HomeMy WebLinkAboutJCPRAB Park Tour 04-21-2021 Notes
Jefferson County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Parks Tour
April 21, 2021 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Draft Summary Minutes
Members Present:
Marianne Walters, Vern Bessey, Tim Rensema
Staff Present:
Matt Tyler, Chelsie Kilmer
Irondale Beach Park (Jim Stark joined during parts of this tour)
A quick history review emphasized how far Irondale Beach has come since it was purchased by Jefferson County.
It was noted that Irondale Beach has many improvement project opportunities. Projects reviewed: leveling
ground for smoother mowing, managing the invasive plant species, adding picnic tables, trail maintenance,
interpretive signage placement, replacing gate with removable posts, monitoring moored and beached boats,
and removal of dead trees. It was confirmed that the creek is clean, safe and tested quarterly.
Indian Island Park
Portage Beach was visited first. Improvements mentioned were moving the entrance for a safer turn, updating
or replacing the shelter, expanding parking, clearing areas around Garry oak and apple trees, adding picnic
tables, and a possible interpretive sign. The tour continued at Isthmus Beach and the new canal. Sign cleaning is
needed in the canal area.
East Beach
English Ivy should be removed from East Beach. Maintenance is needed on the shelter and fire pit. The area
where the vault toilet once stood is a possible activity area such as a playground or picnic site. Questions were
raised about the concrete bulkhead and whether it could be maintained to reduce erosion. There was a review
of the park boundary signs.
Gibbs Lake/Camp Beausite (Silent Alder Trail)
This part of the tour began with a meet & greet with Camp Beausite NW Executive Director, Raina Baker, and
Program Director, M Adrian; Back Country Horsemen members, Kris Lenke and Judith Hoyle; and Gibbs Lake
caretaker, Cher Albright. The tour continued to the house that was used as acontrolled burn for EJFRand finished
with a hike along Silent Alder Trail. Items discussed were parking, trail maintenance, and the high park use.