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Neighbors urge reconsideration of Maidenbauer Park Phase 2 over traffic and outreach concerns
Summary
Residents and the Maidenbauer Bay Neighbors Association told the Parks Board the Phase 2 design is oversized for the neighborhood, understates traffic impacts and relied on survey framing that overstated support; they urged staff to pause and redesign with deeper local outreach.
At the July Parks and Community Services Board meeting, neighborhood residents pressed the board to halt or substantially redesign Phase 2 of the Maidenbauer Park expansion, saying the project prioritizes citywide connectivity over nearby residents’ safety and traffic impacts.
Resident David Bonathan, who identified himself as a member of the Maidenbauer Bay Neighbors Association, told the board the phasing report proposes an oversized viewing platform, elevated walkway and parking garage and that public outreach did not reflect neighborhood priorities. “Maidenbauer Park must be preserved,” he said, and added that the project as planned would add “an additional 240 cars and 1,200 people per day to the area.” He questioned how the project’s survey results were presented, saying the consultant combined “satisfied” and “somewhat satisfied” responses and that this misstates neighborhood consent.
Rod Vindon, who identified himself as president of the Maidenbauer Bay Neighbors Association, said the association represents roughly 1,300 families and urged the board to ensure adequate parking, traffic management and safety protections for marina users and nearby residents. He asked the department to “follow up, trust but verify” with neighbors as the plan moves forward.
Board members acknowledged the concerns. The chair noted the board’s obligations under local rules governing public comment and reminded speakers of the City ordinance limiting comment to matters within the board’s authority. The meeting record also shows one disruptive public commenter whose remarks prompted a board statement that it “does not condone hate or offensive speech” while respecting First Amendment rights.
What happens next: board members and staff encouraged additional neighborhood engagement; the parks department’s master‑planning process for Maidenbauer Phase 2 will proceed with opportunities for further comment and adjustments to the preferred plan.
