04-01-2021 Parks & Rec Commission Minutes

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MINUTES PARKS & REC COMMISSION APRIL 1, 2021 3 Chair Miller commented that the City Council does not want the Commission to wait and wants to continue to move forward on this project, while continuing to think big. Commissioner Chu commented that she would want to ensure that updates to the public continue to be provided throughout this process to keep residents engaged and informed. OLD BUSINESS: RECREATION COORDINATOR UPDATE The Community Services Manager reported that there were 34 applicants, and eight applicants were interviewed and further refined to four candidates. He commented that it was a tough decision as any of the four candidates would have been a great fit. He stated that the City offered the position to a candidate, who accepted the position and will begin on April 19th. He hoped to introduce the new employee at the May Commission meeting. NEW BUSINESS: NEW BASKETBALL CLINIC The Community Services Manager stated that the City is offering a new basketball clinic this year in partnership with iBALL4LIFE. He commented that participation had to be limited to ten children because of COVID restrictions. He reported that eight children have already signed up for the clinic. He stated that staff is excited about this new programing opportunity for the community. REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONERS Chair Miller had nothing to report on Veterans Park. Commissioner Abruzzese commented that her family has been getting out more on the warmer days. She had nothing to report on Spooner Park. Commissioner Ray commented that the group already discussed Pioneer Park. He commented that during the joint meeting with the Council it became clear that Pioneer Park is basically an athletic field park and therefore may not be the best fit for a community center type building. Commissioner Chu commented that she has not recently visited her park. She stated that she has been visited parks in other communities and is proud of the trails that Little Canada has for its residents. Commissioner Schletty had nothing to report on Thunder Bay Park. He stated that during the next month he would like to walk to the park to review the results of the seeding that was done. The Community Services Manager commented that staff has been working with another agency to review and monitor the seeding that was completed and coordinate maintenance. Commissioner Hipp commented that she visited her park a few times since the snow has melted and was pleased to discover some additional trail areas. She commented that children are out and putting things together through nature play. She stated that she has been picking up trash