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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017 - Parks And Recreation Board - Annual Report2017 P&R Board Annual Report Page 1 of 2 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD 2017 ANNUAL REPORT The City of Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Advisory Board held 10 regular meetings in 2017 at various park and recreational facilities throughout the City. The 2017 Board Members were Ragan Adams, Rob Cagen, Mary Carlson, Bruce Henderson, Kenneth Layton, Jessica MacMillan, Scott Sinn, Kelly Smith and Dawn Theis. The Board elects its officers annually in February, and Scott Sinn was elected as Board Chair with Jessica MacMillan as Board Vice-Chair. Kelly Smith was elected as Secretary. Ken Summers served as City Council Liaison to the Board. Kurt Friesen, Park Planning & Development Director; Mike Calhoon Director of Parks; and Bob Adams, Recreation Director, served as Staff Liaisons to the Board, with Coleen Elliott, CSR II Technical Specialist, providing staff support. The Board achieved the majority of its 2017 work plan. Budget • Board reviewed and supported Park Planning & Development’s plan for a new method of project accounting for Neighborhood Park Development, starting with two projects: Sidehill Park planning and the Streets Facility Park. The Park Planning & Development proposal was approved by the Board • Board received updates on the Capital Expansion Fees/ Park Impact Fee study findings and recommendations for City Council. Additionally, a member of the board is participating in a working group City Council asked to be formed to work on Capital Expansion Fees. Communications • Board members wrote quarterly articles in the Recreator to promote awareness and stewardship of the City’s parks, trails and recreation facilities. • Board members participated in Rec on Record interviews, a project which seeks to provide the community with more insight into the goings-on of the Recreation Department and provide an additional option for providing input. • A Board member representative attended the BAC monthly meetings (11 per year) to provide communication and promote understanding between the Bicycle Advisory Committee and Parks & Recreation board regarding each groups respective priorities and perspectives. Parks • Board was presented with a proposal to install Buddy Benches & Little Libraries at 6 pilot locations in Parks or at Recreation facilities in the summer of 2017 by a partnership of The Children's Speech & Reading Center, four Fort Collins Rotary Clubs and the United Way. The Board provided support to encourage staff to proceed with the Buddy Bench & Little Library pilot project. • Board reviewed and supported Forestry's Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan to prepare for the Emerald Ash Borer which will have a significant impact on the Fort Collins Community. The City of Fort Collins Forestry staff is developing a relationship with Boulder staff to educate in preparation and aid Boulder in plans and preparations. 2017 P&R Board Annual Report Page 2 of 2 • Board supported the final draft of the Parks Department Urban Forest Storm Damage rating policy they developed to better organize how to classify storm damage and the city services provided in response to each storm classification. • Board was updated on the construction progress of Twin Silo Community Park and members attended the soft opening. • Board was updated on funding the Poudre River Whitewater Park and reviewed project design phases. Trails • Board received updates on the tunneling and coordination with land owners to connect the Fossil Creek Trail. • Board supported development partnerships to provide options for 4-5 additional trails. These partnerships increase the width of sidewalk to create a trail and share the cost of the trail with the developer and the City of Fort Collins. Recreation • Board provided input and approval of the proposed changes to Recreation's Reduced Fee Program which makes programs available to permanent residents who have a demonstrated financial need. • Board received a presentation by Aaron Harris about the City of Fort Collins Recreation Science, Technology Engineering & Math (STEM) programming offerings for youth. STEM programs provide the opportunity for kids to discover concepts of robotics technology, physics, engineering while being involved in play. • Board reviewed and supported Safety Security & Risk Management’s Security Plan at Northside Aztlan Community Center & the Senior Center. • Board provided input and approval of the proposed changes to Recreation's Refund Policy and Procedures to create consistency for the citizens as well as the front desk operations. Other Projects/Programs • Staff presented a demonstration of the volunteer program “Engage”. This software program allows for communication between City Departments and volunteers regarding various opportunities in our community.