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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks And Recreation Board - Minutes - 05/25/2011Parks & Recreation Board Meeting –May 25, 2011 Page 1 of 19 BE A GOOD STEWARD: Protect & Respect your Parks, Trails & Recreation Facilities Call Meeting to Order: Michael Chalona called the meeting to order 5:34pm Agenda Review & Items of Note: Agenda Review: None Items of Note: Rob Cagen - Rugby representative sent a proposal to me, which I will forward to Carol for the Board to review. They are here tonight to speak during citizen participation about their proposal. Citizen Participation Mitch Bower, coaches high school Rugby. Mitch - Fort Collins Youth Rugby, Fort Collins Men’s Rugby and the Mathews Hammerdorfer Foundation has a proposal (attached) asking the City to establish a permanent facility for Rugby. Greg Chvatal has coached Rugby for 20 years and has played Rugby for 25 years and has helped to develop many rugby players who have gone on to play in college and win championships. Rugby is a growing sport and we would like to work with the City to identify a space that could accommodate at least two pitches. Discussion: Staff – Currently, we do not have the ability to offer exclusive use. Mitch – We understand, but would like first use. Board – The Soccer Club has their own facility with quite a bit of unused land; have your spoken to them about the possibility of using a part of their facility? Mitch – No, we’re in the early stages of our proposal and wanted to visit the idea with the City first. Board – Have you talked with Poudre Schools to see if they would help you? Mitch – Schools do not want us since we’re a club sport. Board – Do you have a league? Greg – Yes, there are 22 high school teams and two divisions. Board – Are you associated with CHASA? Greg – No, but we’ve been trying to get the girls teams into CHASA so they have better opportunities. Board – Where were you playing before Timnath? Greg – At Greenbriar Park in Fort Collins. Board – Will Centera continue to let you play at their facility? Greg – We’re hoping to be at Greenbriar this fall. Board – You want to have a place, but have the City own and maintain it? Mitch – I think we could have a working relationship with volunteers to help with maintenance. We should be able to raise money to build. Board – What’s a facility? Is it like a football field? Mitch – Kind of like a football field, but wider. PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Minutes of Regular Meeting Wednesday, May 25, 2011 5:30 p.m. Council Liaison: Kelly Ohlson Staff Liaison: J.R. Schnelzer, 221-6301 Craig Foreman, 221-6618 President: Michael Chalona Phone: 970-490-2335 (home) / 970-472-8954 x1 (work) Parks & Recreation Board Meeting –May 25, 2011 Page 2 of 19 Board – So it’s like a level field with goal posts? Is this what you want as a facility? Mitch – For future use, we would need exclusive use with three pitches; one for the league and two for the town. Board – Where does CSU play? Mitch – At the CSU recreation center. Board – Are there opportunities with CSU? Mitch – No, they are concerned with liability of high school teams using their fields. It’s important to us to have our own fields for team territory to give the teams a since of ownership. Board – Where do the Denver teams play? Mitch – Mostly in parks, some at high schools. Board – Is there any room left at Spring Canyon to support Rugby? Staff – Not for a rugby complex as proposed, and the turf areas need to be left multi-purpose. We monitor the field usage and move the various sports around so that the turf doesn’t get overused. Approval of Minutes: Rob Cagen made the Motion to approve the Parks & Recreation Board minutes of April 27, 2011, seconded by Brian Carroll – Minutes approved 8:0 AGENDA ITEMS: Tour of the Farm at Lee Martinez Bridget Brownell gave the Board a tour of The Farm. The Farm tries hard to represent how a farm operates. They have 3 full-time employees who run the farm, caring for ponies, goats, pigs, chickens, horses and cows. They have a museum that offers an historical look at farming equipment and a facility available to rent out for birthday parties. Throughout the year they offer pony rides, hay rides, and place for kids of all ages to come and explore. Electric Bike Discussion & Recommendation Craig Foreman presented information on the issue of allowing electronic bicycles (e-bikes) on the paved recreation trails (attached PowerPoint). This issue should not be confused with the ADA regulation allowing mobility devices on the trails. The Department of Transportation has defined e-bikes as bicycles not motorized vehicles. Restricted to no more than 1 hp, 20 mph for a 170 lb rider on flat ground. The State of Colorado has adopted these federally mandated classifications. Currently, the City of Fort Collins does not allow the use of the e-bikes on the trails Ordinance 097-2009 – The rider of an electrical assisted bicycle shall not use the electric motor on a bike or pedestrian path. The City is now in the process of data gathering on this issue. We are looking for information from other communities, public input, test rides for staff and Boards & Commissions and recommendations from Boards & Commissions. Locally; Aspen, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Denver, Greeley, Larimer County, Longmont, Loveland and Windsor do not allow e-bikes on trails; due to existing code language preventing any motorized vehicles in parks and trails; same as the current code in Fort Collins. Communities allowing e-bikes are Fayetteville AK, Foothills P&R, Lincoln NE and Norman OK, but there was very little data to collect from these communities. Most of the communities didn’t have any data on enforcement or information on how the e- bikes are working on their trails, other than no complaints filed. After conducting a public outreach on this issue, of the 171 people that responded 86 were yes, 85 for no. General concerns were speed, safety and compatibility. General support was encouraging alternative transportation and accessibility/fairness among users. The staff has heard that with the heavily used trails, there may be an increased risk for accidents due to speed and enforcement would be difficult. There are also concerns that the noise produced by e-bikes would degrade the quality of trails as a place of respite. However, they could encourage more people to enjoy the trails. Parks & Recreation Board Meeting –May 25, 2011 Page 3 of 19 Discussion Board – I see us as being on the front-line of this issue, and although I understand the concerns, I think that just because of the possibilities of what could happen saying no without any real knowledge is not appropriate. Board – What about a test period? Board – I would feel better about this issue if it was not being proposed by a person who would profit by selling the bikes. I feel that saying no is a way of saying we are keeping out trails safe. Board – We can’t make constraints that only senior citizens would be using e-bikes, if they were in need of assistance they could always fall into the ADA category. You have to assume that e-bikes may be used by anyone from 13 years old to 80 years old. Board – I think the trails are overused now; I’m concerned that this could open the door for other electrical vehicles. Board – I would like to see a test period. After test riding the bike, I can understand how it could help; but I still think safety is an issue. Board – If there were a way to license these bikes, so the City would know who the owner was, I would consider giving them a chance. Board – Anyone can sell an e-bike, I could see a place like Jax selling them for $400.00 so I don’t think we can say that there would be limited number of e-bikes on the trail because of their expense. Board – Regular bikes can go fast too. What’s the difference between the bikes, if a regular bike hits you it’s going to hurt. I think we need to be talking about bike safety overall. Perhaps all people should be encouraged to use proper speed and audible warnings. Board – I think we become so fearful of litigation that we make decisions on what might happen. Why not allow them? There are always safety concerns, but most of the trail system is good. There are portions on the Spring Creek Trail that would be of a bigger concern, but I hate to say absolutely not. Again, perhaps a test. Board – Things could be done to lesson the safety concerns, I would like to see us try with a trial period of 1 year with an evaluation done at the end of that period, and include an education program for trail users. Board – I agree, I would like to make a decision with data. Board – I don’t want to see scooters on the trails. Board – I would want to see a sunset on the trial period to reevaluate and licensing is a good idea. Board – Licensing sounds appropriate, but there’s an expense to the City, so I’m not sure it would be good to have e-bikes licensed. I think they could also be on the streets. Board – For the other communities that didn’t allow, did they offer any reasons? Staff – No, they just referred to their code. Board – Staff should work out the details, but I don’t think 1 year is enough time to gather good data. Perhaps 3 years with annual evaluations; whatever it takes to get good data. Motion A motion was made by Bruce Henderson: Approve e-bikes on trails on a three year trial basis with annual reviews for both the use of e-bikes on trails with mandatory education as part of the e-bike license. Motion seconded by Danna Ortiz Amendments Proposed and approved by Bruce Henderson: Amend – limiting trials to certain portions of the trail. Amend – required license of e-bike operator. Discussion Board – What kind of data is there on regular bike accidents on the trails? Staff – Only three accidents were reported. Board – What about doing a speed analysis with recorders. Staff – We did this about 10 years ago, it’s hard to capture, but perhaps an intern could do this. Board – Do we have a consensus of the Board? Parks & Recreation Board Meeting –May 25, 2011 Page 4 of 19 Board – I’m against for a variety of reasons, but as a runner I am always fending off speeding bikes. But, I like the concept of getting data. I think it will be hard to gather, but I would vote in agreement with the amendments of just certain portions of trail. Board - I’m in the middle, I think if someone has mobility issues then ADA would cover. I would like an amendment that if the trial doesn’t work out, that access on trails would be denied with a warning to the consumer that this could sunset. Board – Licensing is staff time which could be hard to manage. Education could be hard for staff also. Board – Bike group will get some information out. Board – Is there a definition of an e-bike? Staff – We have to create, but there will be a weight and speed limit per Federal, and the frame of the bike will not be allowed to be wider than say six inches which will keep scooters from being allowed. Board – Education is good, but we can’t just limit it to e-bike rides. Board – Do we just want to say we want a trial period and leave the rest out? Board – Yes, let’s read a final motion. Final Motion Final Motion made by Greg Miller: The Parks & Recreation Board approves the use of e-bikes on trails on a three year trial basis with annual reviews, with the use of e-bikes on limited portions of the trails to be defined by staff with analysis. Seconded by Rob Cagen. Vote: All in Favor 8:0 P&R Board Review Questionnaire for Final Approval After review of the draft, the Board made some wording changes to number one, and eliminated a redundant comment on number seven. Carol will make adjustments and send the final draft out to Michael Chalona and Rob Cagen for their final okay before submitting the document to the City Clerk’s office by June 17. Staff Updates Park Updates  Five of the six community parks, Spring Canyon, Rolland Moore, City Park, Fossil Creek and Edora are all Audubon sanctioned. Lee Martinez will be Audubon sanctioned within a few months, which will make Fort Collins the first community in the United States to have all of its community parks Audubon sanctioned. Recreation Updates  There were 240 applications submitted for the Recreation Director position. Staff is hoping to have initial interviews set for June 21. Park Planning Updates  The construction on the new trail underpass at 38E has slowed with weather, but 38E is now open again for 2-way traffic.  We tentatively have a GoCo grant for the disc golf course at Hughes Stadium. Parks & Recreation Board Meeting –May 25, 2011 Page 5 of 19 Board Communications Sub-Committee Update Board Member, Dawn Theis, has been working on a spreadsheet to help develop a plan. She has broken out the spreadsheet to look at types of media for Parks, Recreation and what is missed. She is also looking at target audience, who and what is the desired result. Some potential topics would be the Audubon information, how will we make people aware. Discussion Board – I feel that stewardship falls into communication. Board – I feel that the whole board should participate in these communications. With only 2-3 board members discussing topics the other members may not hear all the information. I don’t think there needs to be a subcommittee, but someone keeping track of the topics. Board – There are Natural Areas communications to public, but people don’t know about Parks. Board – Who gathers the data that the Naturalists give out? Board – Staff gives the data to the Naturalists. Board – Would it be more time efficient if people gave ideas, but one person put the ideas into a coherent form, such as Dawn’s spreadsheet? Board – I see us participating in community events handing out information about trails or parks and the Recreator. Board – Could we write a publication in the paper like a Soapbox or be on a radio show? Board – We would have to get permission from Parks to represent parks at events. Staff – As citizens you are allowed to write into the paper, but the Board is an advisory board only. Board – I think the subcommittee provides the road map and work plan to bring up to the Board. After the Board discusses the issue, then it goes back to the subcommittee for detail work. The subcommittee could then come up with recommendations to bring to staff. Staff – Carol will ask Ingrid Decker, Senior Assistant Attorney, what the Board can write about in the paper. Bicycle Advisory Board Liaison Update  On June 18 the Bike Expo will be at the Ranch. They will be offering free clinics on safety & education.  Bike to work day is June 22.  They are working on a safety/education plan for 2011.  They are looking for a park site to build a bike safety town where kids can learn safe bike habits in a safe environment.  They are also working on College age bike education outreach.  An education campaign for recreation trail users has been funded.  Their work plan beyond 2011 is not funded but the programs are all focused on safety.  There will be a new banner campaign “Share the Road” in June. Other Board Work Plan Items NISP Board - It would appear that NISP has momentum and will be happening. With the increased runoff this spring, they are pushing forward to use this to their advantage. Parks & Recreation Board Meeting –May 25, 2011 Page 6 of 19 Board Bullet Items  Five of the Community Parks have received Audubon Sanction. When Lee Martinez is certified, later this year, the City of Fort Collins will be the only community in the United States to have all of their community parks Audubon Certified.  The Parks & Recreation Board approves the use of e-bikes on trails on a three year trial basis with annual reviews, with the use of e-bikes on limited portions of the trails to be defined by staff with analysis.  Exploring ways to implement public relations outreach regarding parks and recreation stewardship. Adjournment: Rob Cagen made a Motion to adjourned meeting, Seconded by Bruce Henderson – meeting adjourned 8:55pm. Respectfully submitted, VtÜÉÄ etÇ~|Ç Carol Rankin Administrative Support Supervisor Parks Department Board Approved the minutes, of May 25, 2011 – 9:0 Board Attendance Board Members: Rob Cagen, Brian Carroll, Michael Chalona, Shirley Christian, Bruce Henderson, Greg Miller, Danna Ortiz, Dawn Theis Staff: JR Schnelzer, Craig Foreman, Carol Rankin, Bridget Brownell Guests: Christian Hammerdorfer, Mitch Bowers and Greg Chvatal – representing Rugby Parks & Recreation Board Meeting –May 25, 2011 Page 7 of 19 Parks and Recreation Board May 25, 2011 Park Planning and Development work items: Policy Plan: The draft of the Environmental/Sustainability Best Management Plan Manual has been completed and staff is reviewing. Budgeting for Outcomes: The 2013/14 BFO process will begin in the spring of 2012. Building on Basics (BOB) Park improvement funds – 2009 funds to Roselawn Cemetery for improvements. Park improvement funds will be available in 2015. NISP: Staff is anticipating the Supplemental EIS to be ready late in the year. Park items: 1. Waters Way Park: Construction has started on the park. 2. Tennis court plan for neighborhood courts is being reviewed by management. 3. Registry Neighborhood Park: Construction has started on the park. 4. Staley Neighborhood Park: Park is in the pilot program for The Sustainable Site Initiative program. Staff is now consolidating the best of the three layout options into one and will proceed into the next step of the detailed design effort. Trails: 1. Poudre Trail at Nix Farm: Staff will be developing the tree resting area design. Natural Resources have seeded the area with native grasses. We are sensitive to this costly effort and will plan our construction of the tree resting area for a later date to minimize disturbance to the new grass. 2. Power Trail: Keenland underpass of the UP in approval process and in the second step of the railroad approval process. 3. Fossil Creek Trail along Stanton Creek north of Carpenter Road planned for summer/fall 2011 construction. 4. Poudre Trail at Lemay: Mulberry Bridge to be replaced by CDOT. The design team has incorporated our trail bridge needs downstream of Lemay into the floodplain analysis. Latest from CDOT is they are planning for construction to start in the fall of 2013. The MPO has awarded $368,375 toward the construction of the $530,000 trail project. 5. Fossil Creek Trail and underpass at Highway 38E: Project is under construction. County Road #38E has reopened to one lane of traffic in each direction. GOCO grant. 6. Poudre Trail to Timnath: Scoping of the project in 2011. 7. Staff will start to work with CSU/Environmental Learning Center for an easement for the trail to extend to Drake Road. 8. County Road #11 and trail underpass on hold due to limited Street Oversizing funds. 9. Spring Creek Trail east of Centre Avenue to the railroad tracks. R.O.W. is working with CSU (CSURF) about the new trail easement process. We hope to acquire the easement in 2011. Miscellaneous: 1. Electric bicycle process to determine if they should be allowed on the trail system occurring in 2011. Staff is researching other community’s allowance of the bikes and a question on e-bikes has been posted on the City’s Face-Book. Council Work Session on e-bikes will be June 28th. 2. Veteran’s Plaza at SCCP. Info can be obtained at the web page of the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado, News and Events section, and into Veteran’s Plaza page. Construction has started on the project with completion set for Memorial Day in May. 3. Disc Golf: The design of the course holes has been completed. Staff will now start on the design for the new access road to our parking lot from County Road #42C. We are proposing using Conservation Trust funds for the development of the course and are hopeful the disc golf community can find grants and help with construction. The GOCO grant was submitted. 4. Water Craft Course – NISP impact unknown at this time and fund raising very slow. 5. Old Fort Collins Heritage Park stake park lights – Group of users are attempting to find funding to supply lights at the skate park. 6. Discovery/Museum Center – we are coordinating on this project. Parks & Recreation Board Meeting –May 25, 2011 Page 8 of 19 Parks & Recreation Board Meeting –May 25, 2011 Page 9 of 19 Parks & Recreation Board Meeting –May 25, 2011 Page 10 of 19 Parks & Recreation Board Meeting –May 25, 2011 Page 11 of 19 Parks & Recreation Board Meeting –May 25, 2011 Page 12 of 19 Parks & Recreation Board Meeting –May 25, 2011 Page 13 of 19 Parks & Recreation Board Meeting –May 25, 2011 Page 14 of 19 May 24, 2011 Dear Fort Collins Parks and Recreation, Please find attached our proposal for the establishment of a permanent facility to support Fort Collins rugby teams and players. This request was precipitated by the death of a youth rugby player, Matthew Hammerdorfer, and the unfortunate decision by the city of Timnath to close the park where youth, boys, girls, and men’s rugby has been played over the past two years. Rugby in Fort Collins has established itself so firmly, has been played for so long, and has had such meaningful impacts on the lives of youth in our community that we believe it is past time for the city to accommodate the needs of this fast growing sport. Thus, three organizations – Fort Collins Youth Rugby, Fort Collins Men’s Rugby (NoCo Rug by), and The Matthew Hammerdorfer Foundation – have joined together to propose a range of solutions to the ‘homelessness’ problem of rugby programs in our town. Our proposal is intended as a starting point for conversation between the City of Fort Collins and the aforementioned organizations. While we feel strongly that our sport is as deserving of quality, safe facilities as other sports, we recognize and embrace the need for those of us directly involved in rugby to support city efforts through our labor and financial contributions. That is a discussion that we will enjoy having with city officials at your earliest convenience. We believe that an investment in rugby facilities will benefit Fort Collins in a variety of ways, including more productive youth, healthier citizens, economic benefits, and increased community recognition and stature. We elaborate upon these benefits in the attached proposal and welcome your comments and reactions. Sincerely, Greg Chvatal Director, Fort Collins Youth Rugby Tom Behr Chair, Matthew Hammerdorfer Foundation Terje Whitmore Parks & Recreation Board Meeting –May 25, 2011 Page 15 of 19 Director, Fort Collins Men’s Rugby Parks & Recreation Board Meeting –May 25, 2011 Page 16 of 19 PROPOSAL Permanent Rugby Facility in Fort Collins (May 10, 2011) Respectfully submitted by: Fort Collins Youth Rugby Fort Collins Men’s Rugby Matthew Hammerdorfer Foundation “Rugby has given me the tools, confidence and passion to believe in myself. It’s because of that belief I have become a successful businessman.” Terje S. Whitmore Parks & Recreation Board Meeting –May 25, 2011 Page 17 of 19 Executive Summary Rugby has been enjoyed by Fort Collins children, youth, and adults for over 30 years. Without significant support from taxpayers, schools, or other entities, ruggers in our community have enjoyed remarkable success, including National Championships by the high school club side two times and ten State Championships, at the club and intercollegiate levels. We have had players make the USA side and currently boast one player whogoes to Penn State, Sadie Anderson. Sadie has helped lead PSU to 2-Division One Championships and has been an MVP for them. We have also produced players who, after graduation, have continued being involved in rugby through coaching, including both coaches currently at Colorado State University, Blake Stevens and Jenna Middleton. Both of these outstanding individuals have improved CSU programs immensely. More important than sporting outcomes, however, is the fact that rugby has provided significant leadership and character development among youth that translates into meaningful contributions to our community and society. Fort Collins ruggers have excelled in life, at university, and achieved meaningful professional success, including accomplishments that range from Peace Corps service to executive leadership in leading companies. Despite the accomplishments and contributions of our sport, rugby teams in Fort Collins have experienced a nomadic existence for decades. After 30 years playing in Fort Collins, we remain the only major sport without a quality, permanent pitch for our players and teams. Over the years, ruggers have used space at City Park, Boltz Elementary, Lincoln Junior High, and most recently in a new park in the community of Timnath. This latter venue was recently closed following the death of Fort Collins Youth Rugby player, Matthew Hammerdorfer, during a rugby match in March of 2011. Matthew’s cardiologist, GP, and other medical caregivers confirm that his death was not specifically related to rugby, despite misreporting in the media. Nevertheless Timnath responded to the death of a child of Fort Collins by shutting down the field where he died. This dishonors both Matthew and all of those ruggers who consider him a brother. The loss of our rugby pitch in Timnath is an opportunity for Fort Collins to establish a permanent facility in our city. As our sport grows in popularity and success, it would be wrong for our teams to be forced to host matches and practice in neighboring communities. After all, when we play, we play for Fort Collins and the values that our city stands for: hard work, fairness, fun, compassion, and inclusiveness. Unlike most sports, Rugby unites rather than pits schools and children against each other. Parents of youth ruggers have great appreciation for the fact that their boys and girls are united with youth from all of our community’s High Schools – and even those of neighboring communities – in working together to achieve personal and team growth and success. Optimally, we would like to work with the City of Fort Collins Parks and Recreation staff and community board to identify a space that could accommodate two to three pitches and associated facilities such as bleachers, and rest-rooms. The need for two adjoining pitches is driven by the growth in the sport and our desire to host tournaments and major rugby events in Fort Collins. We recognize that today’s economic situation may not allow for full funding of all of our needs, but we would like to plan for the future rather than merely solving a problem of the past thirty years. We are also committed to working with the city on planning, building, and funding the facility. We believe we can raise significant matching funds to support any investment by the city. Indeed, the Matthew Hammerdorfer Foundation has already begun raising funds locally and is poised to launch a national campaign to find a permanent home for Fort Collins Rugby. Parks & Recreation Board Meeting –May 25, 2011 Page 18 of 19 In a city that provides publically supported facilities for golf, tennis, swimming, soccer, Frisbee, football, baseball, basketball, bicycling, skateboarding, archery, and a host of other sports, it is only right and fair that there be some investment in a rugby facility. When our teams travel around the state – to Denver, Boulder, Aspen, and Glendale we encounter a wide range of pitches (fields) that demonstrate to local players that their cities and citizens support their efforts and their passion. Fort Collins now has an opportunity to offer the same support for our children, youth, and adults. Request • Total space of approximately 290,000 square feet for placement of two rugby pitches, bleachers, and restrooms. o Development of bleachers and concession area may not occur for 1-3 years, depending on funding, but we’d like to plan for it. o Pitches require turf that is regularly fertilized and watered, and that have adequate drainage • Parking for 40-50 cars • Goalposts • Space for dressing rooms Cost Share Fort Collins Youth Rugby, Fort Collins Men’s Rugby, and the Matthew Hammerdorfer Foundation are actively raising funds to support this proposal. We are targeting the following sources for financial contributions: • Northern Colorado businesses, particularly those with senior leadership who have played rugby or whose children enjoy the sport. • State foundations that focus on support of youth, including the Bohemian Foundation which has already given generously to a Matthew Hammerdorfer Scholarship Fund. • Rugby clubs nationally and internationally that may donate based upon Matthew Hammerdorfer’s commitment to the game of rugby and the subsequent loss of a facility relating to his death. • Work with the CSU rugby teams to help develop and build these fields • Between the men’s, youth, and college sides we have enough support and resources to do all most much of this work We do not yet have a solid idea of the amounts that we will be able to raise but have a large group of committed parents, youth, and other professionals who are working together on our campaign. We look forward to working with the City of Fort Collins and the Community Foundation on a cost-share that is fair, reasonable, and feasible. Benefits Clearly, the primary beneficiaries of an official rugby facility in Fort Collins are the players themselves. We estimate the total number of players to be over 250, we have enjoyed double-digit growth in participation at all levels, leading to a reasonable expectation that the number of people playing the sport in the Fort could double over the next five years. But, beyond the benefits to our players, we see the following additional benefits: 1. Increase in youth self-esteem resulting in better performance in school and life. 2. Healthier children and youth. Many youth reject traditional high school sports, but play rugby because of the more cooperative nature of the game. 3. Attraction of tourists/consumers who come to tournaments hosted in the new facility. Parks & Recreation Board Meeting –May 25, 2011 Page 19 of 19 4. Benefits for Fort Collins image and brand if we achieve state and national recognition. 5. Having a local venue means less time with youth and families on longer road trips to play matches, resulting in less risk of accidents and lower fuel consumption. Timeline Ideally, Fort Collins will be able to identify and prepare a venue by the early part of 2012. Youth rugby begins practice in February and it would be nice to have a venue available. We realize, however, that there are budgetary and administrative concerns that the city must manage. Given how long we have been without official facilities, we place a higher priority on doing this right than on doing it fast. Conclusion Ruggers in Fort Collins have represented our community locally, nationally, and internationally. Many individuals have given their money and time to grow the sport in this community and to imbue it with a sense of honor and integrity. We believe that the rugby ethic is consistent with the values of our community. Thus, we appreciate the opportunity to work with the city and other supporters to achieve our dream of a permanent place to play the game we love. Thank you for your kind consideration.