Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission

Bristol Tennessee Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes January 13th, 2022– 6:00 P.M. Slater Community Center – Room 208 Present: Susi Chandler, Logan Tudor, Doug Harmon, Charlie Taylor, Margaret Feierabend, Amy Shi, Sherry Willinger, David Akard, Curt Rutherford Staff: Terry Napier, Cody Widner Absent: Ronda Baker, Clyde Downs, Justin Hutchinson I. Called to order at 6:03 P.M  Called by David Akard II. Minutes of the November 4th, 2021, meeting approved.  Moved to approve by Susi Chandler III. Old Business  Steele Creek Park Study: Terry confirmed that the study is on track to be presented to council at the January 25th work session. As expected, there has been some negative feedback from golfers. Despite this, Terry noted the importance of having an opportunity for both positive and negative feedback to be expressed.  Food City Dog Park: A crane is on site, ready to set structures in place. The current timeline plans for a late spring or early summer opening.  Smoking Ban Update: Feedback has been primarily positive, despite a small amount of opposition online from those who previously smoked in city parks. Additional signs have been purchased and will be posted this spring.  Current Projects & Maintenance: o Pickleball Updates: Patterson and Haynesfield Parks have both been renovated, with only a few small repairs left to be completed.  Skate Park: Planning continues, with equipment at the current park soon to be removed. The project is currently on capital request with city council. Terry specified that everything in the planned area would be concrete to meet a variety of needs. If approved by council in July, it could still be 2023 before this project is fully underway.  Staffing Report: Many positions have now been filled. Despite this, Terry noted that the department is still lacking a crew chief, and several openings are still available. IV. New Business  2023 CIP Budget – There are a variety of projects planned for fiscal year 2023. One such project would be removing the asbestos tile from the Slater Community Center and installing new flooring throughout the building. In addition to this, he plans to recommend that Haynesfield Pool be permanently closed. In lieu of a new pool, additional splash pads could be constructed in various locations.  2023 Budget Planning – Additional projects and plans are being lined up before finalizing the 2023 budget.   Winter Projects  Rock Cut Trail – Grounds crews have been working steadily to improve the trail. It is halfway completed, with the remaining work to be done later this winter or in early spring.  Tree/Stump Removal – A stump grinder has been rented for the full month of January to remove a variety of stumps throughout the parks.  Cleanup of park areas – Alongside the stump removal, workers are focusing on trimming overgrowth and filling holes in a variety of the park areas.  Nature Center Projects  Atrium Ceiling – With the assistance of an outside group, the ceiling of the atrium is going to be wrapped.  Work / Storage Room – Work has recently resumed and hopefully will be completed in the coming weeks.  Apiary Storage Interior – Staff are currently working on solar panels and other improvements to power the building.  Spring & Summer Activity Planning  Downtown Music Series (25th Anniversary) – A larger than normal concert on June 18th will kick off the summer. Additionally, the music series season has been shortened by 3 weeks due to cooler weather and decreased attendance later in the fall.  6th Street Concert Series – The performances in this area will likely focus on jazz and blues, offering a change from traditional music at the downtown center.  Touch a Truck Event – The event is planned to be held at the downtown center, with local city departments and businesses lending vehicles.  Nerf Wars – Planned for a few different dates in the spring and summer, this event at Steele Creek Park will offer opportunities for families who want to participate in the popular foam dart game. Terry noted this event, and several other “social sports” options are part of the department’s efforts to get the community re-engaged in outdoor and physical activities that have been neglected during the pandemic.  Halloween Event – There are plans to incorporate pumpkins by placing them on Styrofoam to float on the lake. Terry noted that everything placed in the lake would be discretely removed after floating away from the gathering.  Social Sports 2022 – Prospective “social sports,” focusing on physical activities for adults, include kickball, tailgate parties, and cornhole. V. Board Comments  Doug Harmon – Acknowledged the effectiveness of the leaf pickup services the city provides.   Sherry Willinger – Inquired about progress with Shelter F. Terry confirmed that it is approved, and construction will begin when the ground thaws in the spring.  Susi Chandler – Thanked Terry for the new ideas and multiple suggestions that he has presented to benefit the community in the coming year.  Amy Shi – Commended Terry for his multitasking abilities and skill in planning multiple projects.  Charlie Taylor – Noted his excitement for many of the coming spring and summer activities that are currently being planned. VI. Adjourned 7:12 P.M. by David Akard. VII. Next Meeting Date – March 3rd, 2022