Parks and Recreation Commission

Inger Hiller, Chair Rebecca Dunn, Vice-Chair Parks and Recreation Commission Madeline Self Meeting Minutes Michael Smith Nathan Jones Scott Dowis Shawn L'Esperance Wednesday, December 13, 2023 5:00 PM Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course 2156 Red Hawk Ridge Dr. 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 Commission Chair Inger Hiller called the meeting to order at approximately 5:25 p.m. Staff in attendance included Jeff Brauer, Jeff Smullen, Mike Kilman, Brian Peterson, Bob Maloney, Jennifer Martin, Brian Erickson, Gabrielle Bronson and Maia Yates. Present 7 - Chair Inger Hiller, Commissioner Madeline Self, Commissioner Shawn L'Esperance, Commissioner Scott Dowis, Chair Rebecca Dunn, Vice Chair Rebecca Dunn, and Commissioner Michael Smith Not Present 1 - Commissioner Nathan Jones 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 2023-020 Approval of the Minutes Shawn L’Esperance motioned and Madeline Self seconded the approval of the minutes of the October 18, 2023 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. The motioned passed unanimously. “I move to approve the minutes of Parks and Recreation Commission meeting held October 18, 2023.” Yes: 7 - Chair Hiller, Commissioner Self, Commissioner L'Esperance, Commissioner Dowis, Chair Dunn, Vice Chair Dunn, and Commissioner Smith Not Present: 1 - Commissioner Jones RED HAWK RIDGE GOLF COURSE UPDATES Head Golf Professional Brian Erickson provided commission members and staff with an overview of golf course operations for Red Hawk Ridge. In 2023, the Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes December 13, 2023 course to date had generated $4.3 million in revenue and hosted 55k rounds of golf, which is up from 33k total rounds in 2020. Brian also introduced Gabrielle Bronson, Food and Beverage Manager. Gabby set a record for her division’s annual revenue generation in 2023 at $795k. Capital improvements in 2023 included the installation of a practice putting green and staff look forward to updating its clubhouse in 2024. Brian noted that the number one compliment received from patrons was the excellent condition of the course, and the number one complaint was the lack of available tee times. Staff also host programs, leagues and tournaments, and do their best to balance programmed play and available tee times for general play. Chair Inger Hiller asked if staff had any future plans to host concerts at the Clubhouse again, and Brian confirmed that staff were restricted in the past because many of the bands did not carry their own liability insurance. Inger also complimented Gabby for Red Hawk’s exceptional catering and event hosting options offered through the Clubhouse. Shawn L’Esperance asked if snowshoeing was allowed on the course and Brian confirmed that it is. Sledding is also allowed on certain portions, and Brian noted that the Golf Operations Superintendent Jon Holland works closely with the community to provide fun winter opportunities. Madeline Self asked when the course was founded and Brian responded that it opened to the public in 1999. Michael Smith asked what the total acreage of the course was, and Jeff Smullen estimated approximately 190 acres. PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT COMMENTS Parks and Recreation staff provided the following updates: · Town Council requested staff present information on pickleball, specifically related to hours of play and distance from homes, and staff are preparing for a January discussion. · The Great Outdoors Colorado Board of Directors awarded the Town of Castle Rock with a $3 million grant award through its Centennial program for the acquisition of Lost Canyon Ranch. · An offer was made to hire a new Senior Events Supervisor and staff were hopeful of a January 2024 start date. · Construction efforts for Emerald Park in Plum Creek were underway, focused on grading and site preparation. · A soft opening of phase one of the Mitchell Gulch Park renovation project was tentatively scheduled for early 2024, while the construction of phase two would continue through the spring. Once the tennis courts and their associated parking are complete, the Town will host an official grand opening event to celebrate the renovation project with the community, likely in summer 2024. · The Recreation Center Leisure Pool remained closed for repairs and staff hope to reopen the facility to the public in January 2024, weather Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes December 13, 2023 depending. · The design phase for the Town’s portion of Industrial Tributary Trail is underway with contractor Wilson & Company, Inc., Engineering and Architect. · The Public Art Commission recently awarded a student from Douglas County High School as the winner of the Town’s Holiday Art Contest. Her art was featured on the Town’s official card, throughout Town facilities and in an official press release. COMMISSION COMMENTS Chair Inger Hiller thanked Parks and Recreation staff for all of their hard work and efforts throughout the year, explaining that it’s an absolute pleasure to help serve the community and serve on the commission. Shawn L’Esperance inquired about the progress of the Brickyard proposal. Jeff Smullen explained that the Town is completing project design development and construction documents for the proposed sports development center while Confluence Companies continues efforts for their site development plan. The project as a whole will likely be considered for approval by Town Council in 2024. Staff hope to have updated design renderings to share in early 2024 as well. ADJOURN TO DINNER The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:35 p.m.