Minutes ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Rosewood Neighborhood Contact Team Special Meeting on Downs Field Project May 10, 2006 Carver Museum Present ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Gilbert Rivera, Craig Johnson, Darlene Ephraim, Michael Emery, Mike Dunn, Laura Patlove. General Discussion ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Mike Dunn has volunteered to help Rosewood with the project at Downs Field. He knows about the field through his association with Coach Moore at Huston Tillotson. Mike informed us that there will be a meeting between HT and the City to develop a contract about use and maintenance of the field. Craig asked about trees planting and other landscaping near the 12th Street side of the field; there is a water hook-up and the neighborhood could purchase a hose for watering. Perhaps ask Big Red Sun to donate some plantings. Michael Emery asked if gravel put down in the parking lot would be wheelchair accessible? PARD will be using cement for the ADA parking spot. The bleachers themselves are not ADA accessible. There was considerable discussion about the condition of the restrooms and the flooding issue. PARD would get other departments involved such as Watershed Protection as they move forward to repair the facilities. There was a sentiment about "settling" for repair of the restrooms rather than replacement. Darlene wants to take it higher--she will get in touch with Rep. Dukes office. Mike stated that the whole project needs to "get on the map". It was suggested that someone draft a resolution with lots of "whereas" language" to support the project and its benefits to the neighborhood and the city. There was also talk about raising more money through grants (TX Parks and Wildlife), get an architectural and or engineering assessment done, form a committee to do fundraising. Michael suggested we might want to have some type of music festival at the park to raise money. The process to become a 501c3 is moving foreword. Action Items ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Mike and Michael will draft a letter to the Mayor and City Council which could be signed on by supporters Mike will draft a resolution to City Council about the project. The committee will update the Rosewood Neighborhood Planning Team at their next meeting on May 18th. The committee should let public officials know that a letter is forthcoming. Select an official to be their "champion". Craig will be contacting Big Red Sun for possible plant donations. Laura will contact Tony Arnold at PARD to find out when they will begin the work on the parking lot at Downs Field. She will also speak to Steve Sadowsky, the city's Historic Preservation Officer to see what he knows about the field. There was some discussion about making Downs Field a tourist attraction since there is a great deal of history associated with the park, much of it not documented. He said that many people map out different ballparks across the country as they plan their vacations. We should try to find older folks in the area who might have played there or know of its past. Mike talked about getting in touch with Ken Burns the documentary filmmaker to see if he would be interested in making a film about the park.