Lagoon Center Comment

1. I like the site plan which Andy presented. Separation of Equestrian trailhead seems wise from safety and from maintenance(especially picking up horse manure) viewpoints. I hope the open areas on the east will offer a chance for kids to run when they are tired of the museum part. Otherwise they would use the trails for this. Not desirable! Good to hide the parking behind the bank and to use a berm for screening.

2. I think Carol's blog has some good points about security and uses when rangers are not there. We had some examples of this when the Strawberry Stand structure was erected. Have we considered having a small house trailer on site as we did for Sikes? Occupied cheaply by a student or other person in exchange for being a "Watchdog"? If so a space should be allocated for it.

3 . The overall appearance of the building judged from the simulated drawings gives a very horizontal, layered effect which is certainly modern but I think it seems very urban. Perhaps this is necessary to achieve the viewing platforms but I hope the final architect will soften the lines and use building materials to add interest to the structure. I do not envision any vegetation other than the rather inconspicuous native plants .

4. Jim's blog expresses my feelings about the emphasis on outdoor activities. In our coastal climate it would be a shame to miss the opportunity for outdoor displays possible throughout the year. I still feel strongly that a water feature illustrating the lagoon/ocean interconnection would be exciting and a unique feature of this visitor center. Since the lagoon itself is not accessible this seems to be a way to have people relate to the wider environment as well as a great educational opportunity for school visitors. I know this is part of the later program development but I would like to see a place dedicated to this in the plan.

5. Has the consultant considered the maintenance aspects of this structure? Window cleaning is a chore in the coastal area and there are a lot of windows waiting for salt deposits! The trails and parking will generate dust . Perhaps the "Watchdog" in 2. could also be the window cleaner. The horse area will need special attention.

6. Finally I think the administration space is too large compared with the rest of the center now I see the simulations. And the meeting room is also large. Who will use it?

I reiterate : EMPHASIZE THE OUTDOOR USES OF THIS SITE.

Freda