Washington Park Neighborhood Preservation and Enhancement Dist.

"North Fork of The New River Up-Date"

Broward Urban River Trails (Burt) Meeting Notes/12/11/02

BROWARD URBAN RIVER TRAILS (BURT)
MEETING NOTES


Subject: Pocket parks along the north fork of the New River

Date of Meeting: 12.11.02, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Place of Meeting: African American Museum, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Prepared By: BURT and Florida Atlantic University


Presenters:

John Rude, Director - BURT
Ralph S. Johnson, Professor - Florida Atlantic University
Aron Temkin, Professor - Florida Atlantic University
Margi Glavovic Nothard, Professor - Florida Atlantic University
Walter Wernecke, Student - Florida Atlantic University


Contributors/ Attendees:

Eugene Franklin - Washington Park Neighborhood Preservation & Enhancement
Bob Wright - Broward County Parks
McKinley Hudson - Genesis Environmental Services
Alison Austin - National Audubon Society
Jacqueline Louis - National Audubon Society
Patrick Sala - Zoning Code Sewer
Neysa Gabriel - ECSO Coordinator, Broward Community College
Pearle Woolridge - AARLCC
Irene Hart
C.A. Wright
Betty Robinson
Ahmed S. Monsoor
Mikal T. Hamin
Raymond Rasheed
“Mickey” Hinton
Wilbur Porter



1. The meeting officially began at approximately 6:30 PM and John Rude, director for BURT, opened with an introduction describing the community project, BURT’s goals and its collaboration with FAU.

2. Ralph Johnson continued, citing the three preceding community activities: “River Talk”, “River Day” and “River Stories”, and their relative success within the community. This “second phase” shall be the next planning step in an effort to revitalize and bring life back to the river and hence, the community. “The river shall once again be recognized as an important and valuable gem to this community”.

3. Aron Temkin proceeded to head the open discussion with a PowerPoint presentation identifying the possible pocket park locations along the North Fork of the New River. This was followed by a presentation of 5 preliminary park designs. After each of the drawings was presented there was an open call for questions and comments. The following items represent comments, critiques, and responses that were raised at this time.

- We need to clean up the river. John Rude assured the participants that BURT will continue to work on improving the water quality.

- How can we use the river? Well received was preliminary park design #1, the linear park site just west of NW 31st Avenue and adjacent to the Swap Shop parking lot. With its continuous-loop jogging trail, exercise zone, playing field, docks and footbridges, many agreed that the park would become an amenity for the community. Also appreciated was the inclusion of landscaped screening at the parking lot perimeter, for it was noted that it could only improve conditions at the water’s edge.

- The site at Lafayette-Hart Park, located in the Washington Park area – unknown to the presenters is an already planned boat slip, as mentioned by Eugene Franklin. Mr. Franklin also confirmed Mrs. Hart’s mention of erosion as being a major problem along this part of the river. A method of soil retention needs to be examined (filter fabrics, foliage, rock). Of considerable interest is the vision of having a long, continuous boardwalk along this area of the river (Mr. Franklin), which would serve as a pedestrian link between NW 27th & NW 31st Avenues. The boardwalk would be built approximately 10 feet above the water. The north side of the river would be most suitable, due to an existing easement. Safety should be of major concern. A separate meeting between FAU and Mr. Franklin shall be arranged in order to discuss these plans and ideas further.

- Site at the 27th Avenue bridge crossing (southeast and west side) – for the most part well received. Margi Glavovic Nothard noted the inclusion of a small parking lot, so that visitors from other areas may benefit and enjoy the park. Mr. Franklin expressed some reservations with regard to county or city acquisition of the site. He also posed the question as to who shall ultimately benefit from such a park, and that the proposed park should not only be a source of revenue for the government, but for the local residents as well. All agreed. John Rude commented that the park and its adjacent sites could become an “economic engine” for the community. Mr. Franklin envisions an environment similar to that of River Walk, with small shops and stands (a bait & tackle shop, for example), where citizens can walk and boat along the river.

- Upon presenting the preliminary park design for the site at the end of NW 6th Court, Alison Austin (with the National Audubon Society) announced the acquisition of a site for a proposed nature center on the north side of Sistrunk Boulevard, directly across from Delevoe Park. Pending are two additional riverfront sites. Ms. Austin will be seeking ideas for development of the sites from FAU students during the coming spring semester.


4. The presentation of the North Fork Elementary site concluded the evening. John Rude thanked everyone for their participation. A date and time for the next community “workshop” will be announced.


Prepared by Walter Wernecke, Florida Atlantic University, 12.16.02
Participants are requested to respond to the writer within 10 days (from above date) with additions or modifications to these notes, after which time they shall be considered a complete and accurate record of key items discussed in the meeting. Items are not necessarily listed in order of discussion.

Walter Wernecke
FAU School of Architecture
111 East Las Olas Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33301

or email to: WerneckeW@SC.DMJM.com