Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee

Prospect Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee 

Virtual Meeting Minutes

January 24, 2022, 5:00 pm via WebEx

Members Present:  Carolyn Embry, John Evans, Ron Cundiff, Lynn Granger, David Holmes, Sarah O’Dell, Linda Wardell, Sallie Schneider

Others Present: Steve Emly, Don Gibson, Doug Farnsley, Stuart Miles, Lee Tucci

•  The meeting was called to order shortly after 5 pm
• Meeting participants engaged in a discussion of the pros and cons of various stream crossing options, and unanimously recommended the Weathering Steel Bowstring Truss design for the following reasons:
  • Steel is the most cost-effective option of the prefabricated/precast options and meets the desired bridge dimensions, useful life, and low maintenance requirements.
  • The bowstring design, although slightly more expensive than the Pratt Truss design was selected because it is more attractive.  The committee decided that this is an important consideration, as the bridge will serve as the gateway to the park trails.
• Other design options were deemed less desirable for the following reasons:
  • Aluminum meets all the requirements but is significantly more expensive than steel.
  • Timber is not only more expensive but would have significant maintenance requirements.
  • Fiberglass, while cost effective is only available in a 10-foot width.  The specifications requested a 12-foot bridge width.
  • Concrete, while the strongest material is also the most expensive.  The committee determined it to be cost prohibitive.
  • A used bridge is attractive from a cost perspective, but it could take time to locate an appropriate structure, and it would have a shorter lifespan than a new structure, and higher maintenance requirements.
  • A railroad flat car is also attractive from a cost perspective but would have additional maintenance requirements and a shorter lifespan.
  • Dressing up the existing culvert is the most attractive from a cost standpoint but would not achieve the goal of returning the stream to its natural state and would not mitigate the sedimentation in the stream which has accumulated over the past 10 years.
• The committee’s recommendation will be included in a budget request.  It is to be determined if this will be included in a budget amendment proposal in this fiscal year or part of the FY2023 budget request.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:30 pm.