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Committee Members in Attendance: Emily Leckman-Westin, Kate Brittenham, Cathy Fahey Other Attendees: Mayor’s Office: Eva Bass, David Galin. Albany Water Department: Joseph Coffey, Emily Lyons. Albany Planning & Development: Yasmine Robinson. CHA Companies: Nicholas Schwartz, Emily Handelman, Mike Miller. Topic: Review and discussion of the updated design for the Reflection and Learning Garden to be developed in the ravine at Lincoln Park. The updated design was based on the feedback gathered at the August 13th Community Advisory meeting. Summary: The meeting was facilitated by Albany Water Board design consultants, CHA Companies. Review the presentation of the programming elements and layout options for the Garden. CHA Companies provided examples for programming elements of the park: o Outdoor Classrooms The updated plan could have one enclosed classroom (with bathrooms) and one outdoor classroom. Garage doors could be used to create indoor/outdoor space. The outdoor classroom will have some shade protection (sails, wooden slats, or sloped steel), and could utilize natural elements for the benches, such as stone. Could incorporate chalk boards, Wi-Fi, etc. as recommended by TOAST Elementary School. Both would be ADA accessible and have space for 24 people. In addition the spaces could be used by members of the community, as well as students at TOAST and other nearby schools. o Meditation Labyrinth Labyrinth has been moved near the back of the Garden, closer to the trees and rock formations, to create more seclusion. Created a format that would allow ADA accessibility as well as narrow paths that are typical of labyrinths. Community Advisory Committee October 1 Meeting ---PAGE BREAK--- Would use all pavers in construction (no grasses) to help limit future maintenance needs. The paths would be differentiated by different color pavers. o Natural Play Structure: The play structures would be small to fit into the space available, and would focus on more natural play, such as wood logs and steppers (made from durable concrete). The play structures could be focused in one area of the park, or scattered throughout. o Outdoor Exercise Space Open grass area would allow for a variety of activities. o Gazebo and pollinator meadow near current sinkhole. The gazebo will act as a gateway into Lincoln Park, which is consistent with the Master Plan. The gazebo and meadow will be closer to Delaware avenue, and will utilize an area already without mature trees. CHA Companies provided sketches to showcase possible layouts of the Garden: o The pathway from Delaware, through the gazebo/meadow area to the remainder of the Garden would follow the historical location of Beaver Creek. o The sketches provided a few options for layout of the learning spaces and play structures. Ideas/comments from Committee members: o The new pathways would provide good access for parents and children walking to TOAST elementary school. Other access points/entrances should be considered for nearby families and neighborhoods to access the Garden. And direct access from Dove Street would be good. (However, the slope of the ravine must also be considered when planning any paths). o Unsure if the enclosed structure with bathrooms is needed. (Response from Albany Planning Department: The bathrooms would be a positive for Lincoln Park and fit into the Master Plan.) o Educational signage should be included throughout the Garden. (Response from CHA Companies: About 10 different signs are being developed to provide environmental and historical information about the area.) o The scattered natural play structures are preferred to just one play structure area. This would encourage families and children to explore the Garden. Maybe consider more team-building elements or active structures such as musical instruments (while still balancing noise). Albany Water Board │ Beaver Creek Clean River Project │ Community Advisory Committee ---PAGE BREAK--- Next Steps: Albany Water Board and CHA Companies will use the feedback provided to create a final draft design of the Reflection and Learning Garden. o CHA Companies will continue to work with representatives from TOAST to ensure the program elements of the Garden fit into the educational objectives of the school. A Public Meeting will be scheduled during October or early November to present the design for the Reflection and Learning Garden and receive community feedback. The name “Reflection and Learning Garden” is a working title. A request for feedback for the name of the park will be sent to the Beaver Creek email list and shared on social media. The Albany Planning & Development Department and their consultant team will continue to work with Committee members and the community in the design of the Lincoln Park Master Plan. This plan will examine traffic, pedestrian access, and park design as a whole. The first Lincoln Park Master Plan community meeting is being held on October 9. Albany Water Board │ Beaver Creek Clean River Project │ Community Advisory Committee