A donor-funded, non-coin-operated viewing device proposed for Waterfront Park drew general approval Nov. 24, with commissioners asking staff to design the installation to avoid direct views into neighboring homes.

Parks staff said the binocular-style unit would cost roughly $4,000 to $5,000 to purchase and install; the donor family would pay all costs and requested a memorial plaque on the unit. Staff described two mounting options: affixing the unit to existing deck boards (which would be flexible to move later) or pouring a small concrete pad and mounting it there. Staff also said many units can be limited in pan and tilt so their viewing angles avoid pointing directly at residences.

Commissioners asked for placement in a corner of the boardwalk and requested that staff specify a low-zoom unit so it primarily serves shoreline and bird viewing rather than zooming into private property. One commissioner noted that boats and shoreline activity are often closer viewing opportunities than a high-zoom device would be, and another suggested adding a small stool for children to use.

Derek said staff would proceed with the approach that preserves sight-line privacy while allowing public viewing and would return if any technical or permitting issues appear.

The commission offered support contingent on final placement and angle limits to avoid privacy intrusion.