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Diverse ideas surface for use of park cabin
By WAYNE AYERS
| Article published on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 |
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MADEIRA BEACH – A public forum to gather ideas on uses for the city’s Archibald Park and the on-site log cabin drew proposals ranging from a no-frills renovation of the cabin to the creation of a multi-structure marine and entertainment facility.
The City Commission last month put off a planned demolition of the cabin following an outpouring of citizen support for its preservation. The structure has a nostalgic connection for many who remember its days as the Snack Shack, a popular beachfront gathering spot run by the Disabled American War Veterans.
Though close to 2,000 persons signed petitions urging preservation of the cabin, only about 15 citizens, excluding city officials and media, showed up at the meeting Monday night at City Hall.
A professional facilitator, Jerry Keenan of Keenan & Associates, led those present in a brainstorming session to generate ideas for the use of the cabin and park. Keenan said the goal was to decide on points of agreement and disagreement and move toward a solution that could be considered by the Board of Commissioners and city staff. The citizens divided into groups to discuss and present their ideas.
A majority of those present agreed that any solution must include preservation of the cabin but could include a variety of uses for the structure. Among the uses suggested: a refreshment stand, historical museum, a place to sit and relax, a venue for public meetings and weddings.
Commissioner Steve Kochick said the cabin should offer food and drink, similar to the original Snack Shack, and be “a place to have fun and enjoy yourself.”
Middle School student Kaitlyn Chalke, whose Save Our Snack Shack campaign ignited the preservation drive, said that saving the structure must be paramount.
“This is our history. (Preservation) comes before all,” she said.
Kiwanis Foundation president Eddie Lee, whose proposal to renovate the cabin at no expense to the city was turned down by the commission last month, said the city should heed the public’s desire.
“Close to 2,000 people have said they want the cabin preserved,” he said.
Alan Dill, resident and Kiwanis Club official, said the cabin should be renovated to look as close as possible to the original building.
Showers and lockers could be included in the renovation plan, Dill said.
Robert Shaw urged the city to look beyond the Snack Shack issue toward changing the makeup of the entire park and recreation system, which he said is not being fully used. Shaw termed Archibald Park the city’s single most impressive park.
“We should go about determining exactly what it is that would best serve the community on this site,” he said. Shaw said if the Snack Shack does not fit the plan, it should go.
The evening’s most ambitious proposal was presented by former Commissioner Len Piotti. Piotti’s plan would transform the park into a sea-life themed attraction featuring a 4,500 square foot historical and sea life museum building, 2,500 square foot pavilion with seating, and a band shell “for all kinds of entertainment.” The structure would leave no room on the site for the log cabin, which would be demolished.
The project’s several million dollar cost would be financed through grants, which Piotti said were readily available.
Wrapping up the meeting, City Manager Jill Silverboard said the commission’s next step will be to move forward to requests for proposals for whatever solution they decide to pursue. Silverboard said the meeting was set up on the presumption the cabin would be preserved. Piotti’s proposal mandated its removal.
Mayor Charles Parker said following the meeting that he is still unimpressed with proposals to save the cabin. He said the structure would be very expensive to renovate and maintain and “somebody has to pay for it.”
“A storm would blow it away,” he added.
Commissioner Nancy Oakley was equally adamant that the cabin be preserved.
“A thousand or more residents and another thousand or so nonresidents have signed petitions that say ‘Save the Snack Shack,’” Oakley said.
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Article published on Wednesday, May 23, 2007
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