HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks And Recreation Board - Minutes - 01/24/1984CITY OF FORT COLLINS
PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD
MINUTES: Regular Meeting - January 24, 1984
The meeting was called to order at 6:33 p.m. by President Chuck Solano. Board
member Cathy Mulcahy called and could not attend.
President Solano introduced Bill Loy, who has been appointed to the Board, re-
placing Dave Adamson. His term expires July 1, 1984.
Agenda Review - No change to the printed Agenda.
Citizen Participation - No citizen participation.
Minutes - The minutes of the Special Meeting of December 13, 1983, were approved
unanimously, as submitted, after some discussion regarding the wording
in the "Larimer Community Services Center Proposal" item. There was
some concern that the interpretation of " . . non -park, recreation,
or leisure oriented services ." could be confusing.
Capital Projects/RECAP Recommendations
Board members received written materials in their agenda packets. H. R. Phillips
explained the status of parks and recreation unfunded capital projects requests
In relation to Project RECAP recommendations. The new indoor pool/ice arena
project has a large group of citizens supporting it. The existing indoor pool
is being repaired, and Council policy is to keep it operating as long as possible.
Council wants to build another pool in the future. The latest problem at the
Community Indoor Pool is the heating boiler, which is being replaced; plus we
discovered two pin holes in the aluminum shell when we painted. Problems will
continue.
Project RECAP will hold a Public Hearing on January 26 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council
Chambers. Board members and staff felt that somebody needs to bring Council's
attention to the need for a recreation center on the southside of town. There
are still NO recreation indoor facilities south of Mulberry. H. R. stated that
Council may consider a sales tax (not on food items) ballot issue on a funding
source for necessary and desirable unfunded capital projects; and the swimming
pool/ice arena proponents are suggesting a separate one-fourth (1/4) cent sales
tax for five years to fund a new pool/ice arena.
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Parks and Recreation Board--2
Major Park Concept
H. R. Phillips introduced Jay Harkins, Principal of Harkins, Call and Associates,
P.C., of Denver. H. R. talked about potential future concepts for a major park,
designed as a revenue producer. This park could incorporate many types of
activities, including water -oriented facilities. This is a long-range, futuristic
type approach, but we have to start some where.
Jay Harkins made a few brief remarks about community pooling of special interest
user, rather than neighborhood placement of separate facilities. Jay then showed
slides on a major park concept. After the presentation, Jay and H. R. talked
about Water World in North Denver, and how much money/profit they made. Jay,
however, stressed that in the United States today there is only ONE successful
private developer on public lands in the water parks. Also, if there is a
failure in the private business, the public is stuck with the business. 100
percent bonding is a must.
H. R. also reported on the progress of another separate proposal from a private
interest in developing a 25-yard indoor pool, covered Wave Tech pool, water
slides and family fun center facility at Edora Park. This group is expected
to soon present a formal proposal to City Council.
Staff is thoroughly investigating the various possibilities/options. including
a total public -owned facility, such as a start on our major park concept, where
the City runs it and makes all the revenues. We are looking into the possibility
of doing market research for such a public facility. For example, Water World
operates only 83 days, had 260,000 actual users, and made a net profit of $980,000
in 1983. Could we do something similar in Fort Collins?
Board members were very interested in the major park concept, and like City Council,
encouraged staff to continue to pursue potential options/alternatives.
Concerns at Lee Martinez Park
As requested by Fran Bujack, there was discussion on concerns raised by Mrs. Moore
at the Lee Martinez Farm Public Meeting on October 25, 1983. Basic concerns
included limited/lack of restrooms along the trails and too many loose dogs in
the park. H. R. is concerned about the potential vandalism problem if we put
portable restrooms on the trails, but perhaps we could experiment with a few
at various trailhead locations. Dogs are not the responsibility of Parks.
People need to contact the Humane Society/Animal Control office or enforcement.
Parks and Recreation Board--3
However, when we improve the farm, and we have animals on site, we will have to
get more done in this area.
Other Business
.H. R. updated the Board on the development status of Moore Park. We still have
a significant irrigation problem, and we are legally dealing with the contractor
to solve the problems they created. At this time, it looks like we will formally
dedicate and open the entire park around June 1. The Racquet Center will open
sooner, but softball games will not begin until at least June in order to give
the grass time to mature. Our management plan for the Racquet Center is nearly
complete.
-Jerry P. Brown referred to the official Board recommendation to Council on the
Larimer Community Services Center to be located in Riverside Park. He said
he understood that the plans call for breaking ground in May, and occupation
of the site as early as August. Staff will continue to monitor the project to
ensure compliance with our considerations.
-Jerry reviewed the correspondence, including our memorandum to Mike Powers with
unanimous rejection of his proposal for a child care center in Lee Martinez
Park.
-The 1984 Schedule of Board meeting dates and the record of Board members'
attendance during 1983 was reviewed. Chuck Solano attended all 11 meetings,
and generally speaking, Board attendance was excellent last year.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:03 p.m.
MEETING ATTENDANCE
Members
Chuck Solano
Jan Sheppard
Mary Elson
Bob Aukerman
Fran Bujack
Mike ImMasche
Bill Loy
Ann Schroeder
Respectfully submitted,
Jan Sheppard
Board Secretary
Staff
H. R. Phillips
Jerry P. Brown
Richard Barrowman, Intern
Guests
Jay Hawkins
Stu Forney