Parks and Recreation Committee

Regular Meeting

Charleston, WV · January 28, 2021

Minutes

MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING 5:30 P. M., JANUARY 28, 2021 *IN RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, THE MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE WAS CONDUCTED ELECTRONICALLY. THE MEETING WAS MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC AS A LIVE STREAM VIA ZOOM (PER THE AGENDA). Caitlin Cook, Chairperson, called the meeting of the Charleston City Council Committee on Parks and Recreation to order at 5:30p.m., JANUARY 28, 2021. Committee Members Present: Caitlin Cook, Chair Chad Robinson, Vice Chair Jeanine Faegre Joseph Jenkins Pat Jones Deanna McKinney (arrived at 5:43) ABSENT: Robert Sheets A roll call was taken, and it was determined that a quorum was present. 1. Approval of Previous Minutes 10-29-2020 – Councilmember Robinson motioned to approve the minutes of the previous meeting on 10-29-2020. Councilmember Faegre seconded. There was no objection and the minutes were approved. 2. East End Dog Park – Councilmember Cook informed the Committee that work on the East End Dog Park had started. The beginning structure for one of the shaded areas has been installed as well as a separate area for smaller dogs with its own entrance and an ADA compliant picnic table. The Director of Parks and Recreation, Rashaun Sayles, is pleased with the progress of the park despite the time delays that the pandemic has caused. Councilmember Cook added that the original fencing had also been repaired. Remaining work to the park includes: determining the best method to prevent dogs from getting their heads stuck under the perimeter fence, the larger shade structure repairs, 2 additional benches, updating the water station (by repairing and adding a new water January 28, 2021 fountain as well as a new dog washing station), an additional picnic table, 3 maple trees for shade and more grass seed and fertilizer. 3. Cato Park – Councilmember Cook reminded the Committee that there had been a generous anonymous donation to the City to be used for Cato Park. Some improvements may include: an archery course along the existing trails (for individual use and for competitions), a dog park (named in honor of fallen Patrolman Cassie Johnson) to be completed within 60-90 days with a water source to be included later. Councilmember Cook added that the walking/bike path that will go around the perimeter of the golf course will be partially paved for ADA compliance, with the goal for it to be completely paved in the future. Councilmember Jenkins asked why the entrance was so far away from the parking. Councilmember Cook replied that it is because of a steep incline in that area. Additionally, there is parking on the other side of the playground, close to the entrance of the dog park. Councilmember Faegre asked if there was an estimate to be able to add the water feature to the dog park, and Councilmember Cook stated she will get that information to her. 4. Skate Park – Councilmember Cook stated there will be a few changes to the final design for the skate park. It will be maintained by Parks and Recreation, and construction is set to start in the Spring. She added that there will be a variety of structures for various skill levels. The people that will be using the park have had input into its design. Mayor Goodwin added that they had been meeting with about 25 skaters in the area to gather their input. 5. Magic Island – Councilmember Cook added that there is a lot of space that isn’t being used. She requested that the Committee members think of possible additions to Magic Island that would be an attraction but would also accommodate frequent flooding. She suggested shelters for gatherings. Councilmember Faegre expressed concern over the homeless population in that area. 6. Look Ahead to Spring/Summer – Mayor Goodwin added that Councilmember Robinson had brought up issues with turfing some of the fields, and had gotten some pricing for that. They are looking into January 28, 2021 securing funding to turf the MLK field as well as the Kanawha City field. Councilmember Robinson added that the goal is the make the MLK field multi-use with softball, baseball, football and soccer. Councilmember Cook added that Rec Centers remain open to e-learners and afterschool programs. They have seen consistent students in the North Charleston and Kanawha City Centers. There has not yet been a determination as to when the Centers will be fully open. Councilmember Cook added that renovations to the various Centers completed by the Parks and Recreation Department include: ADA restrooms, remodeled kitchen at MLK, flooring projects/upgrades to MLK, free public golf at Cato Park, updated lighting for the fields at North Charleston, free meals to all e-learners through partnership, back-to- school supplies for students through partnership, free shoes to school age kids through partnership, an afterschool program at Kanawha City through partnership, their first Pickle Ball Tournament, hosted an MLK Celebration, new public access computers at the North Charleston and MLK Centers, created hand-crafted Christmas decorations for outdoor display. Councilmember Cook commended the Department for adapting their Halloween and Christmas events during the pandemic. Councilmember Knauff asked for an update on the playground on Bigley Avenue. Sayles replied that they do intend to install a playground there this Spring. She was not sure if it will be the same type of playground, possibly with smaller, educational structures. Councilmember Robison added that ideally, they would be able to put a gate at the end of the alley for access to unloading/loading that would allow for the parking area to be closed off safely. Councilmember Knauff added that he will discuss it with the Board and Councilmember Bailey. Councilmember Faegre motioned to adjourn the meeting. Councilmember Robinson seconded. Meeting adjourned. January 28, 2021

Agenda

Packet

CITY OF CHARLESTON West Virginia Council Member – AT LARGE Caitlin Cook Parks & Recreation Committee, Chair 704 Lower Donnally Rd Environment and Recycling Committee Charleston, WV 25304 Telephone: 304.543.4879 caitlin.cook@cityofcharleston.org UNTIL FURTER NOTICE, MEETINGS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC VIA ZOOM A meeting of the Council Committee on Parks and Recreation will be held on January 28, 2021. The meeting will begin promptly at 5:30 PM. *Join via internet: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87864476450?pwd=dk1HMmZaVFFXUjFoMkpaa3hTWE9oZz09 Passcode: 656836 *Join via Telephone: (312) 626‐6799 or (929) 436‐2866 Webinar ID: 878 6447 6450 Agenda Approval of Previous Minutes 1. 10‐29‐2020 East End Dog Park Cato Park Skate Park Magic Island Look Ahead to Spring/Summer CC/ns City Council | 501 Virginia Street, East | Post Office Box 2749 | Charleston, West Virginia 25330 www.charelstonwv.gov | 304.348.8179 | 304.348.8038 fax Page | 1 of MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING 5:30 P. M., OCTOBER 29, 2020 *IN RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, THE MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE WAS CONDUCTED ELECTRONICALLY. THE MEETING WAS MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC AS A LIVE STREAM VIA ZOOM (PER THE AGENDA). Caitlin Cook, Chairperson, called the meeting of the Charleston City Council Committee on Parks and Recreation to order at 5:30p.m., OCTOBER 29, 2020. Committee Members Present: Caitlin Cook, Chair Chad Robinson, Vice Chair Jeanine Faegre Joseph Jenkins Pat Jones Deanna McKinney ABSENT: Robert Sheets A roll call was taken, and it was determined that a quorum was present. 1. Approval of Previous Minutes 2-27-2020 - Councilmember Faegre motioned to approve the minutes of the previous meeting on 2-27-2020. Councilmember Jones seconded. There was no objection and the minutes were approved. 2. Approval of Previous Minutes 9-9-2020 - Councilmember Faegre motioned to approve the minutes of the previous meeting on 9-9-2020. Councilmember Jones seconded. There was no objection and the minutes were approved. 3. Update on Dog Park – Councilmember Cook stated that the funding for the East End Dog Park and concept is progressing. Planning was heavily influenced by the surveys conducted by East End/ Main Streets group. She has meet with staff from Parks and Recreation to discuss location, types of activities, shade areas, improved seating areas, etc. Councilmember Cook thanked Parks and Recreation Director Rashaun Sayles, her team and Councilmembers Hoover and Steele for their work. She added that most likely, work will begin Spring 2021. October 29, 2020 Page | 2 of 4. Update on Rec Center WiFi Use for Students – Councilmember Cook stated that she is grateful to the Administration for opening the Rec Centers to provide wi-fi and a safe space for students. Sayles stated that there is an average of 28 kids using e- learning throughout all the centers. Improvements to the MLK Center include: painting, renovating the kitchen and the floor project. They are discussing upgrades to the field to bring back the Senior Softball League to the MLK Center. Projects that have had to be moved to Spring 2021 due to Covid-19 and the weather are: the multi-recreational area at the MLC Center, basketball courts and the splash pad at the East End Community Park. For Halloween, there will be a candy drive-through at MLK Center. 5. Update on Vandalia Pool Project – Councilmember Cook added that there is not anything new to report on this project. Sayles added that she just received the final proposal from the Vandalia Civic Club that day. The next step will be an MOU and consult with the Engineering Department. Councilmember Jenkins stated that, regarding the community grants, he mistakenly believed the Vandalia Club was a 503(c)(3), but they are not. Councilmember Faegre added that she wanted to contribute to the Edgewood Garden Club, but they are also not a 503(c)(3). She added that the State Garden Club is, and she was informed that funds she contributed will be distributed to the Club of her choosing. Mayor Goodwin advised that she will consult with the City Attorney and City Manager for legal guidance. 6. Chilton Trails – Councilmember Cook added that the trail in the South Hills area came from a donation from the Chilton family in 2005. She added that at the end of September, several students from GW helped Parks and Recreation clean the trail. Councilmember Cook acknowledged Daniel Carter, Giovani Periche, Adam Keith, Chase Compton and Chris Muto for taking initiative and ownership of their community. 7. Proposed Skatepark – Councilmember Cook added that Council had recently approved the MOU with the DoH to locate the skatepark under the I-64 bridge. She added the this is an outstanding location that will allow access to a lot of citizens. A working group, with a wide demographic, met to discuss what they would want from the skatepark. The project should be completed in 2021. Mayor Goodwin added that during the team townhall held on the West Side, the Administration was told that the new skatepark is meaningful to the young skating community in the City. The Mayor added that it will also bring in skaters from other areas into the City. The Brad and Alice Smith Foundation has expressed interest due to the project. The Mayor added that the bid will go out the following Monday. October 29, 2020 Page | 3 of 8. Proposed Updates to Cato Park – Councilmember Cook stated that Cato is the largest park in the City, home to the Parks and Recreation Department, a pool, a 9- hole golf course, soccer fields, several trails and a playground. Sayles added that they want to install a pump track, which may require moving several golf course holes, that will include and ADA area. A biking track will be installed along the perimeter of the golf course. Mayor Goodwin added that there were early discussions about closing the golf course at Cato due to low numbers. Due to Covid-19, the course has seen an increase in use. There will likely be changes to the course, however, to accommodate updates and additions to the park. Mayor Good added that the park is ideal for a cross-country training and competition course. There are also plans to add a dog park and archery course. 9. Miscellaneous – In reference to the North Charleston field, Councilmember Faegre asked about the condition of the concession stands. Sayles replied that the one by the little league field is in good condition. The one by the football field needs a lot of work, such as a new AC unit and an ice unit. Councilmember Jones added that they had previously discussed a way for children to cross the 4-way intersection on 7th Avenue to access the North Charleston Rec Center, and asked if there had been any new ideas for that. Sayles replied that there are currently signal buttons to cross. Councilmember Jones added that most kids don’t want to walk all the way to 21st Street. Instead, they cross at the bridge, which is dangerous. The Mayor suggested consulting with the Head of Streets and Traffic for a possible solution. Councilmember Jenkins mentioned that a parcel near Hamilton Trail at Danner Meadow can’t be used for anything expect trails. He added that the property sold for taxes a few years ago. He suggested that the Land Reuse Agency look into the property. Director of Planning, Dan Vriendt, added that he has walked that property, and he agreed the property would a great parcel to add to the Danner Meadow Park. Councilmember Faegre motioned to adjourn the meeting. Councilmember Jenkins seconded. Meeting adjourned. October 29, 2020 Page | 4 of