HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019 - Parks And Recreation Board - Annual Report
PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD
2019 Annual Report
December 4, 2019; 5:30pm
215 N. Mason St, Community Room
2019 ANNUAL REPORT Page 1
The City of Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Advisory Board held 9 regular meetings
in 2019 at various park and recreational facilities throughout the City. The 2019 Board
Members were Ragan Adams, Ben Burnham (resigned in September) Rob Cagen,
Catherine Carabetta, Mary Carlson, Sam Houghteling, Bob Kingsbury, Jessica
MacMillan and Mike Tupa. The Board elects its officers annually in February, and
Jessica was elected as Board Chair, with Catherine Carabetta as Vice-Chair and Ben
Burnham elected as Secretary. Ken Summers served as City Council Liaison to the
Board through May, then Susan Gutowsky was appointed as the Liaison for the
remainder of the year. Kurt Friesen, Park Planning and Development Director; Mike
Calhoon, Parks Director; and Bob Adams, Recreation Director served as Staff Liaisons
to the Board, with Colleen Bannon and Salina Hemmen, Business Support III, providing
staff support.
1. PARKS
• The Board received a presentation from the cyclo-cross representative and City staff to
conduct a pilot program in Rossborough Park for the purpose of a training course, with
Board support.
• The Board provided feedback, recommendations, and support for the planning,
development, and opening of Sugar Beet Park in September 2019, and the Poudre
River Whitewater Park in October 2019.
• The Board received multiple updates related to the City Plan process, development,
and implementation and provided feedback to City staff.
• The Board provided feedback on the Parks and Recreation Policy Plan and RFP.
• The Board has been in continued conversations on the Montava project in NE Fort
Collins regarding the proposed community park, site, and design. The board supported
an amendment to the Parks and Recreation Policy Plan (2008) changing the size of the
park from 100 to 80-100 acres and encouraged the City and developer to negotiate a
purchase price based on 2019 land values.
• The Board acted as a liaison with community groups regarding the proposed East Side
Neighborhood Park improvements.
• The Board provided feedback to City staff regarding the City Park Tomorrow refresh
process.
• The Board heard a presentation from the Water Conservation Team regarding the
City’s water shortage plan and water restrictions during drought years.
2. RECREATION
• The Board received an update on the reduced rate program and offered support to the
Parks Dept. for ensuring equitable access.
PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD
2019 Annual Report
2019 ANNUAL REPORT Page 2
• The Board received a presentation from Bob Adams and Marc Rademacher on the
Sport’s Complex Feasibility Study.
• The Board received an update regarding the E-Scooter program in March of 2019.
3. TRAILS
• The Board received a presentation related to E-Bike usage on City trails and supported
a pilot program for class 1 and 2 E-Bikes.
• The Board received an update from Suzanne Bassinger on the Poudre / I-25 Trail
project.
• The Board received an update on the proposed Power Trail connection (bridge or
tunnel) across Harmony Road, and potential funding sources for project completion.
• The Board continued to provide a liaison to the Bicycle Advisory Committee with regular
engagement and updates from Mike Tupa.
4. COMMUNICATION/COLLABORATION
• The Board receives monthly updates from City staff on Park Planning and
Development, Recreation, Trails, and Parks management.
• The Board wrote four articles for the Recreator to support their marketing and
community relations efforts.
• The Board congratulated City staff on the CAPRA award received in September 2019.
• Board members completed the Respectful Workplace Training.
• Board members met with City staff, Council, and other Boards related to the KFCG
update process.
• The Board was presented with a plan to update the Linden street design.
• The Board was represented at both super board issues meetings.
• The Board developed its workplan for 2020 in September 2019.
• The Board will be providing a liaison to the Parks Master Plan ARC stakeholder
meeting.
5. OTHER
• The Board discussed the need for an ongoing and dedicated funding source for the
lifecycle replacement program.