Park Commission

Minutes of a Regular Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting May 7, 2024 A regular meeting of the Blue Springs Parks Commission was held on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at the Fieldhouse. The Chairman called the meeting to order. Brian Markworth -- Present Parks Dept. Staff: Justin Stuart Keith Hannaman -- Absent Parks Dept. Staff: Derek Mayden Gabriel Mejia Present Parks Dept. Staff: Mary Herrington Ken Horrell Present Parks Dept. Staff: Matt Asikainen Nick Brummel Present Parks Dept. Staff: Chase Coffee Tony Lopez Present Parks Dept. Staff: Jayla Coleman Almitra Buzan Present City Council Liaison: Ron Fowler Absent Debbie Canfield Present Mayor: Chris Lievsay Tara Johnson Present A motion was made by Ken Horrell and seconded by Almitra Buzan to accept the Consent Agenda. It passed unanimously. Visitors/Correspondence: Mayor Lievsay joined the meeting and shared his excitement for the pool opening and thanked staff for their hard work. Program/Activity Spotlight: Chase Coffee shared an update on lifeguard training and pool operations. During the week of May 4-5th, 47 lifeguards were trained. An additional 36 will be trained before opening weekend. Swim lesson curriculum is still in the process of being finalized. Lessons are set to begin in mid-June. Levels range from infant to adult. Group and private lessons will be available. There are plans to offer water fitness group exercise programs, surf simulator lessons and ninja cross lessons. Finances: Presented at the meeting. Justin reviewed them. Staff Reports: Staff reviewed their reports. Nick Brummel shared that he is excited to be in his roll and thanked the staff for their had work. City Council Liaison Report: Councilmember Fowler discussed the recent volunteer work that was completed by groups organized by the city. He explained the major liability issues if groups of the public were to assist with volunteer needs without going through the City. He Old Business: When Blue Surf Bay opens, new day pass policies will be enacted. This includes limiting out of passes which run from Memorial Day Labor Day. The Shoreline Cabanas located at the outdoor pool at Blue Surf Bay will be available for rent for a 3-hour time block. Admission into the park is not included in the rental rate, but the rental will guarantee a day pass. Birthday party packages will also be available which will include time in the party room and access to the pool. New Business: Justin addressed park safety throughout the entire park system. With the addition of cameras in our parks, the Blue Springs Police Department was able to capture the suspects from the incident at Wilbur Young Park much quicker. Justin suggested creating a task force committee to meet with the Police Department to think about additional ideas on how to keep parks safe. If any park commissions are interested, they were asked to notify Justin. There will be a joint walk through with the City Council of Blue Surf May Waterpark on May 13th. 1