The following public comments were recorded concerning issues and opportunities:

Regarding the Arborist Report:
· Consider keeping the Cherry Tree, Horse Chestnut and other trees recommended for removal.
· Consider allowing these trees to live out their normal lifespan.
· The Dutch Elm inoculation has been working well - these trees appear to be healthier.
· A small, columnar tree in the southwest corner of the park seems out of place with the park's aesthetic.
· A neighbor has a 15' tall Sugar Maple to donate to the park.

Regarding the Entry Drive:
· Consider moving Rhododendrons.
· Driving on grass/vandalism is an issue.

Maintenance:
· Getting rid of ivy is a goal.
· Removing hedges promotes loss of bird habitat.
· Too many volunteer hours are spent weeding headstones.

Circulation:
· There are two major approaches on Howe Street - each should be treated equally vis-à-vis bollards, signage.
· (I) grew up with the logs and love them.

Comments on "Option A - More or Less" and "Option B - Less is More"
· The (entry) island should be a protective screen between the park and street. Parking right under the Lawson Cypress trees is undesirable.
· The south edge is undefined and could work better.
· Curved hedge with new material (on Option "B") is good.
· Would feel unprotected if hedge on north side is opened up. Dogs would run through.
· Dogs are chewing up turf. People don't obey the leash law.
· Opening sides of the hedge will encourage dogs to run through.
· Could a meadow be substituted for turf lawn?
· Southwest corner is the best area to watch the sunset - it should not be closed with more foliage.
· Wild roses could be used to keep undesirable people from lurking/hiding in vegetation.
· Benches: natural character such as stone is more appropriate than standard park bench.
· Maureen Colaizzi mentioned that there is an option to use New York Central Park-style benches which the Parks Department is using in Seattle's Olmsted Parks.
· (I) don't want to see men (statues). This comment was seconded.
· Dick Blount of the Lion's Club introduced himself and the Club's mission.
· (I) like monuments (illustrated on the yellow "post-it" tabs) - good for funding.
· Monuments are good to formalize the whole park - it gives a focus and helps to keep park use appropriate.
· If any monuments are used, they should go in the center/cemetery.
· Tim Kerr: prefers informal shrub concept in Option B.
· Entries to park should be clearly defined. But keep new casual entries through hedge to a minimum.
· Cynthia Wells: Option B is good for the relationship between center of park and edges.
· Flagpole next to obelisk is good where it is - it has maximum emotional impact.
· Cannons relate story of Civil War-they are good.
· Cannons right next to where (I) live remind me of and promote violence.
· Too many cuts in north hedge are not a good idea - they encourage drinking, etc. This comment seconded.
· Replacing turf is lowest priority.

Wrap-Up:
· The Third Public Workshop will be held at an as-yet-to-be-determined date in January, 2003, at which time a preferred option plan, based on input received at the November 19 meeting, will be presented by Karen.
· The comments from this meeting will be published on the Friends website, www.fgar.org.
· Comments can also be made to Maureen Colaizzi at maureen.colaizzi@seattle.gov. or
at 206/386-4006.

The meeting ended at approximately 8:45 PM.

End of Meeting Notes