Friends of Marymoor Park

August 28th, 2000 Meeting Summary

-- see also the June meeting summary

Discussion of the King County Parks budget was mostly postponed until the September 27th meeting, at the request of Bobbi Wallace.   Current status: The KC Executive is still drawing up a budget proposal to be put before the council.  The September FOMP meeting will occur long before the October KC Council  budget hearings.  Frustrations were voiced from many in attendance that FOMP would like to have influence on the Parks proposal to the KC Executive; specifically, FOMP would like to help prioritize spending affecting Marymoor.  It was suggested that FOMP contact the KC Executive and/or the head of KC Parks to request an involvement strategy in the budgeting process. 

Next on the agenda was a review of WOMAD.  One Reel, who runs WOMAD USA, declared this year's event as a success from their point of view, with few problems and with a satisfactory attendance level.  The neighbors gave their review, with some positive comments - "less shaking", being one.  However, there were still some concerns.  Despite free parking in Marymoor, many people parked on neighborhood streets.  There were also continuing complaints about noise levels, though it was noted that there has been improvement, at least in comparison to the first WOMAD.  One Reel did monitor sound levels both on-site and in the neighborhoods.  The measured levels were well within code limits, and were below background highway noise levels in the neighborhoods.  However, the question was raised about the frequency ranges they were measuring.  The neighbors all complained about the bass notes.  Perhaps the sound engineers could change the balance to be a little less heavy on the low end?  Bill Illi also suggested putting a backboard behind the Troubadore stage speakers, not just the stage itself.  Greg Helland requested year-to-year comparisons of monitoring data.  Glenn Eades, by email, made the request to avoid planning any future events like WOMAD at the park.  Positive comments were reported from the Velodrome Association, thankful that their Friday events could proceed, and from the Marymoor Cricket Alliance, thankful that their pitch area was roped off and protected from parking.

Norah Gaynor gave a brief overview of the King County Active Sports and Youth Recreation Commission, and handed some information.

Under "Other Business", Mark Fishbain proposed making signs advertising FOMP.  This raised questions of permanent vs. temporary sandwich-type signs, and it was noted that permanent signs require Parks approval which might not be granted due to the precedent it could set for other organizations.  Other proposals were for a "reader board", and for posters to be put up around the park.

The Marymoor Cricket Alliance is interested in improving their field, but they are concerned because the Master Plan calls for other uses of that area.

The Velodrome Association voiced discontent with the current concessionaire, and discussed measures they could take to deal with the situation.

These notes were made by the webmaster, Michael Hobbs, and they do not constitute an official record of the meeting.  They may have inaccuracies and omissions.  If anyone has any complaints about the content of these notes, they should direct them to Michael Hobbs at fomp@marymoor.org, and he will endeavor to correct them.