02-02-2017 Parks & Rec Commission Minutes

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MINUTES PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION February 2, 2017 The City Administrator stated applications for the Parks and Recreation Director/Community Services Manager position close at 4:30pm on February 10. He explained staff would rate and review candidates based on a point system during the week of February 13th. He continued, the following week phone interviews would be conducted and interviews would take place the week of March 6th. The City Administrator welcomed the Commissions participation in the face to face interview process and noted the Council would be involved as well. He explained it would be conducted like an open meeting, where the Council will ask th questions with the Commission and staff observing in the audience. At the conclusion of the interviews, input from all parties would be considered by the Council in making a decision. The City Administrator reported the Commission had budgeted $115,000 for Spooner Park and an additional $115,000 for Pioneer Park to revitalize the playgrounds this year. He explained the Spooner Park Playground had been built in 1989 and the Pioneer Park playground in 1991. Both were also painted in 2007. The City Administrator stated the equipment was still functional at both parks, but the wood planks, and rubber coated handles should be replaced. He explained there were several options to consider including repairing, upgrading, and enhancing the new equipment; replacing the existing structures with new equipment to create a consistent theme; or upgrading one park to be a destination park. The City Administrator explained the Commission needed to discuss whether to have a Parks Consultant come in to help with this process or to work with playground companies to find the best option for the playgrounds. The City Administrator also wanted the Commission’s thoughts on how the money could be best utilized. He also indicated that if the Commission wanted this project to be completed in 2017, the planning process would need to begin soon. Horwath noted he would like to see Little Canada create a destination park, possibly at Pioneer Park. He thought the LCRA could also help support the project. Schletty agreed with Horwath, stating Pioneer Park is easily seen and accessible. Chu mentioned it would be important to gather community support for the project. Sullivan explained when Nadeau Park was rebuilt, community members came and spoke at a Commission meeting. Schletty wondered if making only one park standout would affect the participation at the other park. He suggested, if the Commission moved forward with the destination park idea, the other park should have some minor improvements as well. Sullivan noted both parks were very different and appealed to different groups of people. Chu agreed and explained Spooner Park is more tranquil, while Pioneer is busier. Horwath noted the playground could be moved to a different location of the park. REVIEW INTERVIEW PROCESS PLAYGROUND UPGRADE PLAN PROCESS