Parks and Recreation Commission

Inger Hiller, Chair Sarah Grider, Vice Chair Parks and Recreation Commission Rebecca Dunn Meeting Minutes Shawn L'Esperance Madeline Self Michael Smith Wednesday, December 15, 2021 5:00 PM The Clubhouse Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course 2156 Red Hawk Ridge Drive Castle Rock, CO 80109 NOTE: THIS MEETING IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. THREE OR MORE COUNCIL MEMBERS MAY ALSO ATTEND THIS MEETING, DURING WHICH THE ITEMS LISTED HEREIN WILL BE DISCUSSED. TIMES SHOWN ARE APPROXIMATE AND MAY BE ADJUSTED DUE TO CHANGES TO THE AGENDA. CALL TO ORDER ADDITIONS/DELETIONS/MODIFICATIONS TO THE AGENDA Parks and Recreation Commission Chair Inger Hiller called the meeting to order at 5 p.m. Council Liaison Caryn Johnson was present, as were Town staff including Jeff Brauer, Jeff Smullen, Brian Peterson, Bob Maloney, Mike Kilman, Jennifer Martin, Maia Aman, Brian Erickson, Pam Morphis and Kerry Muller. Present 5 - Chair Inger Hiller, Commissioner Rebecca Dunn, Vice Chair Sarah Grider, Commissioner Shawn L'Esperance, and Commissioner Madeline Self Not Present 1 - Commissioner Michael Smith PUBLIC COMMENT DURING THIS TIME, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE INVITED TO ADDRESS THE COMMISSION AND STAFF ON ITEMS THAT ARE NOT ON THE AGENDA. COMMENTS SHOULD BE LIMITED TO NO MORE THAN FOUR (4) MINUTES. None. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING PRC 2021-024 Approval of the Minutes of November 17, 2021 It was motioned by Shawn L’Esperance and seconded by Rebecca Dunn to approve the minutes of the November 17, 2021 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. Yes: 5 - Chair Hiller, Commissioner Dunn, Vice Chair Grider, Commissioner L'Esperance, and Commissioner Self Not Present: 1 - Commissioner Smith UPDATE FROM HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL BRIAN ERICKSON Head Golf Professional Brian Erickson introduced himself and provided Parks and Recreation Commission members and staff with a high-level overview of Red Hawk Ridge Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes December 15, 2021 Golf Course operations. Founded in 1999, the course was designed by award-winning architect Jim Engh. The course operates as an enterprise fund with an approximate $3.5 million annual budget and experienced record participation in 2021 with over 46,000 rounds of golf played to date. In 2021, Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course was awarded as the state’s best public golf course by Colorado Biz Magazine. Red Hawk Ridge hosts a variety of leagues, which are all currently operating at capacity with waitlists, as well as educational programs for youth, events and tournaments. The course restaurant features a full-service bar and grill, along with beverage carts. The Clubhouse Grill generated $670,000 in sales throughout the year, exceeding budget projections by $115,000. The most common praise received from patrons is how the course remains in pristine condition despite high use, which is a huge testament to the performance of the maintenance team. Red Hawk Ridge uses reuse water for irrigation and is also proud of its certification from the Audubon Society, demonstrating it meets standard management practices to help protect the environment and preserve the natural heritage of the area. Rebecca Dunn asked if people could walk the course, and Brian confirmed that the option is available although most patrons use carts. Shawn L’Esperance asked what Red Hawk Ridge’s largest priority for 2022 would be, as well as if the merchandise sold at the pro shop generated revenue. Brian confirmed that staff will continue to focus on providing an excellent customer experience from the very beginning to the conclusion of their visit and noted that the shop does generate revenue. Jeff Smullen asked if the course is maxed out on the total number of rounds it can offer, and Brian explained that their largest limiting factor is weather. Brian also noted that although tee time intervals could be adjusted to increase availability, the spacing between players and the player experience could be negatively impacted. Inger Hiller asked if the course held concerts in 2021as they had in past years. Food and Beverage Manager Pam Morphis explained that they did not due to the public health pandemic but are hopeful for 2022. Madeline Self asked about the award received from Colorado Biz, specifically what criteria was used, as well as the number of courses that were evaluated. Brian noted that he would research this information and follow up with details. Caryn Johnson asked how the reuse water program was going and Brian announced that the grass looks green! Jeff Brauer further explained that the reuse water rates will soon increase significantly, which will impact operational costs. Jennifer Martin asked if a lottery will remain in place for the Junior Golf Program in 2022. Brian confirmed that the lottery would remain to maintain a small teacher-to-student ratio. PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT COMMENTS No comments were provided at this time. COMMISSION COMMENTS Members thanked staff for all of their hard work and efforts throughout 2021. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes December 15, 2021 ADJOURN TO DINNER The meeting adjourned at approximately 5:39 p.m.