April 3, 2013

Joseph D. Perello, L.L.A, Suburban Consulting Engineers, Inc., was sworn in and accepted by the Board to be an expert in landscape architecture. Referring to Exhibit A-1, Mr. Perello said it showed an overall view of the Zoo property that had also been superimposed with the proposed improvements. Mr. Perello said the new playground would be located adjacent to the aviary and barn structure; the existing playground would be removed and a new pavilion would be installed over the old playground's existing footprint. The new playground would have an entrance feature, a portal in the shape of a large Teri dactyl. Children would be able to dig for fossils throughout the playground. The playground would be divided in to two areas for different age groups. The first, a playground geared for two-to-five year olds would have standard playground structures and rock formations. The second, geared to five-to-twelve year olds, would be customized with dinosaur features including a saber-toothed tiger with slides and climbers. All playground surfacing would be light-colored rubberized material. The playground would have an accessible area for handicapped children. The entire area surrounding the playground would be landscaped with perennial plantings including larger prehistoric looking plantings. The area would have modular blocks retaining walls; and would be entirely fenced to keep children within the area. Near the existing carousel, a new pavilion would be built on the existing 30’x50’ concrete pad with rubberized matting; the new structure would be a shaded pavilion with twelve poles and a gabled roof with electrical outlets and lighting. The pavilion would be used for picnics. Additionally, there would be a small wood structure to store children’s backpacks. There would be no impact to the existing site other than taking out the existing playground and building a shade structure. The pavilion would look exactly like the existing pavilion jocated approximately 150 feet away. Mr. Perello concluded his testimony. Mr. Eben inquired as to the number of trees that would be removed for the new playground; he asked about the storm water management control for area; and the proximity of the restrooms to the new playground area. Mr. Perello said that twenty nine (29) trees would be removed for the new playground area and replaced with eight (8) very large deciduous trees,

proximity of the restrooms to the new playground area. Mr. Perello said that twenty nine (29) trees would be removed for the new playground area and replaced with eight (8) very large deciduous trees, together with many other trees and plantings. Regarding storm water management, Mr. Perello said there were under-drains in the area that would be recharging the ground; the soil erosion control plan had already been filed with the State. Mr. Perello indicated that there were two restrooms in the area; one located approximately 150 feet from the playground, another one near a shaded area approximately 200 feet away. Mr. Eben suggested that perhaps some ground signs be placed in the area indicating when the restrooms were located. Councilwoman McCartney asked what type of fence would surround the playground area. Mr. Perello said there would be a new 4 ft. chain link fence along the top of a retaining wall; the entire area had an 11 ft. high perimeter fence. Mr. Heller asked if the playground surface was ADA compliant. Mr. Perello said the playground surface would be a light-colored rubberized material that looked like sand. Mr. Klein asked for details regarding the safety fence. Mr. Perello said the entire area would be fenced in; there would be a lower module safety fence. NAPLANNING BRDIWPIMINUTES|2012\4-3-13 Minutes.doc 5