Council roundup: Parks Commission work plan approved, Ancich Waterfront Park update

The two-year 2017-2018 work plan for Gig Harbor’s Parks Commission was approved by the City Council at Monday’s meeting.

The work plan includes both capital and policy items and was presented to the council by Parks project administrator Katrina Knutson.

Six capital projects and planning items have been identified on the work plan, ranked in order of their priority to the Public Works committee.

These priority projects, from most to least important, are:

▪  Harbor Hill Park Master Plan

▪ Crescent Creek Park, Visioning and Master Plan

▪  City Play Structure Master Plan

▪  Wilkinson Farm Visioning

▪  Ferry Landing Park, Trail Feasibility Study

▪  Old Burnham Properties, Visioning

In addition to these capital projects, four policy items were identified as important for the two-year plan.

These policy items, from most to least important, are:

▪  Field Reservations Policy

▪  Private Use and Structures in Parks Policy

▪  Cushman Safety/Markings

▪  Park Rules Ordinance

The work plan was recommended to the Public Works Committee by the Parks Commission on June 1 and was discussed by the Public Works Committee on Sept. 12.

The 2017-2018 work plan was adopted unanimously by the Council.

Ancich Waterfront Park update

Discussions and planning for development of Ancich Waterfron Park continues between the city, council and Gig Harbor residents.

Knutson provided a project update to the Council at Monday’s meeting, outlining plans that will be presented to the Design Review Board on Oct. 13.

Following direction and requests from the Council, changes to the building’s design include moving more of the building under the Harborview Drive sidewalk to preserve green space and lowering the viewing platform to just below street level to preserve water views.

In addition to these new designs, inspections to identify needed repairs to both the Ancich Brothers Netshed and pier and the Jerkovich Pier have been completed.

“The proposal is to replace like with like,” Knutson said of the Ancich Netshed, adding that much of the original materials can be kept during the repairs.

Proposed updates to the Ancich Netshed include improvements that benefit the fishermen that continue to use the structure, including a large door installed on the west/south side and expanding the pier to allow vehicle access.

For the Jerkovich Pier, proposed updates include updating the pier to allow for vehicle access and the addition of a 10-foot catwalk to the existing gangway.

“There has been a lot of money and work on this at the end of the summer, but it is definitely something that is needed for the public and Jerkovich family to use (the pier) safely,” Knutson said.

A survey for Millville residents was completed Tuesday to query feedback about proposed Ancich Park plans. This information will be compiled and be presented to the Council.

Currently, 212 responses have been gathered and reveal that 50 percent of the survey participants own a human-powered watercraft and 60 percent of those owners would be interested in storage in a city facility. The next step of the project is a 90-percent design refinement. An ad hoc meeting on the project will be scheduled for late October, to discuss plans with the fishing fleet after it returns.

Future meeting dates will be announced on cityofgigharbor.net.

Recognition of Paralympic gold medalist

Paralympic gold medalist and Gig Harbor native Megan Blunk was recognized for her achievements at the beginning of Monday’s meeting.

Blunk won gold earlier this month as part of Team USA women’s wheelchair basketball team at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Mayor Jill Guernsey presented Blunk with flowers after giving a brief history of the athlete.

“It is my honor and privilege to recognize Megan, who may be this city’s first Paralympic winner … and for being such an asset to the community,” Guernsey said.

Guernsey also recognized Wendy Ricketts, Blunk’s mother, for her support of her daughter.

“I am so blown away,” Blunk said. “Gig Harbor is just above and beyond amazing to me.”

This story was originally published September 28, 2016 at 1:07 PM with the headline "Council roundup: Parks Commission work plan approved, Ancich Waterfront Park update."