Seven Evergreen Audubon Board members attended the EPRD Board meeting at Wulf Rec Center, on Thursday, Oct. 26, to state our opposition to one proposal in the EPRD 2023 Strategic Plan, “Buchanan Ponds improvements, water play features.”  Our objections were to the installation of a plastic inflatable structure onto one of the ponds as it would be a visual blight accompanied by an increase in noise to the surrounding neighborhoods.  Our main objection follows our mission of conservation in preserving natural areas in our community –  we feel strongly that the Buchanan Ponds are areas of beauty and value to the area wildlife, birds, and fish in the pond.  

Board member Ann Dodson, an Evergreen native, spoke of all the many changes to Evergreen over the years. While development has often been needed and welcome, it has also led to loss of natural areas and often had negative impact on the environment, including our beautiful views.  

JoAnn Hackos, our Director of Conservation, spoke of rare birds that visit the ponds and pointed out that the EPRD mission statement says, in part, “The mission of EPRD is to improve the quality of life of the community by providing…amenities while maintaining and enhancing the mountain character of the area.”  Exactly our point – we’d like to maintain that mountain character in our natural areas, not add a plastic playground that would disturb the wildlife and natural beauty of the ponds, the surrounding wetlands, and the wildlife in adjacent Noble and Elk Meadows.

Convincing points were made and the EPRD board, Executive Director Cory Vander Veen, and staff were attentive and asked good questions. They assured us that no decisions have been made and that they will continue to gather input from the community as the process moves forward. In the meantime, staff will be gathering data and formulating detailed plans to present to the board in the next couple of years. The inflatables may or may not continue to be part of that plan.

Board member Betsy Hays asked if our objections included the water features (splash pad) at the proposed community gathering spot outside the Buchanan Rec Center pool, to which we replied no. Developing that area adjacent to the building wouldn’t affect the ponds in any way. 

Board member Don Rosenthal emphasized that a yes vote on the upcoming 6C Ballot Measure will not automatically result in the district installing a swimming area and inflatables on the ponds. The board will track the issue and return to speak again if necessary.

The EPRD Strategic Plan is here:  https://www.evergreenrecreation.com/DocumentCenter/View/3380/EPRD-Strategic-Plan-Fact-Sheet-?bidId=