Arts, Parks, and Recreation Committee

ARTS, PARKS, & RECREATION COMMITTEE PROCEEDINGS January 17th, 2023 The Amery Arts, Parks, and Rec. Committee met on January 17th, 2023, at the Amery City Center. The meeting was called to order at 4:30 p.m. Present: Members Colleen Adams, Tommy Dusek, Denise Johnson, and Catherine Olson (Zoom). Absent: Cheryl Bowman Others Present: Deputy Clerk-Treasurer, Taylor Larson, Joyce Schaefer (standing in for her sister on the committee), Bob Rasmussen, Ron Skone, Steve Wilhelm, Dave Anderson, and April Ziemer. New Business 1. Election of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson – After discussion members Dusek and Olson volunteered for the positions of chair and vice-chair respectively. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion Carried. 2. Pickleball Court Discussion – Bob Rasmussen led the discussion about the need for a revitalized pickleball facility here in Amery. The current one at S. Twin Beach is in poor condition and needs a complete overhaul. The courts themselves have been in place since 2014 and were created from the existing tennis courts that were placed there in the 70’s. There are currently 6 courts in place there but the existing footprint would allow 8-10 courts if it were to be redone. Several contractors have stated that the courts are simply in too bad of condition to resurface anymore and that a total overhaul is the only solution. Funding for the potential overhaul was discussed and it was generally agreed upon that while grant funding is a potential option the most likely source of funds would be tax dollars from the City. In an ideal situation the City crew would provide a lot of the labor for the tear up and would also provide the base material for the courts to save money. The fencing would also likely be reusable. A public hearing was also requested to solicit community input on the idea of a new pickleball facility. Motion by Dusek; seconded by Olson; to explore the feasibility of a new pickleball court either at a new location or the existing location. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion Carried. 3. Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan – This item was placed on the agenda by Clerk-Treasurer Jansen just for discussion. The City was advised by one of its engineering contractors that it would be well advised to make such a plan because it is a prerequisite for many grant opportunities. It is anticipated that the Committee will be heavily involved in the development of the plan. 4. Future Goals for the Committee – The first thing to come up as a future goal was the discussion of the playground equipment at North Park because of its age and condition. Other goals discussed were the idea of a pool/splashpad within the City, the expansion of public art within the City, the restoration of the existing murals, the improvement of the downtown corridor including bike racks, trashcans, and better seasonal décor. 1 Motion by Olson; seconded by Dusek; to adjourn at 5:49 p.m. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. A future meeting date of March 7th was agreed upon with a public hearing tentatively scheduled for March 28th. Respectfully submitted, Ben Jansen Clerk-Treasurer January 18th, 2023. 2