11/04/2002 Park Board Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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diminished the quality of our aerobics/yoga classes, the Centennial Basketball Association (CBA) try-outs and practices were displaced. Had we known this in advance, city staff would have been more than happy to either find an alternate location or cancel the class for the previously scheduled basketball try-outs. Actual Implementation of New School District Policy Prior to the implementation of the new policy, the aerobics/yoga program was held at Rice Lake Elementary and CBA had use of a full size gym at the Centennial Middle School. Given the needs of the various programs, this is efficient utilization of gym space. However, after implementation of the new policy, the aerobics /yoga program has been moved to the Centennial Middle School Gym. Full size gyms are a precious resource and to eliminate the use by the Centennial Basketball Association due to an aerobics class doesn't make sense. Also, to schedule a yoga class in a high use (noisy) area doesn't provide a suitable environment. It doesn't appear that CSD staff is taking into consideration the needs of a particular class /group when assigning indoor space. Opportunities to Make More Efficient Use of Gym Space Moving the aerobics and yoga programs to the CMS Gym is just one example of the CSD not using available space efficiently. Another example that has been suggested in writing on at least two occasions is to relocate the martial arts program (currently held at Rice Lake Elementary Gym) to the Centennial Middle School Wrestling Room. This would provide a more functional atmosphere for the martial arts participants and also create an additional gym for youth basketball practice. For some reason, the CSD staff has not been receptive to this suggestion. Based on conversations with several affected participants, Centennial Basketball Board Members, and a City Council member, CSD staff is apparently placing the blame for this situation on the Parks and Recreation Department, not the CSD staff (where it belongs). Use of Gym Space Since my tenure overseeing the Parks and Recreation Department for the City of Lino Lakes, we have conscientiously not increased our use of gym space. As a matter of fact, we have reduced our use of gym space. For example, we no longer offer an adult volleyball program. We often consider proposals to provide additional programs for the residents but decide not to, to ensure that gym space remains available for youth basketball and other groups. We recognize the importance of providing adequate gym space for the youth basketball participants and other programs. Due to the turmoil regarding use of facility space, we plan to discontinue Cardio Kick Boxing to free up more gym space. On a somewhat related note, I resent the fact that CSD staff has indicated to the CBA Board that the reason available gym space has been reduced is due to the Parks and Recreation Department programs. The fact that the School District has relocated programs and has decided to allow new programs such as "Cheer America" at Rice Lake Elementary are the primary reasons less gym space is available for CBA. I have attached a matrix indicating the proposed Parks and Recreation Department facility use of Centennial School District facilities. This matrix indicates the utilization of indoor space when our demands for facilities are the highest. This means this matrix shows a "worst case scenario" as far as the use of cafeteria and gym space. The bold type indicates adult programs. Please note that the adult programs at the Middle School on Wednesdays and Fridays are the lowest demand times for youth basketball practices. Perhaps the only criticism for our gym use would be 4