Park Commission

Minutes of a Regular Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting February 7, 2023 A regular meeting of the Blue Springs Parks Commission was held on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at the Fieldhouse. The Chairman called the meeting to order. Jon Burke -- Present Parks Dept. Staff: Dennis Dovel Keith Hannaman -- Present Parks Dept. Staff: Justin Stuart Gabriel Mejia – Absent Parks Dept. Staff: Derek Mayden Ken Horrell – Present Parks Dept. Staff: Mary Herrington Nick Brummel – Present Parks Dept. Staff: Jayla Coleman Tony Lopez – Present City Council Liaison: Susan Culpepper –Present Almitra Buzan – Present Debbie Canfield – Absent A motion was made by Jon Burke and seconded by Ken Horrell to accept the Consent Agenda. It passed unanimously. Visitors/Correspondence: Brian Markworth has no business to present. However, he is very interested in being involved with the community, so he decided to come to park commission meeting. Dennis presented an email train from a Blue Springs resident, Kathleen Crisp, regarding the condition of Woods Chapel Park. Dennis’s response to Kathleen was that there is work being done at Woods Chapel Park and around the pond area to update the park. Program/Activity Spotlight: Derek Mayden presented on the MPRA Maintenance Rodeo. This event was for one day and had 6 total events and challenges. Those challenges were Bobcat Operation, Backpack Blower Obstacle Course, Zero-Turn Mower Obstacle Course, Truck and Trailer, Project Assembly, and Nail Driving Contest. Blue Springs Park Maintenance took 3rd place. Some of the highlighted benefits to this event were teamwork, networking with other maintenance staff in the area, learning about different equipment that is not normally available, and much fun for all involved. Finances: Presented at meeting. Staff Reports: Staff reviewed their reports. Parks and Recreation Commission Chairman’s Report: None City Council Liaison Report: None Old Business: Dennis presented an update on Park Sales Tax. Two restroom buildings at Blue Springs Park and Wilbur Young have an estimated delivery of May. These restrooms should be operational within two weeks of installation. Keystone Park is getting a new playground. Landscape Structures design was presented to commissioners. The playground is very obstacle course based and the structure is also inclusive having play opportunities for handicap children. Dennis then presented an update on the Aquatic Center. Starting to build roads and indoor padding. Surface water groundwork has begun. Holes for drainage are dug. Recently, Evergy has begun putting in power. New Business: Dennis presented to the park commission whether staff should allow males to play with females and vice-versa in activities that are specific to gender. Staff has received several public concerns in wanting to allow boys in softball or girls in baseball. Jon Burke suggested getting legal advisement from the city attorney. The current policy has been in place for a long time. Justin stated that he spoke with Liberty parks and recreation, and they agreed they want to be as inclusive as possible, but they have not gotten a heavy amount of concern. The main 1 question being asked is do we allow girls play in boy sports and boys play in girls’ sports. Dennis explained that staff plans to gather more information to present at the next meeting. This will be an ongoing conversation. Miscellaneous: Ken Horrell presented to the park commission a Support Initiative that benefits the park system. Keith Hannaman stated that he did not see any issues with commissioner visiting parks to “adopt” and be involved with. Dennis provided a reminder to the commission that this initiative is not a requirement to be on the commission. As there was no further business, a motion for adjournment was made by Jon Burke and seconded by Nick Brummel. 2