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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023 - Parks And Recreation Board - BylawsANNUAL REPORT City of Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Advisory Board 2023 Annual Report The City of Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Advisory board held 11 regular meetings in 2023 at 413 S Bryan Avenue through hybrid in-person/virtual zoom meetings. The 2023 board members were Ken Christensen, Nick Armstrong, Bob Kingsbury, Meghan Willis, Marcia Richards, Mike Novell, Paul Baker, Josh Durand, and Jon Corley. The Board elects its officers annually in February. Ken Christensen was elected as Board Chair, with Nick Armstrong elected as Vice-Chair and Mike Novell elected as Secretary. Jon Corley submitted his formal resignation from the Board in August. Jeni Arndt was appointed as the City Council Liaison to the Board for 2023. The Parks Director, Mike Calhoon, and Recreation Director, LeAnn Williams, served as Staff Liaisons to the Board. Jen Scott, Business Support II, and Rachel Eich, Business Support III, served as staff support. 1. Parks a. Address sustainable funding initiatives to address infrastructure replacement for Parks and Recreation that lack long term funding and encourage continued discussion of ways to diversify the revenue base and find new revenue sources to support both new and aging infrastructure. i. January 2023: Received update on the Sustainable Funding Initiative from staff. ii. February 2023: Received update on the Sustainable Funding Initiative from staff. iii. March 2023: Viewed presentation on the Sustainable Funding Initiative from Sr Project Manager, Ginny Sawyer. iv. April 2023: Reviewed and discussed drafting a letter to the Finance Committee regarding the Sustainable Funding Initiative. v. May 2023: Motioned to support the proposed language prepared in the Sustainable Funding letter to the Finance Committee. vi. June 2023: Received update on Sustainable Funding Initiative from staff. vii. July 2023: Viewed presentation on the Sustainable Funding Initiative from Sr Project Manager, Ginny Sawyer; discussed board response and motioned to prepare a letter response to City Council regarding the changes made to the ballot initiative. viii. August 2023: Received update and discussed status of the Sustainable Funding Initiative - *Initiative was referred to the ballot on July 25th. ix. December 2023: Received update and discussed status of the Sustainable Funding Initiative - *Approved by voters on November 7th. b. Advocate for matters related to the Infrastructure Replacement strategy. i. Various monthly discussions of the Sustainable Funding Initiative’s inclusion of asset management and replacement plans. ii. May 2023: Received update on the Parks Infrastructure Replacement Program Management Plan iii. October 2023: Discussed plans for establishing regular walk and talk events with City Council members to bring awareness to Parks and Recreation infrastructure needing replaced or refreshed. c. Review matters associated with Parks Operation & Maintenance i. Monthly reports from Parks staff on various operations and maintenance aspects. d. Promote environmental stewardship practices that conserve natural resources i. February 2023: Viewed presentation from Forestry staff on the Land Use Code updates for tree protection, preservation, and canopy enhancement. ii. June 2023: Received update from City staff regarding the completed water quality project for the Spring Canyon Community Park dog park. iii. August 2023: Viewed presentation from City staff on the Land Use Code Updates for soil amendments, xeriscape standards, water conservation, and forestry standards. iv. August 2023: Motioned to approve the Land Use Code updates for Xeriscaping, Soil Amendments, and Urban Forestry as presented by City staff. v. August 2023: Received update from staff on the completion of the 3rd year of EAB (Emerald Ash Borer) treatment for impacted ash trees in the City. vi. August 2023: Nick Armstrong presented the Junior Park Ranger program - *Motioned to fully support the concept of a Fort Collins Junior Ranger program. vii. December 2023: Report for board members after super issues meeting addressing water conservation in the City. e. Continue to review matters related to the development for new parks. i. Monthly reports from Park Planning & Development staff on current Park development projects. ii. January 2023: Viewed presentation from Sr. Policy & Project Manager, Sylvia Taman-Burruss, on the status of the Hughes Stadium site. Board discussed the importance of tying into the Parks Master Plan gaps, as well as community desires. iii. July 2023: Received initial update on the tentative kickoff for the new Bacon Park pre-development work. iv. August 2023: Received update from staff on internal meetings taking place to kick off the new Bacon Park development. v. October 2023: Board members attended grand opening of newest neighborhood park (Dovetail Park) vi. December 2023: Received update from staff on internal meetings and upcoming neighborhood meetings for the new Bacon Park. f. Encourage continued dialogue and awareness of public safety concerns in Parks. i. January 2023: Update from staff on recurring meetings to address unhoused encampment concerns. ii. February 2023: Update from staff on plans for hiring a 3rd Park Ranger. iii. May 2023: Update from staff on added camera at Crescent Park to monitor vandalism concerns. iv. July 2023: Update from staff on the successful hiring of a new Park Ranger. v. August 2023: Nick Armstrong presented on the addition of a Junior Park Ranger program to help promote encouraged dialogue of public safety concerns - *motioned to fully support the concept of a Fort Collins Junior Ranger program. vi. August 2023: Update from staff on the successful hiring of a 4th new Park Ranger. vii. October 2023: Nick Armstrong provided an update on the Junior Park Ranger program concept. viii. October 2023: Update from staff on the installation of a security pole and camera at Crescent Park. 2. Recreation a. Periodically review and offer suggestions for the Recreation Operational Plan action items. i. Monthly reports from Recreation staff on various operations aspects of the Recreation Department. b. Advocate for matters related to the Recreational capital funding strategy and long-term consistent funding. i. January 2023: Received update on the Sustainable Funding Initiative from staff. ii. February 2023: Received update on the Sustainable Funding Initiative from staff. iii. March 2023: Viewed presentation on the Sustainable Funding Initiative from Sr Project Manager, Ginny Sawyer. iv. April 2023: Reviewed and discussed drafting a letter to the Finance Committee regarding the Sustainable Funding Initiative. v. May 2023: Motioned to support the proposed language prepared in the Sustainable Funding letter to the Finance Committee. vi. June 2023: Received update on Sustainable Funding Initiative from staff. vii. July 2023: Viewed presentation on the Sustainable Funding Initiative from Sr Project Manager, Ginny Sawyer; discussed board response and motioned to prepare a letter response to City Council regarding the changes made to the ballot initiative. viii. August 2023: Received update and discussed status of the Sustainable Funding Initiative - *Initiative was referred to the ballot on July 25th. ix. December 2023: Received update and discussed status of the Sustainable Funding Initiative - *Approved by voters on November 7th. c. Work with staff to support their community relations and marketing efforts. i. February 2023: Two articles submitted for the Recreator ii. August 2023: Update from staff on the marketing push for the downtown horticulture program. iii. September 2023: Completed Recreator article discussing engagement opportunities with the Urban Forest Strategic Plan and upcoming Strategic Trails Plan. d. Encourage and review efforts to improve access to, and participation in, City programs and facilities for historically under-served populations. i. February 2023: Update from staff on changes to the date/time for Recreation activity registration. ii. March 2023: Board member report on the PSD State of Our Youth, focusing on identifying critical spaces of awareness and spaces of belonging for under -served youth. iii. June 2023: Discussed the new Recreation software and requested information on DEI indicators for potential disproportionate impacts in the community. iv. July 2023: Discussed updates on any information regarding disproportionate impacts on the community related to the new Recreation software program. e. Encourage continued dialogue, support, and awareness of public safety and security concerns in recreation facilities. i. January 2023: Update from staff on approved funding for renovations at Northside Aztlan Community Center. ii. March 2023: Update from staff on reported car break-ins at Rolland Moore. iii. June 2023: Update from staff on challenges with the childcare center project at the Northside Aztlan Community Center – project will increase safety at the Northside center by creating a secure entry and outdoor play space. iv. July 2023: Update from staff on the progress of construction for the childcare and safety renovations. v. July 2023: Update from staff on current discussions with Operation Services for potential ADA and safety projects. vi. September 2023: Update from staff on the scheduled completion of the Northside Aztlan Community Center childcare and security project. vii. September 2023: Update from staff on various projects at EPIC related to chemical and safety storage, ADA access, diving boards, and pool deck drainage. f. Support Infrastructure Replacement for Recreation assets i. Various monthly discussions of the Sustainable Funding Initiative’s inclusion of asset management and replacement plans. ii. May 2023: Update from staff on EPIC project to update men’s locker rooms and work on the pool deck. iii. December 2023: Received update from staff on exploration of potential opportunities for Mulberry Pool infrastructure. g. Provide feedback and support on upcoming projects in Recreation like the Southeast Community Center, Software for the registration process, and the CAPRA re-accreditation. i. January 2023: Update from staff on the timeline for the Recreation software RFP (Request for Proposals). ii. January 2023: Update from staff on the current CAPRA re-accreditation ongoing process. iii. March 2023: Update from staff on the status of the Recreation software RFP. iv. April 2023: Update from staff on the status of the Recreation software RFP. v. June 2023: Report from staff on the status of interviews for the Recreation software. vi. June 2023: Update from staff on the status of the new Southeast pool/community center. vii. July 2023: Update from staff on the status of the Southeast pool/community center and any potential partnerships. viii. September 2023: Update from staff on the new Recreation software contract and creation of an implementation schedule. ix. October 2023: Update from staff on the new Southeast Community Center partnership and potential grant opportunity. x. December 2023: Update from staff on the status of the Southeast Community Center (land, IGA, and RFP work) 3. Trails a. Continue to partner with Parks and Natural Areas to develop, fund and maintain an interconnected, safe trail system within Natural Areas and Parks. i. January 2023: Update from staff on the status of various trail projects. ii. February 202: Update from staff on the status of various trail projects and related grant funding. iii. March 2023: Update from staff on the status of various trail projects. iv. April 2023: Viewed presentation from staff on the upcoming Strategic Trails Plan and introduction of new Sr. Trails Planner for Park Planning & Development. v. May 2023: Update from staff on the status of various trail projects. vi. June 2023: Update from staff on the status of various trail projects. vii. July 2023: Update from staff on the Northeast trails progress plan and map. viii. August 2023: Update from staff on the status of various trail projects. ix. September 2023: Update from staff on the upcoming construction for various trail projects. x. December 2023: Viewed presentation from staff on the upcoming Strategic Trails Plan and status of 4 main projects in the trails system. b. Continue to collaborate with FC Moves for an integrated, regional and local transportation network of parks, trails, bike facilities, pedestrian walkways and accessible recreational facilities. i. January 2023: Update from board member on the approval of the Active Modes Policy Plan. ii. February 2023: Update from board member on the Vision Zero program and upcoming bike and pedestrian trail work near CSU and the Gardens at Spring Creek. iii. April 2023: Update from board member on the Think Bikes Workshop for safe route to school bike lane. iv. May 2023: Update from board member on upcoming trail project near CSU. v. June 2023: Update from board member on two upcoming projects to be completed (Mulberry/City Park Avenue intersection and Laurel Street, East of College). vi. October 2023: Update from staff on the status of a newly formed Active Modes Board with a goal to support recreational facilities and infrastructure for active modes. vii. December 2023: Update from board member on the status of a newly formed Active Modes Board c. Support the Comprehensive Trails Master Plan. i. April 2023: Update from staff on the Strategic Trails Plan timeline, community engagement efforts, accessibility, safety, and funding. ii. July 2023: Update from staff on relevant trails projects to be included in the Strategic Trails Plan. iii. September 2023: Completed Recreator article discussing engagement opportunities for the upcoming Strategic Trails Plan. iv. October 2023: Update from staff on the RFP for the Strategic Trails Plan. v. December 2023: Viewed presentation from staff on the upcoming Strategic Trails Plan. 4. Communication/Collaboration a. Deepen the understanding and collaboration with the indigenous populations of the region. i. January 2023: Viewed presentation on the Hughes Stadium site and discussed the importance of fully engaging and advocating for the Indigenous People in their interest of the space. b. Work with staff to promote awareness and stewardship of the City’s Parks, Trails, and Recreation facilities as part of a holistic public space network. i. April 2023: Board member planned a volunteer work day at Crescent Park to take place on May 13th. ii. April 2023: Board member update on PSD Global Academy field trip to EPIC to learn about the Pool and Ice facilities in Fort Collins. iii. August 2023: Board member presented the Junior Park Ranger Program as a way to promote stewardship and ownership of the Parks system. iv. September 2023: Update from board member on the status of the Junior Park Ranger Program. v. October 2023: Approved the 2024 Parks and Recreation Board Work Plan that will continue to focus on areas that promote the City’s Parks, Trails, and Recreation Facilities. vi. October 2023: Discussed the plan for implementing Parks and Recreation Walk and Talk events with City Council members. vii. October 2023: Update from board member on the status of the Junior Park Ranger Program. c. Implement ways to regularly share the story of Parks and Recreation in the community. i. February 2023: Two articles completed for the Recreator. ii. August 2023: Board member presented the Junior Park Ranger Program as a way to promote the story of the Parks system with PSD students. iii. September 2023: Completed Recreator article discussing the Urban Forest Strategic Plan and upcoming Strategic Trails Plan. iv. September 2023: Update from board member on the status of the Junior Park Ranger Program. v. October 2023: Discussed the plan for implementing Parks and Recreation Walk and Talk events with City Council members to bring awareness to the City Parks and Recreation systems. vi. October 2023: Update from board member on the status of the Junior Park Ranger Program. d. Focus on improving communication with other Boards to achieve common goals. i. May 2023: Board members attended super meeting. ii. May 2023: Updates from staff on changes occurring due to the “Reimagining of Boards and Commissions” including the possible dissolving of the Golf Board to become a part of the Parks and Recreation Board. iii. August 2023: Update from staff on the merging of the Golf Board with the Parks and Recreation Board. iv. October 2023: Board member sat in on the Bicycle Advisory Committees drafting of an Active Modes Board Work Plan. e. Support collaboration between various departments to better align their master plans such as Parks, Recreation, Trails, Active Modes, and Transportation. i. February 2023: Viewed presentation from staff on Urban Forest Strategic Plan. ii. April 2023: Update from staff on the upcoming Strategic Trails Plan. iii. December 2023: Viewed presentation from staff on the status of the upcoming Strategic Trails Plan. f. Gather information relating to Parks, Recreation, and Trails to share with the board. i. February 2023: Board members attended the East Mulberry Annexation Super Issue meeting. ii. March 2023: Board member attended the PSD State of Our Youth event and discussed Parks as spaces of belonging and programming for youth. iii. August 2023: Board member presented the Junior Park Ranger program. iv. September 2023: Update from board member on the status of the Junior Park Ranger Program. v. October 2023: Update from board member on the Junior Park Ranger Program.