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Council hears festival request and park updates; staff to monitor new Carver Park fencing
Summary
A festival organizer requested the usual approvals for a long-running Fulton festival; staff described Carver Park improvements including an inclusive playground and new, more-open fencing that prompted council and resident concerns about balls rolling into streets; staff said they will monitor usage and consider partial closures if needed.
Alan Lawson, an organizer who said he owns Boss League Radio and leads Boss Fleet Radio Against Violent Crimes, told the council he plans to hold his long-running festival again this year and that he typically coordinates with the police chief and presents to the council in advance.
A staff member directed Lawson to the city clerk to complete the standard special-event form so the request can be taken to council for approval; the consent agenda later included and approved special-event permits for Fulton Street Fair (June 12-13), College for Kids Flash Mob (July 8) and the Callaway Plant Association employee picnic (Aug. 16).
During the Director of Administration’s report, staff highlighted progress at Carver Park: an inclusive playground has been installed, basketball-court improvements have been made and the fencing work is complete, with staff planning an open house for mid-June.
Charlene McArthur of Parks & Rec explained the new fence design is intentionally more open and said, "What the fencing is currently is how it's going to be. We wanted it to kinda be more opening and inviting." She said 15-foot player benches will be placed at the north and south openings.
Several council members and residents raised safety concerns about the openings allowing balls to roll into adjacent streets and asked staff to monitor usage and revisit partial closures or added fencing if problems occur. Staff noted the park board had reviewed and recommended the design; council asked parks staff to observe early use and follow up if adjustments are needed.
The DOA report and the consent agenda were approved by council vote during the meeting.
