HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-05-2007 Parks and Recreation Advisory Council Minutes PARK& RECREATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
MINUTES
April 5, 2007
In attendance: Edmon Daniels, Cheryl Smyth, Stacy Estes and Rebecca Francik. Staff: Stan
Strebel, Administrative and Community Services Director, and Dan Dotta, Facilities Services
Manager.
STAFF REPORTS
Facilities
Dan gave an update on maintenance activities. It was noted that a new Groundsman was hired to
begin this week. It appears that Chiawana Park issues are on the way to resolution and staff
anticipates beginning maintenance of the park right away with public access beginning about
May 1.
Dan indicated a number of projects were completed recently with the Sharefest. Most notable
was the renovation of Highland Park football field; removing the sod, leveling, so that it can be
reseeded. Dan estimates about $11,000 worth of volunteer labor and equipment was donated for
the project.
Recreation
Stan gave a brief report on recreation services in Paul's absence. Youth and indoor soccer
leagues recently completed their seasons. The YMCA hired a new program supervisor at the
King Center.
The Senior Center was recently upgraded; the original card tables replaced and the sound system
in the multi-purpose room was upgraded. There have been more than 9,000 visits to the Senior
Center in the first quarter of the year. We will shortly begin on Phase 2 of the Senior Center
study, preparing plans for short term, mid and longer term. It was noted that the Volunteer
Reception is April 19 at the Senior Center.
Softball season is underway and there have been 114 games played with two tournaments in
addition to high school and college games. Baseball games have also been played on the last 5
weekends.
Recent Recreation trips included the Pendleton Underground Tour and the Best of Broadway
presentation in Spokane.
Basketball season for youth, men and women is concluded. It is one of the biggest turnouts ever
with 183 teams in the Pasco/Kennewick league. More than 1,500 games were played.
OLD BUSINESS
Bike Advisory Committee Recommendations
The Council discussed the Bikeway Advisory Committee recommendations that had been
considered for the last two meetings. Stan also passed out the new bikeway trail map that had
been prepared by the Benton Franklin Regional Transportation Planning Organization. After
much discussion and review of the map the committee voted unanimously to recommend the
adoption of the Bikeway Advisory Committee recommendations. Motion by Stacy Estes,
seconded by Edmon Daniels.
Memorial Park
The Council was expecting Mr. Keith Lawler to come and present more information on his
request for the war memorial at Memorial Park. In his absence, the Council discussed the
proposal to move the memorial, located in Columbia Park, to Memorial Park. A number of
issues were raised and discussed. Staff will attempt to get photos of the current memorial. Stan
indicated that he felt the improvement could be a nice feature if done very tastefully and with
care for minimizing maintenance. The City could make these conditions for the granting of the
authority to locate the monument there.
Pool Study
Stan distributed copies of the executive summary from the recently completed report from ORB
updating cost estimates for aquatic facility construction and renovation, and adding some
projects. Added were the option of building an enclosed 50 meter pool at Memorial Park,
building a new 25 meter indoor facility at Kurtzman Park and various options with additional
leisure pool activities. Stan explained that the information will be used over the next couple of
months to refine a proposal for presentation to the City Council in conjunction with the Capital
Improvement Budget. As staff develops a proposed project it will return to the Advisory Council
for input before presenting to the City Council.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m.