Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission

Bristol Tennessee Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Meeting Slater Community Center March 7, 2019 6:00pm Present: Susie Chandler Mahlon Luttrell Justin Hutchison Sherry Willinger Lea Powers Curt Rutherford Ginny Senter Lance Tudor Kate White Bennett Cowan David Akard Absent: Staff: Terry Napier April Norris Jennifer Sheffield I. Call to Order – The Parks and Recreation Commission meeting was called to order at 6:02 pm by Chairman, David Akard. II. Approval of November 1, 2018 Minutes – Curt Rutherford made a motion to approve the minutes. Ben Cowan seconds the motion. All in favor, motion passes. III. Old Business a. Nature Center Expansion Report – Terry advised that the Beaver Lodge exhibit is complete. He advised that Jeremy and his staff have started work on the litter exhibit. b. Bee Project Update- Terry advised that the bee houses are complete and the fencing has been ordered. Six areas throughout Steele Creek Park have been mapped out for wildflower planting. c. Trail Work/Storm Damage- Crews were able to get a lot of work done over the winter to the trails but much of that was negated by the recent storms. The storms have created even more work to be done. IV. New Business a. Staffing Changes- We are in hiring mode right now. Our staff numbers go from about 60 to approximately 150. April Norris has taken Randall Cross’ position as programmer. Randall’s last day is April 4, 2018. To replace April we have hired Jennifer Sheffield. b. Summer Prep- Musical Acts are being lined up for the Sounds of Summer Concert Series. The Paramount Acts have already been booked. Movies in the Park will return this year and one of the movies will be shown at Steele Creek Park near the Splash Pad.  c. New Greenway Route Selection (Beaver Creek South) - Terry gave an overview of the trails start and end point. He also shared drone footage of the entire trail. He explained that there could be potential obstacles as the greenway would cross over private property in some areas. Ben Cowan advised it was all in how it is presented to the property owners as to how they react. Terry shared that the scenery is beautiful along the proposed greenway. Lea Powers touched on how Parks and Recreation is a huge piece of economic development. Ben Cowan makes a motion to recommend to city council to move forward with the Beaver Creek South Greenway section. Susie Chandler Seconds the motion. All are in favor, motion passed. V. Board Comments: Ben Cowan advised that we need some type of wildlife management in the city. He advised that the city is overrun with deer. Terry advised that it is all governed by TWRA. Susie Chandler asks if the Mark Vance Greenway and Wes Davis Greenway are designated as parks. Terry advised that those are considered parks. Susie also advised that Rooster Front Park needs the parking lot lined. Terry advised that Public Works normally takes care of that but he would look into it. Lance Tudor advised that he participated in the Kodiak Derby in downtown Bristol and took notice of the trees down State Street. He advised that they look really nice. Kate White advised that she is ready for planting season. She asks Terry about the gardens and Vance Middle School. Terry advised that he will look into the gardens. Ginny Senter stated that she is ready for Haynesfield Pool to open as she plans to lifeguard there again this summer. David Akard spoke about the great experience he had this year with the Parks and Recreation Youth Basketball Program. He expressed concern with the Vance Gym being out of play next year, where would the games be held? Terry advised that staff is working on plans for game play. Curt Rutherford asks about the Coyne Textile Building progress. Terry advised that they have received three (3) proposals on the property that are privately funded. He ask that we look for alternate ways to run the Famers Market, Terry advised that he was hopeful by the next meeting that the Parks and Recreation Commission would oversee the Farmers Market. He also added that teaching kitchens would be a great element. VI. Next Meeting Date: May 2, 2019 VII. Adjourn: The meet was adjourned at 7:24pm by Chairman, David Akard. ____________________ Terry Napier, Director