Park Commission

Minutes of a Regular Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting August 1, 2023 A regular meeting of the Blue Springs Parks Commission was held on Tuesday, August 1, 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 – Present Parks Dept. Staff: Derek Mayden Ken Horrell – Present Parks Dept. Staff: Matt Asikainen Nick Brummel – Absent Parks Dept. Staff: Payton Funk Tony Lopez – Present Parks Dept. Staff: Jayla Coleman Almitra Buzan – Absent City Council Liaison: Ron Fowler –Present Debbie Canfield – Present Tara Johnson – Absent A motion was made by Tony Lopez and seconded by Jon Burke to accept the Consent Agenda. It passed unanimously. Visitors/Correspondence: None Program/Activity Spotlight: Payton Funk presented on Red, White, & Blue Springs and Concerts in the Park. Red, White, & Blue Springs was held on July 1st this year at Blue Springs South High School. There were 16 vendors, 6 food trucks, a beer garden, and a kid’s zone. This is an incredible improvement from the previous year offerings. Over $9,000 was raised from offering Custom T-shirts and sponsors. There were over 3,500 attendees for this event. We believe that having this event on July 1st instead of July 4th was also a great contributor to the high attendance. Some positives from this event were the layout, number of vendors, and offering kids activities. There is always room for improvement as with this event continuously growing, we will need more space, a central location for all activities as it was a long walk to get to restrooms and activities being so spaced out and having more sponsors. Payton then presented on Concerts in the Park. During the summer, this is held every Sunday at Rotary Park 6pm- 8pm. There are 12 bands with 1 band performing each week. Two title sponsors and two co-sponsors. Over $9,000 in sponsorships was raised. Each concert had over 200 attendees. This summer event is a great opportunity for community socializing. Finances: Dennis presented on financials. Staff Reports: Staff reviewed their reports. Parks and Recreation Commission Chairman’s Report: Keith Hannaman explained that Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) is offering two seminars in September to provide suggestions on using the money that will provide incredible infostructures for Climate Action Priorities. MARC is looking for various communities to attend and provide feedback. City Council Liaison Report: Ron Fowler explained that the city council is discussing that the community is interested in allowing chickens into residential homes. Councilmember Ron inquired with park commissioners their thoughts on this. Old Business: Dennis presented an update on the Blue Springs BMX Track Roof Structure. Dennis and Justin had a meeting with BMX Track staff, and it was concluded that they are unable to achieve the structure this year and will revisit another time. Dennis then presented an update on the Aquatics Center. The aquatic mechanical pump room has overhead electrical rough-in going on along with pool plumbing being run into the room. The lobby, locker rooms, and other rooms have wall framing complete with metal studs being installed. The surf simulator area has been excavated and work is beginning of the underground plumbing. The indoor natatorium has the underground plumbing being installed with 1 about 80% of it complete. The surge tank floor has been poured and framing for the walls is underway. The west side of the retaining wall had to be removed due to it being installed in in the wrong location as well as some of the base course was not installed below grade. This caused the wall to shift and sag. The contractor removed the section and is reinstalling it currently. New Business: None Miscellaneous: Park commission meeting is cancelled for September. As there was no further business, a motion for adjournment was made by Ken Horrell and seconded by Debbie Canfield. 2