Park Commission

Minutes of a Regular Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting May 4, 2021 A regular meeting of the Blue Springs Parks Commission was held on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at the Fieldhouse. The Chairman called the meeting to order. Jon Burke -- Present Parks Dept. Staff: Dennis Dovel Kathy Richardson – Present Parks Dept. Staff: Justin Stuart Keith Hannaman -- Present Parks Dept. Staff: Matthew Asikainen Maureen Johnson – Present Parks Dept. Staff: Randy Cooper Megan Johnson – Present Parks Dept. Staff: Jayla Coleman Dena Duhon – Absent City Council Liaison: Susan Culpepper --Present Richard Mitchem – Present Gabriel Mejia – Present Ken Horrell - Present A motion was made by Ken Horrell and seconded by Megan Johnson to accept the Consent Agenda. It passed unanimously. Visitors/Correspondence: Jon Burke introduced himself to staff as he has replaced George Deibert on the park commission. Councilmember Susan Culpepper also introduced herself to staff as the new city council liaison for the park commission. Program/Activity Spotlight: Brooklynne Simbeck presented on the Get Outdoors event. This event was cancelled the first year in 2019 due to a terrible weather storm and it was cancelled last year 2020 due to the pandemic. Staff was very happy to finally be able to have this event. This free event was held Saturday April 24th at Lake Remembrance with an estimated 321 participants for the whole day. Staff partnered with Burr Oaks Nature Center and Jackson County Parks + Recreation to host many activities including outdoor education, fishing, yoga, archery, kayaking, and more. Future improvement will be to provide the public with a map to locate all vendors and activities along the walkway and continue to build more partnerships. Brooklynne then presented on The Rolling Stoves: Food Truck Night. This event was held Friday April 30th at Wilbur Young park. The Tacos El Sombrero food truck and Kona Ice truck were great partnerships. There were yard games, raffle prizes, sand volleyball, and sand toys for the estimated 150 participants. This type of event is something staff is interested in having more often and have at various parks around Blue Springs. Finances: Dennis presented on financials. Staff Reports: Staff reviewed their reports. Parks and Recreation Commission Chairman’s Report: Keith Hannaman remind commissioners of the Public Official Liability training coming up for them on May 7th. City Council Liaison Report: None Old Business: Dennis presented on the last few projects left to complete on the current park sales tax. They include paving of Wilbur Young Trail and sign installation at Hidden Valley and Wilbur Young. All other projects have been completed or are in the works for completion. Dennis then said thank you the commissioners and staff for their time and energy in renewing the Park Sales Tax. He shared that with the tax having no sunset, a legacy has been left for the community that ensure the park system will be taken care of and maintained for future generations. Dennis discussed the project timeline for the next four years. Some projects include improvements for Pink Hill Park shelters, Hidden Valley Concessions, BMX Complex, Keystone Park playground renovations, Aquatics Facility, Southwest Park designs, and many more. 1 There were also some items that were heard through the sales tax education period and how we can address community concerns. Residents asked about how to find out where the sales tax money is being used and the order of projects to be completed. Staff is looking into ways of providing such information including the city website and having informational events. Residents also have concerns of having inclusive playgrounds, one main topic has been wheelchair swings as desirable. Staff has planned an event for August 28th to explore with residents inclusive play and how the department is trying to meet the needs of the community. More information on this will be sent out to the public and park commission soon. New Business: Maureen Johnson presented that it is important that we thank the community for voting to get this sales tax not only renewed but without a sunset. A motion to terminate PAC funds and move remaining money to Truman Heartland Foundation to possibly get a bench built for the community that commemorates the community support for the sales tax and look into a scholarship for Summer Camp was made by Megan Johnson and seconded by Ken Horrell. Miscellaneous: None As there was no further business, a motion for adjournment was made by Maureen Johnson and seconded by Megan Johnson. 2