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, January 19, 2022 5:00 PM Virtual Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission 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. This meeting will be held in a fully-virtual format. JOIN MEETING ONLINE https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/uoevCW6XmxIq4Jjc6d6wI?domain=crgov.webex.com JOIN BY PHONE +1-720-650-7664 Meeting number (access code): 2489 219 5548 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 Vice Chair Sarah Grider called the meeting to order at 5:01 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 and Maia Aman. No modifications to the agenda were made. Present 7 - Commissioner Rebecca Dunn, Vice Chair Sarah Grider, Commissioner Shawn L'Esperance, Commissioner Shawn L'Esperance, Commissioner Michael Smith, Commissioner Madeline Self, and Commissioner Madeline Self Not Present 1 - Chair Inger Hiller 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 2022-001 Approval of the Minutes of December 15, 2021 It was motioned by Shawn L’Esperance and seconded by Rebecca Dunn to approve the minutes of the December 15, 2021 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. Michael Smith was not yet present during the approval of the minutes. "I move to approve the minutes of the December 15, 2021 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting." Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes January 19, 2022 Yes: 4 - Commissioner Dunn, Vice Chair Grider, Commissioner L'Esperance, and Commissioner Self Not Present: 2 - Chair Hiller, and Commissioner Smith AGENDA TOPICS PRC 2022-002 Update to Throw Colorado’s Disc Golf Course Proposal Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Jeff Smullen provided Commission members and staff with an update on the public-private partnership with Throw Colorado to provide the Castle Rock community with a new disc golf course. While the partnership originally planned to place a course along the East Plum Creek Trail, the design team determined that course adjustments were needed to avoid wildlife habitat areas, which would limit the quality of the course. After considering other options, it was determined that Rhyolite Regional Park may offer a good solution due to its size, terrain and existing infrastructure. Design plans will continue throughout the winter for an anticipated spring/summer installation. Shawn L’Esperance asked if the property had been earmarked for any other potential amenities or planning at Rhyolite Regional Park. Jeff noted that there is a potential for Douglas County to construct a school adjacent to the area, but staff do not foresee any immediate conflicts or issues and the course would fit around existing amenities well. Councilmember Caryn Johnson asked what items Throw Colorado would assist with and Jeff confirmed that the original proposed arrangement would continue where the Town will provide some of the infrastructure basics and Throw will help with installation labor and future maintenance. A formal agreement will be implemented to delineate responsibilities as well. PRC 2022-003 Butterfield Crossing Park Renovation Update Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Jeff Smullen provided Commission members and staff with an update on the Butterfield Park Renovation Project. Throughout the public process, the community expressed a desire for an inclusive Possibilities Playground, which could be incorporated with the already planned renovation work to replace and relocate courts, upgrade lighting and parking, renovate irrigation and remove physical barriers to address ADA requirements. To maximize the budget availability for current and future planned renovation projects, Town staff are seeking financial support from outside agencies. The Meadows Metropolitan District One has verbally offered significant financial support and the Castle Rock Parks and Trails Foundation is seeking project funds from individual donors and corporate sponsors. Park Planning and Construction Manager Brian Peterson presented renderings of the proposed renovations, focusing on practical upgrades as well as components of the Possibility Playground. This project has potential to put Castle Rock on the map and maintains the Department’s status as a Gold Medal agency. Rebecca Dunn noted that the project looks absolutely fabulous and asked for clarification related to the timeline. Brian explained that the project has been put out to bid to gauge the true costs. Jeff explained that the timing could also depend on how much is fundraised for the project. Sarah Grider noted that she is very drawn to this project and thinks the amount of effort Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes January 19, 2022 and thought put into the process makes it extremely valuable, especially since it can provide so many inclusive amenities to the community. Sarah also asked if there were any other components that may provide stimulation for the blind. Brian noted that they plan to incorporate some braille and textured walls. Michael Smith expressed excitement that this unique playground could provide a draw for users all across the Front Range. Michael also noted that it may be positive if there were options for two or multiple wheelchair users to be able to zip line or use other playground amenities at the same time. Michael also asked about the possibility of including other languages in addition to braille. Lastly, he asked if the barefoot walk could pose any heat concerns, and Brian explained that the material will exude minimal heat. Shawn L’Esperance expressed that she is really motivated by this project and loves the aspect of differently-abled children being able to all play alongside together. Shawn asked for clarification that the $5.2 million budget that was presented includes all of the improvements. Brian confirmed that it includes everything with the exception of the restroom, and staff are working on a grant to offset the restroom costs. Shawn also noted that this project may be a good fit for grant applications and Jeff confirmed that staff are exploring a variety of opportunities. PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT COMMENTS Staff provided the following updates to Parks and Recreation Commission members: · Cobblestone Ranch Park is coming along. The pickleball courts are nearing completion and fencing is installed. The project contractor has finished nearly all of the concrete work and earthwork continues. · Staff recently issued two Requests for Proposals (RFP) for public-private partnerships. One is to provide recreation sports facilities at Cobblestone Ranch Park and the other is for an indoor recreation facility. A public meeting regarding the potential Colorado Classic Baseball submittal at Cobblestone Ranch will be held on February 8 at the Recreation Center to obtain feedback. Once proposals are received and finalized for both potential partnerships, staff will present future findings to Commission and Town Council. · A sculpture has been selected for placement in the Town Hall Plaza area adjacent to Encore. The future piece called Still Wild will be produced by artist Amie Jacobsen and installed in late summer. Staff showed members visuals of the sculpture that will feature native flowers and unique lights. · Recreation facility attendance over the last six months has already exceeded pre-COVID participation. Staff are currently working on capital improvements to gain momentum from previous closures and limits during the pandemic. · The Town’s volunteer software, Volunteer Connect Douglas County, is going away due to lack of participation from Douglas County so work is underway to select a new volunteer management software. Staff also look forward to working with All Trails to update both Town and All Trails’ mapping systems with accurate information. The Department will help All Trails with beta testing to allow external agencies to help make changes within their site. COMMISSION COMMENTS Sarah Grider and Michael Smith both expressed excitement regarding the All Trails partnership. ADJOURN The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:26 p.m. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes January 19, 2022