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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks And Recreation Board - Minutes - 09/17/2008Call Meeting to Order: Mike Chalona called meeting to order 5:35pm Agenda Review & Items of Note: There will be a change of Pro at Collindale golf course, Jim Greer resigned. Citizen Participation: None Approval of Minutes: Mary Carlson, moved to approve — William Pickering, seconded — Approved: 8:0 Policy Plan The Policy Plan should be on the City website by the first week in October to be reviewed for comment by citizens. The Final Policy Plan will be to Council the week of October 7, which allows them 2 weeks for review and revisions before the Council Meeting on October 21 for adoption of the Plan. Parks & Recreation Board comments regarding the Plan • Mail -in survey seemed like a low response, but in actuality I I % return is a very good percent. Typically a 4%-6% response from mail -in surveys provides sufficient data to base a logical opinion on what is needed or working. • It is interesting to see the varying needs between what it shown in a focus group setting as opposed to a survey. • As a total document the Policy Plan is well done, concise and progressive. It really looks toward the future. • Be sure to add the Archery Range into the document. • In reading the Policy, it is pointing toward the need for a southside recreation center. Parks and Recreation are well aware of this need, but the funding is an issue. In 2012 when the capital tax is on the ballot, it would be a great time for the Board to get involved to encourage voters to recognize the need for a southside recreation multi -generational center. • The Policy also talks about creative funding mechanisms, there is a town in Texas that uses radio advertising which pays for all of their parks and recreation needs. Sponsorship or naming rights could also be an option. • Recreation sports change over the years. Various methods are used to keep up with the current trends; equipment sales, local clubs, high school sports, public contact, etc. Reading and listening is the best way to keep current, and at the same time recognize a "fad". • The Grasp System is a way of looking at every component within a Park and rating it; which, in turn, provides the data to keep up the level of service available at any new park being developed. • Restroom Facilities are closed in the winter because of freezing and budget issues. Currently, port -a - johns are provided at a few designated Parks during the winter months. P&R Board Meeting —September 17, 2008 Page 1 of 3 • Botanicals are coming back into our Parks and downtown core area and will continue as long as the budge allows. • There is a need for Disc Golf to have it's own facility. Partnering with CSU for space would be a great idea because their student body is a large participant. • We are fortunate to live in a community where the Parks system is so vibrant. • If this Policy Plan is adopted, Parks and Recreation will be looking good for the next 10 years. The Policy Plan Update has been a work in progress for two years, since 2006. Keep sending in any information or ideas regarding the Policy Plan. On October 21, it would be a good for the Board to come to the Council meeting as a show of support for the Policy Plan. Poudre Trail at Nix Farm Adiustments After the tour of the area on August 27, it is clearer as to what Natural Areas is doing with the trail. Natural Areas is restoring an area that has been somewhat abused. Moving the trail out and adding back trees and wild grasses along with a bench and access trails to the river in areas of desire, such as the historic bridge, will actually enhance the trail. The construction phase will start this fall, weather permitting, so that hopefully some winter planting will take place. The Parks & Recreation Board supports the adjustment of the Poudre Trail as recommended by staff. Project Updates The skate park at the Northside Aztlan Center is going to be spectacular. It's called the China Bank and is being re -designed on the fly by some well known skating engineers. They are being very creative, and the quality of work is first-rate. It is very artistic, and will be known state-wide as word gets out into the skating community. The process for development has not been normal, but it works and it could be how we develop future skate parks in Fort Collins. Other Business It would appear that Craig Foreman and the City of Fort Collins will be receiving an award for Spring Canyon Community Park at this years CPRA conference as he was requested by them to attend. With the Policy Plan coming to completion, in 2009, the Board's agenda will be changing. Some suggestions for topics of discussion are: BOB funding, land acquisitions, business plan for Recreation, updating parks maintenance plan, the 2010-11 budget. The City will be receiving a LEED award for the Northside Aztlan building, and Board members will be receiving an invitation to this event. We had our first large event at Northside Aztlan Center, via Beet Street. It was the PeaceCorp Reunion and it went very well. We don't want to do a lot of large events at the Center, but this was a successful event. Mulberry Pool has been closed for six weeks. The HVAC was revamped, the showers were updated, and the pool was resurfaced. We also had solar tubes installed, which should allow us to save energy during day time hours by keeping lights turned off. The computer system used by Recreation, RecTrack, is being upgraded. This will be a great benefit for the department because we'll be able to re -instate our 24 hr 7 days a week phone capabilities again. P&R Board Meeting —September 17, 2008 Page 2 of 3 Recreation applied for 2 3-year grants for our Adaptive Recreation Program along with CSU occupational therapy department. Our grant was up, so we re -applied and were turned down, however, CSU just received word that they are now going to allow our grant request. Renee Lee received Therapist of the Year and will be presented the award at the CPRA conference. Motion - Location Chance A Motion was made by Fred Bitting to have the regular meetings of the Parks & Recreation Board moved to 413 South Bryan Avenue with rotation to other parks and recreational facilities every other month. Jessica MacMillan seconded. Board approved 8:0 ******Next Meeting — Wednesday, October 22 — 413 S. Bryan Avenue****** Correspondence — None Adjournment — Board adjourned: 7:04 pm Respectfully submitt , 1 /J Carol Rankin l���'� Administrative Support Supervisor Parks Department Board Attendance Board Members: Fred Bitting, Mary Carlson, Michael Chalona, Shirley Christian, Ann Hunt, Jessica MacMillan, Greg Miller, William Pickering Staff. Craig Foreman, J.R. Schnelzer, Carol Rankin, Jean Helberg Guests: Roger, GreenPlay Two CSU Students came to meeting to observe a Board Meeting for a class. ecc'v� Awiov-e-J, �d�aa�o�1' 7;C� P&R Board Meeting —September 17, 2008 Page 3 of 3