HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-03-2007 Parks and Recreation Advisory Council Minutes PARK& RECREATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
Notes (No Quorum)
May 3, 2007
In attendance: Duane Taber, Edmon Daniels and Rebecca Francik. Staff: Stan Strebel,
Administrative and Community Services Director, and Paul Whitemarsh, Recreation Services
Manager.
There was not a quorum present.
STAFF REPORTS
Recreation
Paul reported recent activities in recreation; Easter egg hunts at the Martin Luther King Center,
Memorial Park and the softball complex.
The softball complex has been busy with a number of tournaments as well as youth baseball
tournaments. The Council briefly reviewed the economic impacts of these kinds of events.
The summer recreation brochure will be available on May 21. Paul reports that Phase II of the
Senior Center Study (plan preparation) should be starting shortly.
Facilities
In Dan's absence, Stan provided a written report on park maintenance activities. Notably, Dan
recently trained in-house staff members (4) to become Certified Pool Operators. As a Certified
Pool Operator trainer Dan is able to do this in-house, thereby saving the transportation and travel
expense for our staff.
It was also noted that Chiawana Park has been opened and staff is maintaining it under an
agreement with the Corps of Engineers until a lease can be finalized, hopefully later in June.
Update on Projects
Stan reported that recent problems at Richardson Pool caused staff to approach the City Council
last week to determine if they wanted to spend $7,000 repairing the deck. Council gave approval
so staff will make these repairs and try and keep the pool together for the upcoming season.
Stan also reviewed the different swimming pool options for each of the pools as summarized in
the ORB report and also adding a new option for a 25 yard outdoor pool at Kurtzman. This
would be 15 feet longer and a couple feet wider than the existing pool but would accommodate
competitive events and about 3 times the lesson capacity.
Design is continuing for Phase 2 of the Sacagawea Heritage Trail. The plans are nearly at a 90%
completion state. Following submittal the City will await approval from the Corps of Engineers.
Stan noted that the Golf Course Committee recommendations went to Council at the last meeting
and it is expected that an amendment to the lease will be approved by Council at the upcoming
meeting. This will extend the lease by 5 years, allow I.R.I. greater flexibility in setting rates near
the average in the Tri-Cities for two comparable courses (Columbia Point and Canyon Lakes)
and will also allow I.R.I. to move forward with the pavilion concept. The City will realize
greater revenues from this lease amendment.