11. Neighborhood Park development 51 41 51 5 2 3 24 12. Community Park Improvement package 51 41 5 i 5 2 5 26 13. Restroom relocation/info kiosk, Mill Park 51 51 41 5 4 5 28 /q yy McCall council hears plan n'. J ofl� for park By Shari Hambleton The slar News An artist's rendition of the pro- posed Riverside Park may not be able to halt gravel extraction from the city -owned gravel pit on Mis- sion Road, but it may influence where the digging is concentrated so less rehabilitation is needed when the time comes to begin con- struction. McCall Parks and Recreation task force member Kathy Killen presented McCall -City Council members with a proposed artist layout of what Riverside Park could possibly look like at comple- tion. The plan included baseball, soft- ball and soccer fields, tennis and volleyball courts, an ice and roller rink, concert stage with amphithe- ater seating, children's play area, gazebo and horseshoe pits. "We're not here for money... and we're not here to promote any bonds. The project will hopefully be built with private donations and grants. —Kathy Killen The park, across Mission from the McCall Smokejumper Base, is situated along the North Fork of the Payette River where the city now excavates gravel for city projects. While the majority of the Riv- erside Park plan lies on property owned by the city, a portion of it spills over onto federal property and privately -owned land. That is just the beginning of the considerations the McCall Parks and Recreation Department will need to resolve before going for- ward with the project. Killen said task force members working on the Riverside Park plan realize the project is in its infant stages. But a plan has to start some- where and the artist layout is one step closer to realizing the dream of a developed recreational com- plex in McCall. "We're not here for money," Killen told council members. "And we're not here to promote any bonds. The project will hopefully be built with private donations and grants." But before grants can be ap- plied for a plan has to be developed. Now the task force have that plan in hand. "We're still very much com- mitted to the master plan," Killen said. "We realize we need to take care of what we have before start- ing something new." She said the need for an actual plan materialized last year when former McCall City Councilman Francis Wallace discovered trees beine cut down at the eravel pit. Concerned the trees would be im- possible to replace, Wallace took steps to halt cutting until more concrete plans for the park could be developed, Killen said. With a plan in hand, gravel ex- cavation at the pit could continue in =a, manner that could help the development of the budding park rather than require expensive and time consuming rehabilitation, Killen said. The park rendition was created by Toothman - Ortman Engineer- ing designer Jim Fronk whose time was donated by the company. "We can't say enough to thank Toothman - Ortman," Killen said. "We wouldn't have been able to get plans like this without spend- ing a lot of money." s i= i i i Gam, PARKING Fe WHITE AREAS ENCLOSED \ IN DOTTED LINES INDICATE PARK LANDS CURRENTLY OWNED BY THE CITY OF liliicCALL Stdf- /10U)5 i Star -News graphic by Tomi Grote PROPOSED PARK FEATURES • Tennis & Volleyball Courts A• Multi Purpose Field (baseball, softball, soccer) Ee Children's Play Area w /Concrete Slides B. Ice /Roller Rink, Concert Stage w /Amphitheater Seating F• Gazebo Ce Playing Fields (baseball /softball) G• Horseshoe Pits Star -News Photo by Shari Hambleton Gardeners work on park Susie Marshall and Jodi Burnett, intern Master Gardeners with the Valley County Extension Service, dig into McCall Community Park on Third Street last Friday. The pair and other Master Gardener volunteers spent the morning clean- ing up the park's flower beds for summer and renovating overgrown perennials. Another group of vol- unteers will divide the clumps of plants removed from the park and replant them in the hillside at Legacy Park, pending approval of the plan by the City of McCall. If all goes as planned, the hillside, which now suffers from erosion and foot traffic, will be stabilized and flow- ers will bloom among the grasses next year. /?15 �o�i lens - �� ?,4 McCall Rec, F &G to loan fishing gear BY ROGER PHILLIPS The Slur -News Anglers who get an itch to go fish- ing but don't have their own fishing gear will soon be able to borrow equip- ment from the McCall Recreation Department through a loaner program sponsored by Sportfishing Promotion Council. The department will receive a ship- ment of rods, reels and tackle later this month, which will be available for use at no charge. The program is being sponsored locally by the McCall Recreation Department and the Idaho Depart- ment of Fish and Game. The agencies contributed $250 each to start the program, and they will dedicate an- other $200 annually to maintain it. The first time a person checks out fishing equipment from the recreation department, he or she will get a fish- ing pole and a small tackle box with hooks, sinkers, bobbers. The person then returns the rod and reel within three days, but keeps the tackle box for future fishing trips. The program intends to get people, especially children, involved in fish- ing who do not have their own equipment, said Bob Peckham of the McCall Recreation Department. The program also is for those who are considering purchasing their own equipment but would like to try fish- ing beforehand, Peckham said. The fishing equipment is also avail- able for locals with visitors who did not bring their own fishing equip- ment, but would like to go fishing, he said. Peckham sees the loaner program as good way to get people involved in a family activity they can always enjoy. "It's a lifetime sport," he said. "You can always go fishing; it doesn't matter how old you are." The recreation department and F &G will also hold several fishing clinics throughout the year, with the next one tentatively scheduled this winter during ice fishing season. The Sportfishing Promotion Council, which founded the loaner program, expects to loan 63,000 fish- ing poles nationally this year and introduce 27,000 new anglers to fish- ing. -"67H �S�ar - l'l 'dWS - 9/;r/ ss- VB, BB starts The McCall Recreation Program will be hosting-adult volleyball and basketball sessions on Sunday and Wednesday evenings starting this Sunday. Adult basketball sessions will be held from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sun- day evenings and 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday evenings. Adult volley- ball will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday evenings and 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Wednesday evenings. Adult volleyball starts Sunday at 5:30 p.m. and will include a skills clinic conducted by Jenny Phelps, a McCall - Donnelly High School vol- leyball coach. All sessions will be held in the McCall - Donnelly High School gym. Sessions cost $1 per person, per night. Fees will be collected at the door. 5 f k e t tJS McCall OKs paintball park, BY JEANNE SEOL ment at 634 -3006 to schedule The Star -News Two McCall teen -agers are working with the McCall Recre- ation Department to develop what could be the first public paintball park in the country. Andrew Ray and Eric Taplin, both 17, plan to open a municipal paintball field at the proposed Riverfront Park by next week. The park is located on Mission Street across from the McCall Smokejumper Base. All participants must have their own paintball equipment and should call the McCall Recreation Depart- games. Paintball is a sport similar to "tag" or "hide and seek," but uses airguns that shoot round, gelatin - like capsules of colored liquid at opponents. Once "hit," an oppo- nent is "eliminated" from the game. Other types of play can include "capture the flag." "It's comparable. to bungee- jumping, adrenaline- wise," Ray said. "It's a great way to relieve stress, get outdoors and get exer- cise." All players are required to wear full -face masks, Ray said. First- mcwr _-2 9, lg9'I BMX track time players need a paintball gun, paintballs and mask. Start-up costs are about $125 and equipment can be purchased in McCall at Medley Sports, Ridley's, PayLess Drug, or Art's Sports Shop. Ray said he believes McCall's paintball park will be the first pub- lic park in the United States. Al- though the sport is played in about 30 different countries, all parks are privately owned and maintained, he said. Ray and Taplin got permission from the McCall City Council last Thursday to open the paintball fa- cility on a trial period of one sum- mer. The sport is an interim activity until the park is officially devel- oped, Recreation Director Bob Peckham said. In other action last Thursday, council members also approved the development of a 1/4 -mile BMX bicycle racing track at the Riverfront Park site. The track will be built by volunteers and is for bicycles - not motorcycles - Peckham said. Helmets will be required at the facility. The track is also an interim activity until the park is developed, Peckham said. PAGE B -8 - THE STAR -NEWS - THURSDAY, MAY 24, 2007 l •_ t Above: Monika Trapp, Eric McCormick and Terry Sherman of the city of McCall parks department discuss relocation details for one of the trees removed from Legacy Park last week. A total of 33 trees were moved, with 24 transferred to the golf course and nine moved to the city's water treatment plant. Movement of the trees was necessary to make space for planned improvements to Legacy Park this summer by the McCall Urban Redevelopment Agency. Below: Lonesome Dove Construction in McCall volunteered its labor and materials for the renovation of the restrooms at Rotary Park on Monday. Crews braved a spring snowstorm to replace rotting logs on the i estroom. Owner Larry Dammi rman, also a member of the McCall Rotary Club, said he has strong feelings about helping build the community's family values by creating fun and safe locations. "A project like this gives our crew the opportunity to be involved in building that community, and even though they build for a living, activities like this are fun and it helps to establish our sense of who we areas a team," he said. Crew members who took part included Travis Woods, Bill Klingler, Lloyd Cooper, Mark Teed, Ashlee Stringer, Mike Stringer, Project Manager Jay Cox and Noel Cox. Photo for The Star -News by Matt Moehr Photography S7�h Ne,uj9 /99,7, P., Page. 1 cP PaintbaH game gets the juices flowing BY ROGER PHILLIPS The Star -News When the first paintball whizzed by my head, all thoughts of my as- signment to cover the new paintball park in McCall evaporated and I could only think of one thing - I'm going to get that guy. I climbed a dirt hill and slid into a bunker. I poked the barrel of my bor- rowed paintball gun through some tree branches and popped off a few rounds at my opponent, who was hid- ing behind oil drums about 25 yards away and lobbing a steady stream of paintballs in my direction. I laughed to myself as his paintballs dropped harmlessly several feet shy of my position. I was out of his range, but since gravity was my ally, I fig- ured if I took careful aim, I could drop one on top of him and eliminate one of three people who were stalking my partner and myself. Then I felt a splat upside my head and felt the gooey white paint trickle past my ear. I cursed under my breath, raised my arms in surrender and removed myself from the playing field. Al- though technically I had just been "killed," the only injury I sustained nN= Roger Phillips started paintball park at the undeveloped Riverfront Park site in McCall want people to know they know the differ - ence between real guns and paintball guns, and they are playing a game, not making a political statement. "We don't want to look like the Timmy McVeigh society," said An drew Ray, one of the paintball park organizers, referring to the convicted Oklahoma City bomber. Ray, along with Eric Taplin, pitched the idea of a paintball park to ` the McCall Recreation Department, then to the McCall Citv Council. which unanimously agreed to let the pair do it as an interim use for the park, which is largely a vacant lot with fill dirt and some natural cover. Ray, Taplin and others hauled in barrels, pallets, tires and scrap wood for structures, then dug bunkers and n area with ribbon to was a bruised ego. cordoned off a After I sat down and my pulse set boundaries. subsided to its normal rate, I returned About 20 people in McCall are now using the new park. Most of them are teen - agers, predominantly male. They've all invested a consider- able amount of money into the sport. The basic equipment, which consists of a gun, a full face mask, water - soluble and biodegradable paintballs, and clothing, costs from$125 to $250. They believe that having a place to my thoughts about how to commu- nicate this experience. I realized that some people just wouldn't get it - why a bunch of teen -agers dressed in cam- ouflage clothes would want to run around and shoot each other with gumball -sized paintballs. But now I understood. Because it's fun. to play will reduce the chances of conflict with others, or people using paintball guns where they could acci- dentally shoot unintended targets. "If you have a semi - structured place, less things will go wrong," Ray said. "This is a good area because there is not anything around you can hit." The park is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. every Saturday for games. Play- ers must be 14 years or older, and those wishing to play must sign a waiver at the recreation office behind ,the McCall Public Library or at the ,;.park. All players must wear proper safety equipment, and adhere to safety rules. "We're all friends, and you don't want to hurt your friends," Ray said. There are a variety of games they can play, depending on the number of _people involved. With fewer people, they play a version of tag, where the team with the last man remaining is the winner. With more players, they can play "capture the flag," or sce- nario games. Ray and Taplin are trying to pur- chase rental equipment for play, but for now, players must provide their own gear, which din be purchased locally at 'Medley Sports, Ridley's, PayLess Drug or Art's Sports Shop in McCall. 5 t" r- Ne w S 30 a. !�i /QQj Eric Taplin of McCall stalks his target as part of a game of paintball at the undeveloped Riverfront Park on Mission Street. Taplin and Mark Ellison, rear, are part of a group of local residents who are Star -News Photo by Roger Phillips staging paintball contests at the site each Saturday. Star -News Reporter Roger Phillips played the game, and his report can be found on Page 7. -Nc 2cf a J 7 Payette to give McCall first crack to buy Riverfront Park land BY MICHAEL WELLS The Star -News The city of McCall has a chance to acquire a key parcel of land adjacent to the proposed Riverfront Park site, McCall City Council members were told. . The Forest Service will give the city first offer on 4.6 acres along Mission Street across from the McCall Smokejumper Base, McCall District Ranger Shane Jeffries told council members last Thursday night. The city has until next March to decide if it wants the land. No cost has been set, but an appraisal will be done this fall. If the city does not commit to purchasing the land by March, the land would be sold to the highest bidder. "Our choice would be to sell directly to the city," Kathy Nash, specialusesprogrammanagerfor the Payette forest, said. "We need the city's intentions by March. If they aren't able to do it,, it would go up for competitive bid." The Forest Service can ei- ther sell the land by direct sale, where the sale of the land would be for the amount the land was appraised, or through a bidding process. Recently the Payette forest sold five parcels of land in Coun- cil and New Meadows for $603,000 through open bidding. The Payette forest is plan- ning to sell 16 additional acres of land in McCall in 2009. The land houses the Krassel Ranger District offices, a daycare facility, smokejumper housing and other assets across Mission Street from McCall- Donnelly High School. There is also a property in New Meadows with three houses and four other buildings that would be a part of the sell-off. The money from the sales would be used to construct a campus to consolidate the Payette forest's offices, housing and other facilities on the 10 acres on the corner of Mission and Lake streets. The site now housing McCall District offices and the forest's fire warehouse. Construction at the site would begin no earlier than 2010, Nash said. Consolidating the assets of the Payette forest wouldmean it could sale the $359,000 a year it is now paying to lease its administration building on Lakeside Avenue. The lease requires a 90 -day notice to leave, Boyd Hartwig, spokesperson for Payette forest, said. McCall still has plans to one day develop 15 to 20 acres of land it owns along the North Fork of the Payette River into Riverfront Park, parks and recreation direc- tor Brock Heasley said. Acquiring the forest service parcel would guarantee the city park would have access from Mis- sion Street to the park, Heasley said. "The city hopes and expects to be the buyer for that land," he said. "If we don't acquire the land it could leave Riverfront Park landlocked." ' The plans call for about $6 million to be spent on the park. Several ideas for the park have been discussed, which include tennis and basketball courts, an amphitheater, water features in the river to create a play wave for kayakers and a greenhouse. y CLUB STARTS SCENIC HIKES - The McCall Hiking Club started a new class of hike this year, called the "scenic" hike, with less miles, less elevation gain, slower pace and trails closer to McCall. Pictured are hikers returning from a recent hike to the North Fork of Kennally Creek. From left are Roberta Thompson, Margie Sarback, Dell Red- fern, Marlin Jones, Cheryl Redfern, Anita Blanchard, Linda Gaba- rino, John Gabarino, Char Farris, Vern Farris, Marcy Hovey, Joan Apodaca, Suzie Smith, Tina DeCleur, Keri Foster and Joe DeCleur. See www.mccalihikingclub.org for details on future hikes. PAGE C -5 - THE STAR -NEWS - THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2008 Photo by Carol Coyle VETERANS PARK PLANTINGS - Members of the McCall Improvement Committee last week helped plant $1,000 of perennials and annuals at Veteran's Community Park. The plantings, paid by the committee, was part of its goal to promote flowers and improved landscaping in parks and other city -owned property. The group gave $1,500 last year to build an irrigation system for the park. Pictured, back row from left, are Judy Maguire, Jim Trino, and Michael Burke, with Carolyn Trino in front. Rotary Park bathrooms undergo $20,000 rennovation BY MICHAEL WELLS The Star -News The bathrooms at Rotary Park in McCall have received more than $20,000 in renovations since this winter, McCall Parks and Recreation Director Brock Heasley said. The bathrooms at the popular lake front park were reroofed in March. Newlogs wereput inplace to replace rotten logs this winter and the interior of thebathrooms were completely remodeled. Lonesome Dove Construction donated the logs for the project. . Remodeling of the interior of the two public restrooms cost $6,000. The city used $3,000 in Local Option Tax money to put a new roof on the building. New tile was placed. on the floor by The Tile Lady, Sandy Gebhards, and the walls were painted red, Heasley said. New wood trim was also added. New . pedestal sinks and toi- lets were also installed in the bathrooms. The project began in Decem- ber, after the first bathroom was remodeled. The city began work on the second bathroom in April and the work was completed this month. Photo for The Star -News by Michael Wells McCall Parks Lead Terry Sherman inspects new the work around a drain in the floor of one of the recently remodeled bathrooms at Rotary Park. The city also made an effort better insulation in the building to make the bathrooms more to help with heating bills. environmentally friendly by in- "I'mproudof it," SeniorParks stalling motion - detecting lights Maintenance Worker Joni Noble that automatically shut off. said. "It makes the park a more Electric hand dryers were in- pleasant place to come visit." stalled, which replaced the need There are more plans to for paper towels. Battery -oper- spruce up the park, including ated soap dispensers were also plans to build a new playground installed. The city also installed at the park, Heasley said. Photo at top shows Veterans Memorial Park in 2001, the year the memorial was dedicated. Bottom is a photo taken this summer showing renovations to the park and the former city jail, shown at left. 2001 Photo courtesy city of McCall/2008 photo by Michael Wells, The Star - News Park (Continued,t'rom Page B -1) Jevon Truex of Network Architects was hired to do the rehabilitation design and designed the pathway area and planter at the park located on Third Street in downtown McCall. Travis Construction was hired by the city to fix the concrete and stucco walls of the jail in 2005. The company also painted the jail, sealed the roof and restored the door and barred windows and cell doors for the jail building, which was originally built for $650 in 1930. 54,,,,E A Park Transformation Volunteers, hard work have made Veterans Memorial Park a showpiece BY MICHAEL WELLS The Star -News Veterans Memorial Park has come a long way since 2001 due to the collaborative efforts of city staff and several organizations in McCall, city Grants Coordina- tor Carol Coyle said. In 1999, the city was awarded a $21,500 Scenic Byways grant to help restore the former McCall Jail, Coyle said. On Veterans Day 2001, the McCall American Legion Post 119 dedicated the veterans memorial at the park, American Legion Member Tony Nash said. "We were looking for a place to display the flag in downtown McCall," Nash said. "At that time, there were no flags in downtown McCall. It turned out to be a great place for that purpose." See PARK, Page B -3 Electricity was reinstalled for lights in the jail, Coyle said. The McCall Historic Preser- vation Commissionpurchased signs from Rocky Mountain Signs for the jail and a few artifacts in 2007 and 2008. A jail stove was donated by Joan Lee, a McCall resident, and other artifacts for the jail were donated this year by Glo- ria Cantrell of Farm to Market Antiques, Coyle said. Annual flowers were plant- ed and a sprinkler system was installed through the collabo- ration of The Valley County Master Gardeners, the Payette Lakes Progressive Club, the McCallImprovement Commit- tee, and the McCall Parks and Recreation Department. High Mountain Nursery installed the irrigation sys- tem, and the groups purchased $1,000 of plants that were Planted this spring in the park. "It's a park we are proud of, and people like to use the park," Parks Supervisor Monika Trapp said. "There were a lot of organizations involved in making this park the special place it is today." I.;oa PAGE A -9 - THE STAR -NEWS - THURSDAY, AUGUST 28, 2008 s as first Legacy Boat - trailer parking open Park milestone BY MICHAEL WELLS The Star -News Legacy Park improvements have notched a milestone recently in the completion of paving of the boat trailer parking lot south of Fir Street, projectmanagerTim Swanson said. The next step for the project is to come up with a suitable striping and landscaping plan for the parking lot, said Swanson, who oversees the construction of the project for the McCall Urban Renewal Agency. The striping and landscap- ing plan will have to go before . the McCall Area Planning & Zoning Commission, he said. Work continues on the project to revamp Legacy Park into a more attractive park for visitors to Payette Lake. A sidewalk and prom- enade is likely to be the next completed project in the redevelopment of the park, he said. The sidewalk along East Lake Street that joins a promenade with seating walls overlooking the park would likely be completed sometime next month. A sewer line had to be re- placed under East Lake Street that has put the proj ect behind about one month, Swanson said. The street would also likely be paved and ready for traffic by late September or early October, he said. A public restroom that was built underground has been plumbed and the concrete walls have been poured. It awaits windows and com- pletion of the fixtures and interior walls. Hillside Landscape Con- struction of Boise is doing the work for $1.9 million with completion expected by the end of the year. The park remodel includes an amphitheater, new beach, volleyball court, walking path, promenade, spray play area and the underground restroom. The park should be ready for visitors by Memorial Day next year, depending on the weather, Swanson said. The agency had $2.3 million remaining from a $5 million bond to complete the project. The bonds will be paid back with increased property taxes within the district. Star -NEWS Photo by Whael WellS The parking lot for boat trailers south of Fir Street was recently paved as a part of the Legacy Park improvement project. A plan to stripe the parking lot and add landscaping is next. E. Lake Street along Legacy Park mrc BY MICHAEL WELLS The Star -News Next week could be a big week of milestones at the Legacy Park improvements project currently under con - struction in downtown McCall, but weather delays could slow progress, project manager Tim Swanson said. Paving on East Lake Street may begin as soon as Friday afternoon, Swanson said. Other major portions of the project could alsobegin taking shapenextweekif theweather cooperates. When the street is paved, it could be opened for traffic at the end of each day after construction ceases, Swanson said. A set of storm water pipes sits atop the edge of a trench that is designed to whisk away water to keep mud puddles from forming in the park. New sod, trees and shrubs could be in place by next week, as well provided the weather cooperates, Swanson said. "The rain didn't help a bit," Swanson said. "We need July weather in October." There is about 250 more feet to go on the sea line walkway between the amphitheater and beach. The upper promenade is 80 percent complete and should be completed by next week, he said. "We're making progress," Swanson said. A spray and play area will be in place within the next few weeks. A` Star -News Photo by Michael Wells Construction workers from Hillside Landscape Construction in Boise continue work on the promenade that runs along East Lake Street at the Legacy Park urban renewal improvements project. Next week may hold many construction milestones for the project as East Lake Street may be paved, the promenade completed and sod, trees and shrubs are put in place. "The public should stay out of the park until we are finished for safety reasons," Swanson said. The beach could also be in place before the winter. "It will either be one of the last things that gets done this fall or one of the first things done next spring," he said. Striping in the already paved parking lot along Fir Street and a volleyball court will be completed next year. Hillside Landscape Con- struction of Boise is doing the park improvement work for $1.9 million. The contractor has until Nov 23 to substan- tially complete the remodel of the park. The park remodel includes an amphitheater, new beach, volleyball court, walking path, promenade, spray play area and an underground restroom. The park should be ready for visitors by Memorial Day next year, depending on the weather. The project is being fi- nanced with $5 million in bonds issued by the McCall Redevelopment Agency. The agency used bond funds to retire $588,000 in old debt, $722,000 to buy land for the project, $450,000 in project engineering fees, $109,000 to issue the bonds and holds $479,000 in a bond reserve ac- count. The bonds will be paid back with new property taxes captured by the district. q Jgj'e. Waiting for Relief Planning for restroom at Art Roberts Park takes 18 months BY MICHAEL WELLS The Star -News After 18 months of planning, designing and redesigning,a prefabricated unisex restroom for the public is nearly ready to be placed at Art Roberts Park in down- town McCall. The bathroom may be completed by November, Parks and Recreation Direc- tor Brock Heasley said. The area around the new restroom will see new brick pavers, new benches and new flowers, and a tile floor will be installed in the new restroom. However, there is still the question of whether the bathroom will sit five feet or fourfeeteastof Krahn'sHome "Furnishings. There is also debate over whether the re stroom w ill block too much view of Payette Lake from East Lake Street. Last month, McCall Area Planning and Zoning Commis- sion approved the restroom, but only after it was downsized from a 10 -foot by 20 -foot two - stall restroom to a 10 -foot by 12 -foot unisex bathroom. Then the city changed the zoning for all its city parks to a new '`civic zone," which requires a five -foot setback for all structures. But the council repealed that setback require- ment last month. Council Member Don Bailey then asked that the building be moved closer to Krahn's in order to save more of the view for visitors to the park. However, the bathroom has a back door for mainte- nance that needs clearance to enter. The setback remains unresolved. The bathroom's front door is planned to face east with a new bench facing the door. That did not sit well with Council Member Marcia Witte, who asked if the bath- room's front door could face Lake Street. However, the bathroom also has a bulletin board on the side wall that the parks department wants to face Lake Street. See ROBERTS, Page A-3 Roberts Sion to build the restroom. That permission was granted in May, almost a year after the LOT money was recom- (Continued from Page A -1) mended to the project. in March 2007, the McCall With that hurdle out of the City Council set the process the parks way the P &Z this spring con - the parks department in motion by asking department to go before the vinced that the restroom should be Local Option Tax Commis- money for the smaller. - The new smaller restroom sion to request restroom. theinitiallarger now had to go before building inspector Gregory Nicholas Thecostof restroom was about $65,000 was an additional to make sure the restroom was adequately sized and and there $20,000neededforbrickpaving conformed to city code. asked for and other costs. The LOT Commission Then city staffers an estimate on how much it recommended $65,000 to the city council, which left $20,000 needed for the project. The McCall Improvement Committee was approached by Parks and Recreation Ad- visory Committee Chair Jim Clarke to secure the rest of the funding last year. Meanwhile, the city learned the land had a deed restriction Oil put in place by I CO., the original donor of the property, that did not allow buildings on the land. The city had to go to Con ' tinental Oil Co., the successor to Westcott Oil, to get permis- would cost to partially bury the restroom to reduce block- ing the view. That estimate came back at about $374,000. City staff then looked at not building the restroom at Art Roberts Park at all, and looked at several different lo- cations in downtown McCall. However, none of the other sites were deemed suitable. The P &Z also asked city staffers to look at the cost of moving the restroom from Art Roberts Park if the location turned out to be a bad idea. That cost was estimated at between $3,000 and $5,000. The project was finally approved by the P &Z last month. s�xn.WIA PAGE A -3 - THE STAR -NEWS - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2008 Photo for The Star -News by Gary Ertter LEGACY WORK NEARS COMPLETION - Crews last week paved East Lake Street as part of the renovation of Legacy Park and surrounding areas by the McCall Redevelopment Agency. The street was opend to traffic after the paving, allowing motorists to view the various amenities being installed at the park along the Payette Lake shore. Work is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Star -News Photo by Michael Wells McCall Golf Course Assistant Superintendent Billy Romero drives a skid track to level rocks at McCall's newest beach at Brown Park Friday. The city will add the new beach by next July. A felt liner will be placed over the rocks and sand will be hauled in to create the new beach. Beach takes shape at Brown Park BY MICHAEL WELLS The Star -News There will be a new beach for people to enjoy the waters of Payette Lake next year. Brown Park Beach will provide swimmers and sun- bathers one more public beach within city limits on Payette Lake. The city parks depart- ment maintains beaches at Rotary Park, Art Roberts Park, Legacy Park, Davis Beach and now Brown Park. The new beach is located in the southern corner of Brown Park, which is north of Mile High Marina. It faces the southwestern sky for the best sunbathing opportunity at a city beach. There are also a number of trees for those who seek shade. All that remains for the new beach are a felt liner and sand, McCall Parks and Recreation Director Brock Heasley said. Loads of rock were put in place last week. A felt liner will be installed over the flat- tened rock base before sand will placed on top of the new beach. The popular park also fea- tures the fish pen docks where rainbow trout are raised through the summer months before being released in the lake for anglers. The new beach should be ready by July, Heasley said. "It has taken years to get the parks where they need to be," he said. "So now we can be more proactive by adding newamenities to theparks and building new parks." The small beach should get a lot of use byfamilies, he said. A barbecue pit may be added to the beach. Once lake levels rise for the summer the beach will be about 40 foot long by 40 foot deep. The new beach could offer those who seek more privacy an alternative to McCall's more popular beaches at Ro- tary, Art Roberts and Legacy parks, Recreation Supervisor Joe Standar said. The final cost of the new beach is estimated at $5,000, Heasley said. 1//f 3/d <e r ti � . ( 4, "5- 4A, ff. � 7F� 1 SPRAY 'N PLAY A long- awaited $1.9 million renovation of McCall's most treasured public park will open next summer BY MICHAEL WELLS The Star -News $1.9 million rebuilding of Legacy Park on Payette Lake is nearing completion. The new park and its amenities will be ready for public use next summer. The contractor, Hillside Landscapingof Boise, should finish most of the work by the end of the month. In the spring, workers will return to do more landscaping and fix any problems that are revealed after the snowmelt. The first phase of the project, a large paved parking lot between Gravity Sports and Fir Street, was opened this summer. The renovated park includes a pedestrian promenade along East Lake Street that is much wider than the former sidewalk. East Lake Street has been converted into a one - way street with on- street parking. Lighting throughout the park will make for a stunning spectacle at night, even though the lights are in compli- ance with the city's "dark sky" ordinance. A new restroom features heated floors and is built un- derground to increase space for amenities at the park. The volleyball court was movedto just south of the city's boat ramp and will be finished by the city parks staff. Children will find the Spray and Play area a welcome relief in the hot summer sun. Jets of water will cascade in various patterns in a concrete area. See LEGACY, Page B -2 Legacy (Continued from Page B -1) Area bands will use the Sundial Stage to entertain music lovers who can sit on boulders or on the grass. And, yes, visitors can actually tell the time by looking at where their shadow is cast on the stage. Brick walkways traverse the park and the new beach area stretches from the Mc- Call Mall to south of the city's boat ramp. There is also a seating wall along the summer edge of the lake where park -goers can sit with their feet in the sand or dip them in the waters of the lake. A large wooden dock will � v7;y4 ABOUT THE LECACY PARK PROJECT The renovation was built by the McCall Urban Redevelopment Agency, which issued $5 million in bonds in 2006. The agency used the bond proceeds to retire $588,000 in old debt, $722,000 to buy land for the project, $450,000 in project engi- neering fees, $109,000 to issue the bonds and holds $479,000 in a bond reserve account. The bonds will be paid back with property taxes from land within the district, which includes Third Street PROMENADE to Roosevelt Avenue east to Davis Street and north to Brown Park. some day be the anchor for a dock that will encircle the main beach to protect the sand and provide swimmers aplace to jump into the water, McCall Parks and RecreationDirector Brock Heasley said. NEW LEGACY PARK DEBUTS Photo by Gary Ertter / for The Star -News i' a r'� �ma� tI .4 4 i J� 144" & a . °. 'xsrk�'l'� "�"�LB. $Ifi.'��4•a�JM °�a+e r, 1.. E w.. £uR.%5. ,..a« � 4 Memorial Day was more than the opening weekend of summer, it was also the public debut of the renovated Legacy Park in downtown McCall. Holiday visitors broke in the park, which was finished last fall just before the snow flew using a $1.9 million project funded by the McCall Urban Renewal Agency. Sailor Van Middendorp, 4, of McCall, enjoys the new water play feature. f/�� "L 0,7 Art Roberts 1/ai�M Park gets. full facelift Work includes restroom, superior beach access BY MICHAEL WELLS The Star -News Art Roberts Park in down- town McCall has been totally renovated due to civic coopera- tion and ingenuity, according to project managers. The park, located between Payette Lake and East Lake Street, has new restrooms and alargerpaverplazaaround the relocated "Bearing Wall." The project moved the pow- er panel for lighting the park's large tree during Christmas and the bottom of the park has been reshaped to eliminate the drop off near the beach, City Manager Lindley Kirkpatrick said. The improvements were paid for mostly with $69,500 in Local Option Tax funds. The city added $10,000 from the parks maintenance budget, and $15,000 more came from the McCallImprovement Com- mittee, Kirkpatrick said. The project had $94,500 in funding, but will likely come in under budget at about $86,000, Kirkpatrick said. Final ex- penses were not available at press time. The city also obtained a public easement across May Hardware -owned land on the lakefront to one day link Art Roberts Park and Brown Park with a boardwalk, Kirkpatrick said. The city gave an easement across the park to Idaho Power Co. that allowed for a power line to run to the May Hard- ware property to the east. In return, the city got the ease- ment from May Hardware and some help with sod work in the park. See PARK, Page A-3 Art Roberts Art Roberts was tong -time mayor, civic leader BY TOM GROTE The Star -News Art Roberts, for whom Art Roberts Park is named, was prominent in McCall for both his position as well as his appearance. Roberts was mayor of McCall for 15 years from 1949 to 1964. The position was then known as chairman of the board, according to one of Rob- erts' daughters, Jo Roberts Peterson of Bend, Ore. At the time, the mayor and members of the city council served without pay but were given free green fees for themselves and their families at the then nine -hole McCall Municipal Golf Course, Peterson said. See ROBERTS, Page A -3 Photo for The Star -News by Matt Moehr Photography Billy Romero and Eric McCormick helped lay down sod last Friday at the newly renovated Art Roberts Park in downtown McCall. Roberts (Continued from Page A -1) During his years as mayor, Roberts presided from city of- fices that were in "a stuffy little room above the old library" on the current site of Veterans Memorial Park, Peterson said. The former city hall was later moved to the historic Roseberry townsite and is now the main exhibit building for the Valley County Museum. Roberts' occupation was fire warden for the Southern Idaho Timber Protective As- sociation from 1943 until 1966. The organization, which still exists, fights wildfires on state and private forests. Roberts and his family lived in the Fire Warden's House that is the centerpiece of the Central Idaho Histori- cal Museum in McCall. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Red Hair, 6- Feet -5 Roberts was an imposing figure and had an equally imposing personality, his daughter said. "He was red - haired and stood 6- feet -5," Peterson said. "He had a great sense of hu- mor and thoroughly enjoyed people." Roberts was instrumental in the building of McCall Me- morial Hospital in 1956 and later donated land for expan- sion of the medical complex. He also helped build the McCall Masonic Temple across Hewitt Street from the hospital. That building was bought by the hospital and torn down last year to make way for future hospital expansion. Roberts loved McCall, but was not fond of one of its local legends, Sharlie the Payette Lake serpent, according to his daughter. "He thought it was enough that McCall is among the most beautiful places on the planet and did not need a'sea monster' to attract visitors," Peterson said. Roberts left McCall in 1966 to become executive secretary for the Western Forestry and Conservation Association in Portland. He retired in 1972 and died in 1973 at age 62 after a series of heart problems. The east side of Art Rob- erts Park had been owned by the. city since the 1920s, ac- cording to city records. The west side of the park was a gas station until the 1960s, when the owners of the gas station donated the land to the city. The park was named for Roberts prior to his death, Peterson said. Park (Continued from Page A -1) New sod was put in place in the park by May Hardware, the McCall Golf Course, the parks department and donations from the McCall Improvement Committee, parks superintendentMonika Trapp said. The new bathroom will likely cut down on the number of people who enter down- town businesses, such as the Manchester Ice and Event Centre, seeking a restroom, Trapp said. This is the second public restroom opened to the public in downtown McCallthis year. Legacy Park's improvements added two restrooms for the public when it opened this spring. Ponderosa manager hired as McCall parks director New McCall Parks and Recreation Department Director Dennis Coyle surveys Legacy Park in downtown McCall, one of the parks under his supervision. Star -News Photo by Michael Wells Coyle (Continued from Page A -1) "It's going to be really fun to have a direct input on the deci. sion- making process as parks and rec director, Coyle said. "I've always been involved with the community, we love McCall, and it seemed like a wonderful opportunity to do more for the community." Top priorities on Coyle's agenda when he joins the city include connectingthe citywith recreationalpathways, building partnerships with the school district, better coordination of recreational opportunities within the city, and involving communitygroups inparks and recreation. The undeveloped Riverfront Park will also be a big task in front of Coyle when he joins the city. "We need to look at what type of facilities we need there," Coyle said. "Riverfront has opportunities for a natural landscape environment with hiking and bike trails." He looks forward to the chal- lenge of meeting the needs of different segments of the popu- lation from school -age children to senior citizens. Coyle will make about $67,000 per year with the city. He made $54,000 as park manager at Ponderosa State Park. 30 Year Career The change also brings Coyle a new challenge in his career. He began workingforthe Idaho Department of Parksand Recreation 30 years ago while still attending the University of Idaho. Among his proudest ac- complishments at Ponderosa are the implementation of the Dennis Coyle oversaw expansion, large Nordic races during tenure BY MICHAEL WELLS The Star -News Ponderosa Park Manager Dennis Coyle is leaving his job to become the city of McCall's new parks and recreation director. Coyle replaces Brock Heasley, who resigned last month for undisclosed reasons. Coyle, 54, has spent the past 19 years as park manager at the popular state park located in McCall. He said his departure was not a quick or easy decision, but his new job is a "wonder- ful opportunity." Park's natural resource plan and Property acquisitions including Lakeview Village, Camp Alice Pittenger and the Church of the Nazarene camp. Visitation at the park in- creased from about 135,000 per year 15 years ago to 246,000 per year last year, Coyle said. Rev - enues increased 23 percent at the park over the last 15 years. During the winter, Nordic skier visits increased from 9,000 15 years ago to 40,000 today. See COYLE, Page A -2 The park's revenues in- creased this year even though the department statewide took a 35 percent budget cut, Coyle said. During his tenure, the park hosted several national and in- ternational Nordic skiing events such as the Junior Olympics in 1998 and 2002, Masters World Cup in 2008, the U.S. National Cham- pionships in 2004 and World Special Olympics snowshoeing this year. y %e t_ A\Je 14ghq I . t..kK F 5--1 ' I 1 sketch courtesy city of McCall Sketch shows the conceptual plan for Hill Climb Park between Mill Avenue and East Lake Street. McCall P &Z reviews plans for hillside park BY MICHAEL WELLS The Star -News The city of McCall wants to abandon an unused part of Spruce Street near down- town so it can build a park between Mill Road and East Lake Street. The city would like to build a small community park on the land using the working name Hill Climb Park. The park would likely include a pathway from Mill Road to East Lake Street pro- viding access to Payette Lake. The land is located north of Fir Street and south of Hemlock Street. Landscaping would also be a part of. the park if the city can negotiate a deal with neighbors in the area, McCall Parks and Recreation Director Dennis Coyle told the McCall Planning and Zoning Commis- sion Tuesday. The city wants to offer a 10 -foot easement on the north and south side of the prop- erty to neighbors adjacent to the property in exchange for the neighbors paying for the development of the park, Coyle said. I think it has potential of being a really nice project," Coyle said. So far, no agreements have been signed between the city and adjacent land owners, Coyle said. Easements and buffers are wanted by the adjacent landowners, Coyle said at the P &Z meeting Tuesday night in McCall. Lighting at the park could be in compliance with the city's dark sky ordinance by using solar lighting at ground level or other low level ground lighting. The pathway could use numerous switchbacks to al- low it to be accessible to the handicapped, Coyle said. The P &Z meeting was an introduction to the topic and more details will follow later, Coyle said. a, i PINE 6TRE£T _.. map courtesy miry or ma.au STREET WORK BEGINS - The McCall Urban Renewal Agency has awarded a $590,000 contract to Granite Excavation of Cascade for a project around Mill and Pine streets near the city boat ramp. The work includes landscaping of the public parking lot, sidewalks on Mill Street connecting the parking lot to Pine Street, and sidewalks and landscaping on Pine Street. Construction on the project started last week and expected to be finished by Nov. 1. A new restroom in the parking lot funded by MURA and a state grant is also planned in a future project. Getting Out of Park McCall proposes 5-year plan to develop Riverfront Park BY MICHAEL WELLS The Star -News Dennis Coyle wants to get serious about building Riverfront Park in McCall. That is why Coyle, the city's parks and recreation director, has drafted a five -year plan to get the 32 -acre park along the North Fork of the Payette River developed. Coyle's plan would see up to $725,000 spent in the next five years to get the park underway. Various efforts to convert the former city landfill into a park have been mounted since the 1980s, and there is no money to fund Coyle's five -year plan, but he hopes progress can be made. "We will make a good faith effort to develop the park as long as funds are available," Coyle said. A master plan for the park was completed in 2005, but the plan needs updating, Coyle said. A survey of the public on what they want to see in the park will be done next year. See PARK, Page A -16 w✓ M. yTi •I.1►OOM i T A i! L O t • w s` rwpu Awe J., fw Sketch shows the proposed layout of Riverfront Park+ along the North Fork of the Payette River that ' was drafted as part of a 2005 master plan for the park. Sketch courtesy city of McCall and softball field, an amphi- dumped in the park by city Riverfront theater, a kayak pullout, sand crews, Coyle said. volleyball courts, horseshoe Another small first step is pits, a group picnic pavilion, to spend $3,000 next year to (Continued from Page A -1) an 18 -hole disc golf course and improve access to the river, "There may be some new dog park. parking and picnic facilities. things people want to see Fundingoptionsare grants, Erosion problems on the there," Coyle said. "Maybe the city's local option tax, do- approach to Sheep Bridge they want improved river nations, property -taxes or a were fixed this year, Coyle access like a kayak launch, bond election, Coyle said. said. Also, new gravel was also better picnic facilities or ball One large job that needs to placed on the roadway in the fields." be completed before the park park and signs were added. Features included in the can be developed is finding a Both projects were funded 2005 master plan multipurpose field include socer nd place ld asphalt thatlhas been with the budget, department's SL.11,w 4I3alio �� 1)), �� I I SL,,'Aoe Legacy Park sundial fix to cost $60,498 3/-s Project will create larger area for concerts focal point for the park and the town," Coyle said. "It will be larger than the current one to accommodate larger bands and a wider variety of activities." The original sundial not only gave visitors the wrong BY MICHAEL WELLS time when they stood on the The star -News appropriate month, but was Mel Shields LLC of Don too small for its planned use as a stage for bands. nelly has been selected by The new design willfeature the McCall Urban Renewal arose compass and granite Agency to rebuild the city's pavers with numbers. The misdirected sundial in Leg- semi - circle stage will be sur- acy Park. rounded by boulders. The Shields' bid of $60,498 was existing concrete will be re- the lowest bid the city received moved and repoured. for the work to replace the The sundial was one of sundial and create a larger many features in the urban area for bands to perform in renewal agency's Legacy Park the city's signatureparkonthe improvements project that be- shore of Payette Lake. gan in 2006 with the issuance Thebidis$10,000abovean of a $5 million bond. engineer's estimate from last The park improvements fall and $48,000 more than were completed in the fall of original estimates that only 2008, but residents andvisitors considered fixing the sun- soon realized the sundial was dial, which isorientedwrong at least two hours off when and is two hours off. the park opened in the spring The new sundial could of 2009. be in place as early as the The city received three end of May or sometime otherbids. Richard Jordan bid in June, McCall Parks and $69,275 to perform the work, Recreation Director Dennis Franz Witte Landscape Con - Coyle said. tractingbid$86,725 and Falvey "It's going to be quite the Construction bid $95,556. McCall parks department, tree owners, join to save 100 - foot -tall subalpine fir `I wanted to show how even a small landowner can address this problem. " —Steve Eisenberg BY TOM GROTE The Star -News In a town filled with trees and surrounded by forests, Steve and Cristina Eisenberg thought their tree was worth saving_ The Eisenbergs are the owners of a subalpine fir located on the corner of Davis and Hemlock streets. The tree, about 20 inches in diameter and 100 feet tall, has been trying to survive an attack by the balsam woolly adelgid insect since 2006. Mass infestation of the insect will make a tree trunk look like it is entirely white and covered with a woolly substance, said John Lillehaug, a private forestry specialist with the Idaho Department of Land. Lighter infestations may only have the appearance of small single white dots on the trunk or underneath branches, Lillehaug said. Another way to identify the infestation is by noting single branches with-the needles turning red. The Eisenberg tree was diagnosed in 2006 by Lillehaug and McCall Arborist Monika Trapp, who also is the city's parks supervisor. wl� This week's front page stories Page 1 of 1 Wolf named McCall parks supervisor, Pernell to run rec programs BY MICHAEL (CELLS The Star -Nzws When lead parks maintenance worker Terry Sherman retired Sept. 30, the dominoes began falling into their new places at McCall Parks and Recreation, Director Dennis Coyle said. Fortner Parks Supervisor Monika Trapp requested a move into the position held by Sherman. Former Recreation Supervisor Kurt Wolf moved over to parks supervisor, which better aligned his experience in landscape architecture with his newjob, Coyle said. Wolf holds a degree in landscape architecture from the University of Idaho and already did some park design work for the city while he worked in recreation. "Now we can do a lot of design work in- house," Wolf said. Wolf wants to focus on increasing the variety of plants in the planters throughout the city's park system. He department oversees maintenance for all the city's parks, public spaces, sidewalks, waterfront, undeveloped areas and city grounds. By increasing the variety of plants, Wolf hopes to continue the city's recent success in the America in Bloom program. Wolf also plans to slowly start cleaning up the undeveloped Riverfront Park off Missions Street, improving access and parking to make the park more user - friendly, he said. Rec Director from Miss. To replace Wolf, the city hired Mark Pernell, 31, as the new McCall Recreation Supervisor. Parnell, from Mississippi, holds a bachelors degree in recreation and a masters degree in education from the University of Idaho. He came to Idaho while serving in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Mountain Home. Pernell moved to McCall in 2009 while taking courses at the McCall Outdoor Science School. He worked as a seasonal backcountry ranger at Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado and finished his masters degree before being hired as the new recreation supervisor. "Kurt has done a lot to make this program successful," Pernell said. "I will add to some of the diversity of what we offer." Parnell is a scuba instructor and plans to bring a non - certified scuba diving class to the area's youth this year. He is also working on bringing an adult scuba class to the area using Payette Lake. Next summer he hopes to get local scuba divers to help with a planned beach cleanup. The McCall Parks Division has an annual budget of about $551,000, while the recreation division has an annual budget of about $206,000. The parks division maintains Legacy Park, city boat launch ramp, city docks and pump station, Brown Park, Art Roberts Park, Rotary Park, Riverfront Park, Veteran's Memorial at Community Park, Davis Beach and Fairway Park. The department also maintains the Four Comers landscaping at Deinhard Lane and Idaho 55, the city's entrance sign, Harshman Skate Park, all downtown flowers and fish pen docks. The department is responsible maintenance of the McCall- Donnelly High School tennis courts, all recreational pathways and city sidewalks. Parks employees install and remove holiday lights, manage reservations at the city's parks, as well as doing mowing, irrigation and tree care in the parks and city -owned land. Parks employees also respond to homeowner requests for information about noxious weed control and tree health. The recreation division provides about 35 programs such as softball, cross Nordic skiing lessons, youth baseball, youth kayaking lessons, skateboarding, soccer and basketball throughout the year. The parks division employs three full -time employees, nine seasonal employees and two part-time boating ambassadors. The recreation division budget pays the salaries of Coyle, Pernell, umpires and officials for various programs and one seasonal recreation aide, Coyle said. Back +t http: / /www.mccallstamews .com/pages /fp_stories _page.php 1141/2011 I`Q /2011 This week's front page stories Page 1 of 1 Cool, wet spring means trouble for aspen, tamarack trees BS' TON GROTE The Star -News The cold, wet spring of 2011 did more damage than just to the psyche of winter -wom local residents. The wet conditions also took its toll on aspen trees and the western larch, also know as tamarack. The long cool, moist weather that extended into mid -July favored the development of at least three aspen diseases, said John Lillehaug, private forestry specialists with the Idaho Department of Lands. The first to show itself was "Shepherd's Crook" which causes the leaf and twig blight. Black spots first appear on the leaves causing them to die, Lillehaug said. Then the fungus spreads down the petiole, the part that holds the leaf to the branch, causing it to curl — thus the name Shepherd's Crook. "Seedlings and sprouts are affected, resulting in deformation or even death," Lillehaug said. "Repeated infections several years in a row will affect larger trees by reducing growth and cause branch distortion." The second disease to appear is commonly called aspen ink spot and has emerged to infect aspen stands in Idaho and Western Wyoming. This fungus is marked by circular black spots on the leaves early summer. "The spots will fall off the leaf while it is still on the tree or after the leaf drops during the fall," Lillehaug said. "A premature defoliation of all or a major portion of the tree may occur." arrow ro "nay wati.R, i :ant coloreds swe UNvernty. The third disease is commonly called black leaf spot. Typically the fungus produces small, circular tan leaf spots which later turn black. Scmptows of Mk spot leaf bhgjit — au aspen leaf Borders of the lesions are yellow or gold colored. Severe defoliation of two years or more can cause death or major branch die -back. Controlling the diseases for natural aspen stands are impractical, Lillehaug said. But he noted there are lots of variations in the susceptibility of individual aspen trees to infections Landowners should rake up fallen leaves and prune out the dead branches of the infected trees to reduce the spread of the disease, he said. Fall Colors Enhanced "On the upside, the higher than normal amount of precipitation this spring are making for some spectacular fall colors," he said. The cold wet spring also provided perfect conditions for needle diseases to occur on tamarack trees, Lillehaug said. Maria, a needle cast fungus, is capable of continuous re- infection of the foliage throughout the growing season. Typically the needles fall off within approximately a month after infection. Hypodermella, a needle blight fungus, causes the dead needles to remain on the tree for one or more seasons. It also causes the death of the ends of the branches if they are re-infected for two or three years. "Tamarack has the ability to put out a new flush of growth, sometimes within the same year," Lillehaug said. "These needle diseases are temporary and usually do not cause long -tens damage or mortality to the tree," he said. http:// www. mccallstamews .com/pages /fp_stories�age.php 11/4/2011 The Star News Groups Page Page 1 of 1 Construction to begin next week for Centennial Plaza Construction will begin next week on Centennial Plaza, to be built in downtown McCall along North Third Street (Idaho 55). Features within the plaza will include granite slab picnic tables, a 100 -foot art- embedded river rock wall, and a jade and granite monument acknowledging the people, events and organizations that have shaped the history and culture of McCall during its first 100 years. Centennial Plaza is a project of the McCall Centennial Committee, which organized the centennial celebration on July 19, 2011 attended by 1,500 people. The centennial monument will be unveiled July 18, the last day of the city's centennial year. A street fair and barbecue, similar to last year's celebration, will coincide with the sk�em,onarrcCa unveiling. 7Le w—tmnt at centeu id Plaza, sh—u 1rrew au:ut YOs-1eiukg, mil bedechcated ou Adi i:t "Most of the money needed, nearly $100,000 to date, has come from people who want to see a plaza honoring community spirit - our history, our determination, and our vision for the future; commission member Phil Feinberg said. 'Over 90 percent of the people we have explained the concept of the plaza to have asked how they can help," Feinberg said. The plaza will carve into the city parking lot extending toward the Toll Station Pizza and Pasta, resulting in a loss of five parking spaces The gained space will provide brick promenades for people to view the artworks telling McCall's story and areas to sit and relax. The 100 feet of plaza along Third Street will tell the town's history while the 100 feet along Railroad Street has not been fully planned, but which might contain artworks foretelling aspirations for the next century, Feinberg said. A "bridge to the future" will connect the two centuries. For more information about Centennial Plaza, call Feinberg at 634 -8080, Dean Martens at 315 -0446, or Lyle Nelson at 6344)048 http: / /www.mccallstamews.com/pages /groups _page.php 5/24/2012 The Star News Groups Page Winners announced for McCall Parks and Rec photo contest Judges have announced the winners of the online photo contest sponsored by the McCall Department of Parks and Recreation. The six photos chosen by professionals will be combined with six photos in a "people's choice" poll be placed in a 2013 calendar. Entrants can be seen at www.flickr.com with votes to be sendt to mpemell @mccall.id.us. J The calendars will sold beginning Friday, Dec. 21, for $5 with proceeds used for youth program scholarships. Sales locations are McCall City Hall, McCall Public Library, and Paul's Market. Here are the winners of the judging: • Black and White: Jake Felton, Cascade, "Silver Dollar Dog." Youth Photographer: Carter Youkstetter, McCall, "Moth." Outdoor Fun: Lida Clouser, McCall, "Seal Rock Sunset." Nature: Rebecca Lacey, Cambridge, "Sunset." Athletics: Gary and Stacy Kucy, McCall, "Snake Bridge." Macro /Close -Up: Micah Maxim, "Sunflower and Bumblebee." .lt top. ".Silver Dollar Dog.' by Jake Felton of Cascade.,vou the black .and -wlute categorc At bottom. 'Snake Bnclge." be 1ivv and Stag' Kuck- of 1,1cCa]L %rou the -athletes categon- Page 1 of 1 http: / /www.mccallstamews .com/pages /groups _page.php 12/13/2012 The Star News Groups Page Barks R Bik-?ntrant =. -n' ^. `F t', vvlly� Entrants for the MCPAWS Barks & Bikes race on Saturday got to travel over snow on fat -tired bicycles or pulled on skis by their four - legged friends. A total of 17 skijor racers and eight fat bike racers took part in the event, which was held at Ponderosa State Park to benefit MCPAWS Regional Animal Sheffer. Here are top finishers. Skijoring results list the name of the dog, then its owner. SKIJORING Short Course: 1. Moses, John Corcoran, McCall. 2. Gus, Marci Gearhardr, Kooskia. 3. Ellie, Janet Fleming, McCall. 4. Harley, Sherry Summerfield, McCall Long Course: 1. Yogi, Mary Mcalonie, McCall, 2. Zena, Leigh Bailey, McCall. 3. Paca, Ariana Woods, McCall. Wild Card Draw Winner: Casey Jones, Benjamin Hippie, McCall. Youngest Racer (Dog): Stanley, Michelle Reagan, McCall. Oldest Racer (Dog): Paca, Ariana Woods, McCall. FAT BIKE 6KM RACE 1. Scott Reagan, McCall. 2. Dean Cromwell, McCall. 3. Patrick Chitwood, Boise. 4. Brandi Bolli- Humphries, McCall. Adams County Page 1 of 1 http: / /www.mccallstarnews .com/pages /groups _page.php 3/14/2013 S� 9 o Photo by Matt Moehr /for The Star -News Sisters Beth and Julie Thomas from Boise try to stay upright after their golden retrievers aasey anu xuey got tungicu up on Saturday during the Barks and Bikes event at Ponderosa State Park. Skijoring and fat -tire bicycle racing was the order of the day at the event, which as a benefit for MCPAWS Regional Animal Shelter. For results, see Page 8. The Star News Groups Page Page 1 of 1 MCPAINS offers cat and dog surgener MCPAWS Regional Animal Shelter is offering spay and neuter surgeries for cats and dogs to Valley County low- income residents on most Thursdays. The surgery fees are $17 for cats and $34 for dogs, with optional $5 shots and $15 microchips available. In addition, all feral cats qualify for surgery regardless of the income level of the person bringing the cat for surgery. Schedule an appointment by calling MCPAWS at 634 -3647. Applicants will be asked to provide a form of low income documentation. Additional information can be found at www mcpaws or;. on the "Services" page. http: / /www.mccallstamews .com/pages /groups _page.php 3/28/2013 Prep Sports Page The StarNews 1. Poan for The StaM�vr by Mm MO.hr WATCH OI T. Istalt Greeu. S tiout hbCall icotks 1as wm' dtro au obstacle course ou SarmAi' dtnwg a b�n'c7e tvdeo to help mths I about safeh- The ereut took place at the Krassel Ranger Dtstnet m M(4'aR andwm held be the WOO Patios and Rmn atfou Npattnteut Page 1 of 1 http: / /www.mccallstamews .com/pages /prep_schools _page.php 6/13/2013 The Star News Groups Page tMr triour- b`Vm- "EMMNNIAL WALL tCORK- WCA mtntts Debra Facchin, r gait, and Saruh• Nakagawa piece togethe a mosmc fiat te& the stony of hkCaRs rc» -ve,v hotrnt- at Cettmaval Plazs m danrta v blcCaB The ico- foot -long waB wchxles mtistu mterWetatrous, demped be Facchw, of ewnts uapataat to Ale=3=. ', arch the 1q— closmg of the Pmrtte Lad the sac flight mto space be teacher Bmi a Morgan The musts hope to complete the mosme by lafgust Page 1 of 1 http: / /www.mccallstamews.com/pages /groups _page -php 6/20/2013 The Star News Groups Page L AWN - IR PLAZ.IFCORK CONIINITES - Cohniteer workers Frrd Drake, stau and Jm Balog plain et paces of du Br'rnty Fauult' 7 , at Cenmm l Plaza in dorwtmku McCall the Brown faimkc. which operated sawwi0s on Payette Lake for decades. pmchasedthe pacets and asked that they be gt ipecl together Work wX conhuue to Complete the pares and other patter of the plaza up to its de(heatrou ou My 19, the anmcesaty of Mfomdurg as a CmM• Inscribed bncks mac be pvAB sit, Page 1 of 1 http : / /www.mccallstamews.com/pages /groups _page.php 6/27/2013 Events and Arts The StarNews 4P H ANb brie ber -None by NeN Moahr FIDDLING IN THE PARK- Joe audJane sites from Rigby entertain musie locus on Satudm- evening at Legacy Park ou Payette Lake in downtown McCall Tlr ereutfeahurd performances from Jana Jae s Fiddle Camp and Hell's Camou Fiddle Feat. Page 1 of 1 http://www.mccallstamews.com/pages/events—arts_page.php 8/22/2013 The Star News Groups Page ABOUT TOWN r. T, Photo fa. The Sts -Ne.v by Mat MaW PAYECfE LAKR JUNK - Diver Darrell Coleman from Emmett adds to the pile of juuk that was pulled from the bottom of Payette Lake on Sunday. The dean -up also indeed Legacy Park and was staged by the McCall Department of Parks and Recreation. Page 1 of 1 http:// www .mccallstamews.com/pages/groups _page -php 10/2/2014 Star -News News Outdoors Page Page 1 of 1 PORT -A -POTTY 71 r+ 11G . Workers position a section of the new restroom and concession stand installed at Fairway Park in McCall on Friday. The new building is part of a renovation of the citv's baseball and softball fields funded in part by a $5o,000 donation from Midas Gold Corp. The company held a naming contest for the park, and the winning name will be announced at a dedication ceremony on Saturday, June 20. http: / /www.mccallstamews.com/pages /outdoors —Page.php 6/11/2015 Star -News News Groups Page 'n amm �a nK — N. er L� FIRST FLUSIi - McCall Mayor Jackie Aymon performs the ceremonial first flush in the new bathrooms at Gold Glove Park Sports Complex, which is the new name for the McCall park previously known as Faimay Park. The new bathrooms and concession stands and muovation of the ball fields were partially funded %ith a $5o,000 donation by Midas Gold Corp. The company received naming rights for the park and held a contest to pick the name Page I of I http : / /www.mccallstamews.com/pages /groups _page.php 6/25/2015 Sighting.... In Legacy Park J. Len Berggren (Coquitlam BC) When my wife and I were traveling in Idaho a year ago, we spent some time in the city of McCall, on the shore of Payette Lake. Its geographic coordinates are Lat: 44° 54' 39 ", Long. -116° 5' 55 ". On our first walk around the town we came upon a sundial which was not recorded in NASS's register of dials. The dial is an analemmatic, walk -on dial with a compass rose, and is located in Legacy Park, which slopes gently down to the shore of the lake. We revisited the site a number of times during our stay in Payette, testing its accuracy at various times of the day, and the dial acquitted itself very well. There was no information on the site about the dial, not even how to use it, so we went to the Parks Department of that town and asked Ms. M. Groenevelt, Community Development Director for McCall, for further information. She kindly supplied us with the following material. The Legacy Park dial was designed by Mandi Roberts and Tom Early, landscape architects at Otak, Inc. an interdisciplinary design firm based near Seattle. Nathan Stewart with the City of McCall was the supervising engineer on the project and helped guide the design and construction. The construction itself was done by Mel Shields, LLC and Easter Creek Construction. The granite slabs forming the dial came precut and etched with the hour numbers and symbols from Idaho Granite Works, and the project was completed in summer of 2011 The sundial was created as part of the general renovation of Legacy Park and Lake Street, as part of a McCall Urban Renewal Agency project. The primary goal of the project was to complete an improvement that would draw more people to the lakefront and downtown McCall, strengthening economic development. The project has been successful and won an Idaho Smart Growth "Grow Smart" award in 2012. There is an attractive amphitheater on the hillside above the sundial, so the site does double duty as a performance space for small concerts and events. The design team decided to use granite slabs for the design and the contractor was instructed to install them temporarily first and check the calibration of the sundial at each hour before making the installation permanent. This was to ensure that the sundial would be accurate. The city previously attempted to create a sundial in the park using a concrete pad with stamped symbols and numbers. Several issues occurred with that design. The first was that during the process of installation, the calibration of the sundial was not field - checked/confirmed, and it was installed on a cloudy day. Also there was incorrect instruction in the field to change the calibration (reflecting non - daylight savings time). As a result of these conditions, the layout was incorrectly calculated so that the dial was two hours and some minutes off in its function. Also the concrete cracked, and the numbers stamped into the concrete were a bit hard to read and not attractive. In the new design, the team determined it would really be beneficial to use granite block so it could be placed with flexibility in the field to calibrate the site with the sun. While the granite block design cost more to install than the previous concrete pad, it proved to be much more attractive, with a sense of permanence and sustainability. well- suited to the park's name "Legacy Park." J. Len Berggren len.berggren @gmail.com qbe Compendium - Tolume 22 9rumber 3 cSeptember 2095 cpage 9 News Groups Page McCall Parks & Rec kicks off online photo contest The McCall Parks & Recreation Department is kicking off its new online photo contest. Two winners from each category will be chosen and pictures will be used for the recreation department's 2016 fundraising calendar. Winners will receive a free calendar. One photo submission per category will be allowed and the contest is open to any non - professional photographer. Categories are Friendship, Small Town/Big Playground, Action, Nature, Black & White, and Winter Wonderland. Enter a photo by sending it to mpemell @mccall.id.us with the photo as an attachment. Be sure to name the photo and include the category to be entered. Submissions can be viewed at www. flickr. com/ photos /mccallparksandrec /albums. Page 1 of 1 http: / /www.mccallstamews .com/pages /groups _page.php 10/1/2015 ews s Page "Payette River Sunrise," by Charles Knowles from Meridian, was a past winner of Online Digital Photo Contest sponsored by the McCall Departineut of Parks and Recreation. See story, left Page 1 of 1 http: / /www.mccallstamews .com/pages /groups _page.php 10/1/2015 Star -News News Main News Page Page 1 of 1 Added money allows McCall to expand boat ramp renovation, add lake wall BY TOM GROTE for The Star -News All of the city s boat ramp near Legacy Park will be rebuilt after more money was found for the project, the McCall City Council was told last week. The added funds will allow the north side of the boat ramp to be renovated, while previously only enough money to rebuild the south ramp was available, McCall City Engineer Nathan Stewart told council members during their regular meeting last Thursday. • On Oct. 8, the council awarded Richard L. Jordan Construction of Boise the contract to rebuild the south side of the boat ramp, located at the end of Fir Street. Pbom fw'IM Sm.New. M' Guy F.nn Workers for Richard L. Jordan Construction in The contract also calls for building a new concrete Boise pour concrete last Friday for the renovated sidewalk along the south side of the ramp that will connect to McCall city boat ramp next to Legacy Park. the existing dock that extends into the lake. The city had about $121,000 available from various sources for the project, of which Jordan's bid $85,653 to do the work. The council approved additional funding from the city's local- option tax fund that was over the amount needed to fund projects previously approved by the council. More Funds Additional funds were obtained from the state Idaho Waterways Improvement Fund, and the McCall Redevelopment Agency pitched in more money for the project, which is within the city's urban renewal area, Stewart said. The added money will not only allow the rebuilding of the north ramp, but will also fund a 90 -foot retaining wall along the sand volleyball court adjacent to the boat ramp, Stewart said. The wall will halt erosion that has moved the existing retaining logs toward the lake and are crushing a stormwater outlet, he said. The additional money more than doubled the contract price, from $85,653 to $183,553. The Legacy Park boat ramp is the only public ramp on Payette Lake downtown, with 127 launches per day in July recorded in 2014. The only other public boat ramps on the lake are near the day -use area at Ponderosa State Park and at Ponderosa's North Beach unit along Warren Wagon Road. The city frequently received complaints the previous boat ramp was not uniform and that the changes in slope led to damaged boats. Three years ago, a 20 -foot section of the ramp collapsed and was patched, which caused the city to start working on a replacement project. t, , http: / /www.mccallstamews .com/pages /fp_stories _page.php 11 /4*/2015 Star -News News Outdoors Page Page 1 of 1 Wildhorse Park will be tamer place with trimming McCall's Wildhorse Park at 708 Thompson Ave. will have healthier vegetation after an urban forest project planned by the city this winter, McCall Recreation Supervisor Mark Pernell said. Work is slated to begin this winter if weather allows, or into the spring, Parnell said. Workers plan to remove dead and diseased trees, clear the trees' understory for fire prevention, and showcase the work as aesthetically pleasing and firewise, he said. The work is funded through the parks budget and will be done by parks and recreation department staff using city equipment. t+ �- http: / /www.mccallstamews .com/pages /outdoors _page.php 114V2015 Star -News News Groups Page nwaa`r`Sm h'Gw.'raw, FIRST SNOW - Warren Da}•, 3, and Lila Baker, 2, both from McCall, engage in a traditional aainter acthity at Legacy Park follomang the season's first sooaasorm last rr;aay morning. Sorry loners aaere boPtng the forecast for more snow ow week hokts true. http: / /www.mccallstamews .com/pages/groups _page.php Page 1 of 1 11/12015 Star -News News Groups Page McCall Parks & Rec announces winners of photo contest Winners of the 2015 McCall Department of Parks & Recreation Online Photography Contest have been announced. Winners were chosen in six categories by professional photographers and also through people's choice votes. Winning photographs will be made into the parks department 2016 calendar to be sold for $5 each. Proceeds will benefit the department's scholarship fund to ensure no youth is turned away from a program because of inability to pay. To view the photos, go to the city of McCall website at www.mccall.id.us, go to the "Latest News" column and click on "Online Photo Contest." Here is the list of winners. Home towns and full names not shown were not available: Professional Photographers Winners Friendship: "These Kids, That Dock," Amy Isacson. Winter Wonderland: "Wonderland," Leese Johnson, McCall. Small Town /Big Playground: "Fun on the River," Amy Isacson. Nature: "Tracks," August Wheeler, McCall. Black & White: "Infinity," August Wheeler, McCall. Action: "Earn Your Turns," August Wheeler, McCall. People's Choice Winners TOP: "These Kids, That Dock" by Amy Isacson von the Friendship category as judged by professional photographers. ABOVE: "Girl & A Horse," by Amber Coyle, won the People's Choice award in the Friendship category, Friendship: "Girl & A Horse," Amber Coyle, McCall. Winter Wonderland: "Western Bluebird Pair Enjoying Snow," Janell Hodsdon, McCall. Small Town/Big Playground, "Hook," KM. Nature: "Fox," Amber Coyle, McCall. Black & White: "Lake Hockey," KM. Action: "Dad's Still Got It," Meagan McGree. Page 1 of 1 http: / /www.mccallstamews.com /pages /groups _page.php 1/14/2016 Star -News News Groups Page ABOUT TOWN RF.0 CALENDAR PUBLISHED -The 2016 calendar featuring winners of the McCall Department of Parks and Recreation's online photography contest is now on sale. Featured are scenes such as "Dad's Still Got It,' abo%v, by Meagan McGree. Calendars cost $5 and can be purchased at McCall City Hall and the McCall Public Library. Proceeds will go to the scholarship fund to allow all youths to take part in the city's recreation programs. Page 1 of 1 http://www.mccallstamews.com/pages/groups_page.php 1/21/2016 Star -News News Groups Page t ROTARY PARK RAILINGS - The city of McCall is asking the public to wte on two concepts for new railings to be installed at Rotary Park on Pavette Ulm. TOP: 'The Waves of Payette lake," by Susan Bond of Rouse, describes as a stylized concept of wiva arming on the shore as the visitor desceads to the beach. ABOVE: the design by Bruce Andersen of Mt. Vernon, Wash., depict lake trout and was inspired by the natural surroundings of the lake. Mom on the proposal and a link to a ballot can be found on the city of McCall's website at w�Wunceall.ud.us or the city's Facebook page. The $L5,000 project is funded by a grant from the Idaho Commission on the Arts, the McCall Improvement Committee, and the citys local option tax. The final selection by the McCall City Council is expected in March Page 1 of 1 http: / /www.mccallstamews .com/pages /groups _page.php 1/28/2016 Star -News News Groups Page ROTARY RAILINGS PICKED -'The Waves of Payette Lake," above, by Susan Bond of Boise, has been selected for the design of new railings to be installed at Rotary Park on Payette lake this year as part of the continuing renovation of the park. The design is a stylized concept of waves arriving on the shore as the visitor descends to the beach. An online preference poll between Bond's design and another design drew 435 votes but resulted in a dead heat. The McCall Public Art Advisory Commission voted 4 -1 for Bond's proposal, which was accepted by the McCall City Council last week. The $i5,000 project is funded by a grant from the Idaho Commission on the Arts, the McCall Improvement Committee, and the city's local option tax. Page 1 of 1 http:// www .mccallstamews.com/pages/groups _page "php 4/21/2016 Star -News News Main News Page Page 1 of 2 Nature's Classroom: McCall's Wildhorse Park is an open book about wildfire, forests BY TOM GROTE for The Star-News When people call Kurt Wolf asking about the trees on their property, he tells them where to go - to Wildhorse Park. The one -acre parcel surrounded by Wildhorse Drive east of Davis Avenue has been turned from a fire hazard and mosquito breeding ground into an outdoor classroom. Wolf, director of the McCall Parks and Recreation Department, is also the city's arborist, the person city code requires be consulted before trees are cut for new development. The park provides most of the answers to those questions after the city and the McCall Outdoor Science School teamed up during the past year to clean up the parcel and erect interpretive signs. A pathway lined with wood chips takes visitors to various stations, where signs give basic information on how to thin trees to prevent the spread of wildfire and improve forest health, plus descriptions of native tree species and wildlife that can be found in the forest. At one end of the trail is a native plant garden, planted in August by Roots Forest School local families, with a sign describing various plants and inviting the reader to create an "insect hotel" for bees and butterflies. The only gesture to a mainstream park is a picnic table, although large rounds cut from a ponderosa pine at MOSS provide a natural seating alternative. Unique Site The unique park Is on a site that is itself unique. When the Lake Forest Subdivision was laid out in 1973, the center parcel was dedicated as a private park, years before such open space would be required by city planners. In 1977, the developer, Ralph Karl of Boise, deeded the land to the city of McCall. That was the last action taken on the land until last fall, when Wolf received complaints from a resident worried about dead trees being a hazard. When parks employees were sent out to cut the trees, Wolf thought the timing was right to move forward with a plan he had been thinking about for years - turning the tract into a natural park. In December, city employees worked to remove dead trees, thin smaller trees, cut brush and remove limbs to show how a lot can be made more resistant to fire. Soon after that project, Wolf got a call from Mark Wolfenden, an advisor to University of Idaho graduate students attending MOSS. "He said he had a grad student that wanted to do a sensory park interpretive trail," Wolf said. "1 said 'Mark, your timing couldn't be better." That student, Cathy Hughes, obtained funding from the University of Idaho and a grant from the Idaho Forest Product Commission to build the trail, buy the interpretive signs and purchase native wildflowers and trees. Hughes was hired last summer by Wolf as a seasonal parks employee so she could work on Wildhorse Park between her various other duties, such as a boating ambassador. City crews started to build the trail during the week of Independence Day, when holiday crowds made access to the rest of the city parks impossible and worked on and off throughout July and August as time allowed. Wolf said. "By combining my passion for recreation and environmental education with the goals of the city, we developed an outdoor space for all to enjoy," Hughes said. Bat Boxes She would like to see the park kept as natural as possible, with the possible additions of bat boxes, a native wildlife exhibit, and conveniences such as a bike rack. Wolf sees a playground natural play features such as climbing boulders and logs added to the park in the future and perhaps a few parking spaces if the number of visitors warrant them. The methods used at Wildhorse Park could be used at other small parcels that are owned by the city, including along Boydstun Street, Flynn Lane and Lick Creek Road, he said. Residents of Wildhorse Loop interviewed were happy with the improvements when interviewed by The Star -News, including Craig Perseo. 'I like the fact that we have a place where people can come and kids can go through and see what actually grows in the city of McCall and this area," Perseo said. Wolf hopes the park will become a destination for school groups, campground visitors and others. Hughes agreed. "Wildhorse Park helps extend the MOSS goals and philosophy into the community by creating a http: / /www.mccallstamews .com/pages /fp_stories _page.php 10/13/2016 Star -News News Main News Page Page 2 of 2 unique space where visitors can use nature as their playground, engage all of their senses, and form deeper connections to the places they live," she said. http: / /www.mccallstarnews .com/pages /fp_stories _page.php 10/13/2016 Star -News News Main News Page Kurt Wolf named as new McCall parks and recreation director UI grad previously worked as parks supervisor BY TOM GROTE for The Star -News Kurt Wolf was named last week as the new director of the McCall Department of Parks and Recreation. Wolf, 36, was appointed to the job by McCall city manager Nate Coyle and his appointment was confirmed last Thursday by the McCall City Council. Wolf, previously the city's parks supervisor, replaces former parks and rec director Dennis Coyle, who refired on Sept. 1. Kart wolf Wolf received a degree in landscape architecture from the University of Idaho. Prior to beginning his career in public service, he worked on design and development projects at both the local and international level. He joined the city seven years ago as the recreation supervisor and has been parks supervisor for the last five years. He is also the city arborist, and consults with property owners on how to manage trees on their properties. Wolf also has served on the board of the Payette Lakes Ski Club and currently is a board member of the McCall Nordic Ski Club. He has been a youth, high school, and collegiate coach for 12 years in both track and field and Nordic skiing. The city plans to spend $930,000 on its parks system and $368,000 on its recreation programs during the budget year that started Oct. 1. There were 10 employees in the parks department and three employees in the recreation department as of September, according to city records. Wolfs annual salary with the city will be $63,129. Wolf said his challenge will be to continue to provide a high level of service to the public with limited budgets. "We need to continue to expand the recreational experience for our citizens and visitors through place- based recreational programing and parks facilities," he said. Riverfront Park, located along Mission Street, is an especially large undertaking that will need a large amount of funding to complete, he said. However, the city will continue to make improvements at the park as it can afford them, Wolf said. The parks division oversees maintenance, improvements and operations for all city parks, public spaces, sidewalks, waterfront, undeveloped areas and grounds maintenance of city owned buildings. Tasks include installation and removal of holiday lights, reservation management of parks, mowing, irrigation, tree care, ornamental flower planting and care, building and facility maintenance, and noxious weed control along all right-of-ways and city -owned property. The recreation division conducts about 35 programs a year for all ages, skill levels and income. In 2015, the division registered 1,445 participants Programs include volleyball, baseball, softball, tee -ball, skateboarding, tennis, mountain biking, soccer camp and wee - soccer, foundations of football, swimming lessons, basketball, and team building and outdoor games. http: / /www.mccallstamews .com/pages /fp_stories _page.php Page 1 of 1 10/13/2016