HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008 - Parks And Recreation Board - Annual ReportPARKS AND RECREATION BOARD
2008 ANNUAL REPORT
The City of Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Advisory Board held 10 Regular Meetings in
2008. Board Members were Mary Carlson, Michael Chalona, Ann Hunt, Mark Lueker, Jessica
MacMillan, Greg Miller, Fred Bitting, Shirley Christian and William Pickering. Annually in
February the Board elects its officers, and Michael Chalona was elected as Board President,
along with Jessica MacMillan elected as Board Vice President. Kelly Ohlson served as City
Council Liaison to the Board in 2008. Craig Foreman, Park Planning & Development Manager,
and J.R. Schnelzer, Director of Parks, served as Staff Liaison to the Board, with Carol Rankin,
Administrative Support Supervisor, providing staff support to the Board.
2008 Budget
The Board was updated on budget issues affecting parks and recreation throughout 2008.
Parks and Recreation Policy Plan
The Board was active throughout the year in the development of the Policy Plan. Board
members attended public open houses and provided input to staff and the consultant working on
the plan. The Board recommended Council's approval of the Plan.
Northern Integrated Water Supply Project (NISP)
The Board reviewed the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the NISP project and
forwarded to Council their recommendations on the project.
The Gardens on Spring Creek
The Board received updates on the new programs and successes of increasing attendance and
revenue at The Gardens.
Disc Golf
The state of disc golf in the community was discussed with the Board. Staff and the disc golf
community are working on improvements at Edora Park to eliminate safety issues and over
crowding along with the potential for improvements on existing courses and new courses.
Water Craft Course
The Board was informed of the options and process for improvements to the water craft course
on the Poudre River at the Old Power Plant.
Mountain Vista Sub Area Plan
Staff presented information about the update to the Mountain Vista Sub -Area Plan and options to
acquire land for the Northeast Community Park.
Recreation Department Accomplishments
The Board was informed of the RecTrac upgrade project, HVAC upgrades at Mulberry Pool and
the LEED Gold certification of the new Northside Aztlan Community Center.
Neighborhood and Community Parks
• Provincetown
Board members attended the public open house held to inform the neighborhood about
the park design. Staff presented the park design to the Board for discussion and
consideration.
• Old Fort Collins Heritage Park
The Board supported the improvements to the playground, skate park and the new
handball courts at the park.
• City Park South Ballfield
The Board was advised of the partnership between Colorado State University and the City
to convert the south ballfield into a field suitable for adult baseball. Major work included
the expansion of the outfield, new lighting, dugout expansion and new irrigation system
with turf infield. The field is also available for use by The Foxes and Fort Collins
Baseball programs.
Trails
• Poudre Trail
Adjustments to the Poudre Trail on Kingfisher Point Natural Area were brought to the
Board for their input. The Board toured the site and had extensive discussion on the
relocation of the trail.
The Board was informed about the schedule and progress of extending the Poudre Trail to
Timnath.
The Board was also advised about the continued effort to remove the remaining sections
old asphalt trail and replacing it with concrete.
• Fossil Creek Trail
Staff presented the plans for the trail to connect with Spring Canyon Community Park
and plans for the trail south of Trilby Road to Carpenter Road.
• Power Trail
The alignment and schedule for the Power Trail south of Harmony Road to Trilby Road
was reviewed by the Board. The Board was supportive of Staff s successful effort to
obtain a Colorado State Trails grant of $350,000 for the trail.