Parks and Recreation Commission

Inger Hiller, Chair Sarah Grider, Vice Chair Parks and Recreation Commission Rebecca Dunn Meeting Minutes Nathan Jones Shawn L'Esperance Madeline Self Michael Smith Wednesday, March 15, 2023 5:00 PM Central Service Center 1400 Caprice 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 Vice Chair Sarah Grider called the meeting to order at approximately 5 p.m. Council Liaison Tim Deitz was present as were Town staff including Jeff Brauer, Jeff Smullen, Mike Kilman and Maia Yates. Present 6 - Commissioner Rebecca Dunn, Vice Chair Sarah Grider, Commissioner Michael Smith, Commissioner Nathan Jones, Commissioner Madeline Self, and Commissioner Shawn L'Esperance 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 AGENDA TOPICS PRC 2023-003 Approval of the Minutes of November 17, 2021 It was motioned by Nathan Jones and seconded by Shawn L’Esperance to approve the minutes of the November 17, 2021 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. "I move to approve the minutes of the November 17, 2023 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting." Yes: 6 - Commissioner Dunn, Vice Chair Grider, Commissioner Smith, Commissioner Jones, Commissioner Self, and Commissioner L'Esperance Not Present: 1 - Chair Hiller PRC 2023-004 Public Art Updates Staff member Maia Yates provided commission members with an overview of upcoming Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes March 15, 2023 spring public art items, including Douglas County Art Encounter installations and the permanent addition of the sculpture Still Wild to the Town Hall Plaza. PRC 2023-005 Rueter-Hess Reservoir Intergovernmental Agreement Update Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Brauer provided members and staff with an overview of a new IGA established through Douglas County to effectively plan and manage Rueter-Hess Reservoir into the future. The agreement has dissolved the Rueter-Hess Recreation Authority Board and created the Rueter-Hess Recreation Advisory Board, whereas Jeff will continue to remain the Town's appointed staff representative. The transition occurred because the County has open space resources that will be helpful as the site eventually opens up for public use. Furthermore, all participating jurisdictions reside within the County. Commission member Nate Jones mentioned that Lonetree's Council discussed visitation days or schedules for the reservoir; Jeff responded by confirming that while discussions are underway, visitation and operational details are still being sorted out. Commission member Shawn L'Esperance asked why the County stepped in as opposed to Colorado Parks and Wildlife; Jeff responded by noting that the water district of the reservoir was unable to come to an agreement with CPW so alternative options were considered. PRC 2023-006 2022 Year-in-review Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Brauer provided Commission members and staff with a year-in-review of 2022 that featured major highlights from all department divisions. Commission member Madeline Self asked about preschool capacities and Jeff noted that since the COVID-19 public health pandemic, the Adventure Club Preschool has consistently filled up and has maintained a steady and growing waitlist. Madeline also asked if additional amenities such as benches would be placed at the Town's newest disc golf course at Rhyolite Regional Park; Assistant Director Jeff Smullen confirmed that benches and additional maps and signage would be placed as time and resources allow. Commission member Rebecca Dunn asked if staff anticipate holding future events at Metzler Family Open Space, such as the VIP Sneak Preview Event held in fall 2022; Jeff Brauer confirmed that staff would like to continue to hold events at this property given its unique history and amenities. Commission member Michael Smith asked if Therapeutic Recreation offerings were subsidized more than typical offerings; Mike Kilman confirmed that they are and also discussed the various fundraising events held throughout the year and grants applied for to help offset costs for these participants whose families tend to face increased financial burdens. Council Liaison Tim Dietz thanked staff and the Castle Rock American Legion who assisted in the flag installation improvement project in Downtown Castle Rock throughout 2022. PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT COMMENTS Staff provided the following updates: - The purchase of Cantril School will likely be finalized this spring; staff will update members on offerings and next steps as we begin to plan programming. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes March 15, 2023 - The previous director of the Douglas Land Conservancy Patti Hostetler retired but was recently appointed to serve as Castle Rock's representative to the Douglas County Open Space Advisory Committee. - The Butterfield Park renovation is moving along and a grand opening event will be held in early June. Staff will likely tour the renovated park for the Commission's April meeting. Renovation work has been slow during the winter at Mitchell Gulch Park, but the tennis court design process is complete and rock excavation is underway for future utility and waterline placement. - Work continues for improvements at Metzler Family Open Space with parking lot construction and signage development; curb and gutter for the parking lot will commence within the month and signs installed in April. - The project architect BRS continues work on the schematic design of the proposed Sports Development Center. Staff hope to seek Town Council approval of this project concurrently with Confluence Companies seeking approval of the Brickyard Development. - A draft strategic plan is underway to set the department's objectives for 2023-2025; staff will present to the Commission during a future month for feedback. - The department will soon onboard a new parks planner, Matt Roth, to assist with project management going forward. Matt has experience on the consulting side and helped the Town with both Cobblestone Ranch and Butterfield Crossing park projects. Matt will assist with the completion of the renovation work at Butterfield and will also manage Plum Creek North's development. - The Adventure Club Preschool has opted into Colorado's new universal pre-k program. - This year's 4th of July in Castle Rock will feature a variety of fun activities including a Super Diamond concert, drone shows, magic shows, a race, fun movies and more. COMMISSION COMMENTS Member Rebecca Dunn asked when the Summer Concert Series season passes would go on sale. Recreation Manager Mike Kilman noted that he would reach out to Rebecca to confirm the date when available. ADJOURN The meeting adjourned at 6:53 p.m.