Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission

Bristol Tennessee Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes September 3, 2020 6:00 P.M. Zoom/Electronic Present: Susi Chandler, Ronda Baker, Curt Rutherford, Clyde Butch Downs, Bennett Cowan, David Akard, Amy Shi Staff: Terry Napier, Angie Rutherford, Cody Widner Absent: Justin Hutchinson, Kate White, Caden Meyers, Sherry Willinger I. Call to Order: 6:00 PM by David Akard II. Approval of Jul 9, 2020 Meeting Minutes: Susi Chandler made a motion to approve the minutes, with Clyde Downs seconding the motion. Motion passed with unanimous vote. III. Commission Appointments / re-appointments:  David Akard (Chairman) – nominated by Susie Chandler with Clyde Downs seconding  Ronda Baker (Vice-Chairman) – Nominated by David, with Clyde Downs seconding  Susi Chandler (Secretary) – Nominated by David with Clyde Downs seconding IV. Introductions  Margaret Feierabend introduced herself as the newest city council representative. V. COVID-19  Jr. Vikings Football: Governor Lee has given the Ok for contact sports that have submitted a plan to follow the pledge. The football program appears to be following this pledge, and is doing well in practicing these safety measures.  Bristol TN Little League: Did not have enough participation for their summer program, but are working on a plan for fall-ball in response to COVID-19.  Steele Creek Park Student Passes: Discussed the possibility of local schools and universities being supplied with Park Passes for entrance to SCP in order to help with mental health and exercise in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Suggested schools ranged from local universities such as King, to more distant schools such as the University of Tennessee VI. Old Business  Steele Creek Park Comprehensive Plan – Council urged the importance of community input in regard to the land usage at Steele Creek Park.  Nature Center Expansion Report – Terry Napier hopes that the renovations will be completed by the first of the year. New exhibits are in the works, as well as fundraising for a library.  Beaver Creek South Greenway Progress Report – Discussed the ongoing negotiations for this project with those located near the renovation sites. Margaret suggested those affected by the renovations tended to be more optimistic and more likely to use the areas after the project’s completion.  Trail Maintenance Report – Some work has been done, with more work expected to be accomplished once the mowing crew can be freed up at the end of the summer. There is still a large area to cover, with 25+ miles in need of serious maintenance and work.  Bristol Tennessee Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes September 3, 2020 6:00 P.M. Zoom/Electronic  Park Maintenance Report i. Patterson Pickleball Court – Project is now complete, with people actively using it again on August 31st. ii. Food City Dog Park – More delays have hindered this project, but we are still hopeful to have it open by the end of the year. VII. New Business  11 Station ADA Restroom Trailer – The trailer was approved by council at the last meeting. It will be used primarily for movies and music related events. The trailer purchase should improve events dramatically due to its ADA (disability) accessibility.  2021 Activity Planning i. Music Events – Planning on negotiating with the Pinnacle for events, as well as a potential partnership with WXBQ. ii. Movies – The movie schedule is in the planning stages for 2021, with our programmers hopeful that it will be unaffected by COVID-19. iii. Downtown Sports League – Terry Napier mentioned partnering with Believe in Bristol for a co-ed downtown sports league. The proposed sports could range from darts and cornhole, to kickball. Also mentioned was incorporating the state line into the festivities. VIII. Board Comments  Ronda Baker – Stated “Staff does a great job”. She conveyed interest in the campground at Steele Creek, as well as the outdoor classrooms at the park. Ronda also praised the idea of college passes & the importance of mental health.  Bennett Cowan – Commented on the lack of bikes and outdoor equipment currently available, as well as the increasing RV sales this year.  Curt Rutherford – Commended staff for continuing to do fun activities, as well as growth within the city.  Clyde Butch Downs – Inquired about electric bikes, and their usage at Steele Creek Park due to increase in speeds. Also suggested to remind city employees ‘if they didn’t plant it, don’t pick it’ in reference to plants at Haynesfield Park.  David Akard – Praised the Mural renovations, the pickleball courts, and the portable restrooms. He also noted that a fancier name for the proposed campground at Steele Creek Park would benefit its perception by the public.  Margaret Feierabend – Said that COVID response meetings have slowed down & that she looked forward to working with everyone in the future. IX. Next Meeting Date: November 5, 2020 X. Adjourn: David Akard at 6:58 PM.