Parks and Recreation Committee

Regular Meeting

Charleston, WV · July 29, 2021

Minutes

MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING THE MEETING WAS HELD IN PERSON AND MADE AVAILABLE AS A LIVE STREAM PER THE AGENDA 6:30 P. M., JULY 29, 2021 Caitlin Cook, Chairperson, called the meeting of the Charleston City Council Committee on Parks and Recreation to order at 6:30p.m., July 29, 2021. Committee Members Present: Caitlin Cook, Chair Chad Robinson, Vice Chair Jeanine Faegre (via Zoom) Joseph Jenkins Deanna McKinney (via Zoom) Committee Members Absent: Robert Sheets A roll call was taken, and it was determined that a quorum was present. 1. Approval of Previous Minutes 6-24-2021– Councilmember Robinson motioned to approve the minutes of the previous meeting on 6-24-2021. Councilmember Faegre seconded. There were no objections, and the minutes were approved. July 29, 2021 2. Earl Llyod Sr. Family Basketball Courts – Councilmember Cook introduced Earl Llyod Jr., the son of Earl Lloyd Sr. She added that the Lloyd family reached out to the City. Lloyd stated that his father first visited Charleston in the summer of 1946. While attending West Virginia State, he was a three- time All-Conference Player and was a two-time All-American player. Around 1948/49, his team was the only undefeated team in the US. The Lloyd family approached the City about naming a basketball court or park after him. Lloyd added that it would be an honor to do this for his father. His father made it possible for every African American player after him to be in the NBA as he was the first. After he started playing for the NBA, he would return to Charleston every summer to give basketball clinics to underprivileged children. Lloyd added that they would be able to get the NBA, the Detroit Pistons and the Washington Wizards (formally the Washington Capitols) on board if the City agreed. Llyod also added that there are two recreation centers not names after anyone, North Charleston and Kanawha, and would like to see one of them names after him. Councilmember Cook added that Lloyd had also expressed interest in having the new park on the West Side named after his father as well. She asked what the NBA teams/family would be able to contribute. Lloyd replied that they would be able to get involved financially for whatever the park needed. His vision was to have something named after his father. Councilmember Cook added that the Committee could draft a resolution and send it to Council for the naming/dedication. Councilmember Jenkins stated that typically when there is a naming, etc. the family involved would commit funds. The price of the new park had been estimated at approximately $200,000. He added that there could also be a sponsorship at the rec centers for an after-school program. Councilmember Cook suggested that the courts at the MLK Center could be renamed after Lloyd Sr., and they could bring back the clinics. Parks and Recreation Director, Rashaun Sayles, added that she would like Lloyd to provide a written background of his father’s history and his relationship with Charleston, particularly concerning the clinics. Lloyd added that he could put together a packet to show that it shouldn’t be an issue to get funds from the various entities. Councilmember Faegre added that it would be a great idea to name the park after him. She added that he shouldn’t have to pay anything to be able to name it after his father. Councilmember McKinney agreed that the City should be able to do this to keep the memory of Lloyd Sr. alive. Councilmember Robinson added that his father also worked for Bing Steel Corporation in Community Development. Councilmember Cook thanked Lloyd for joining the Committee, and added that they would touch base with him next month. They would also develop a list of contacts for the possible sponsorship. She added that the City is definitely interested in honoring the first African American NBA player. Assistant Director, Jennifer Neal, added that a November time frame would work out well, as that is when WV State honors Lloyd Sr. July 29, 2021 3. Skate Park Update – Councilmember Cook added that almost half of the skate park is finished. Sayles added that that they had to chain off the area due to someone trying to break in. Councilmember Cook added that she saw on Facebook people were trying to identify who that was, so there has been some peer accountability to keep the park safe and in good shape. 4. East End Park Update - Councilmember Cook added that the concrete had been poured for the splash pad, and the pump house would be finished by the end of the week. 5. Miscellaneous - Sayles added that the North Charleston pool has been running. The MLK pool is running as well, but they will not be able to open it without more lifeguards. July is Parks and Recreation month, and there will be a party on the 31st. Councilmember Faegre added that there a church on the West Side is having a gathering at West Side Middle School. She had asked the CFD about their dunking booth, and she learned that it was given to the South Charleston Fire Department. Concerning the proposed parking pad on Valley Road to access Cato Park, she stated that the City Engineer is working to redesign it so that it does not affect the residents. Councilmember Cook confirmed that the parking pad is likely to be on Baker Lane, which would shorten the walking trail. Councilmember Faegre asked if the walking trail would impact sleigh riding during the winter. Councilmember Cook replied that it did not seem like sleigh riding would be eliminated. Councilmember Jenkins motioned to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned. July 29, 2021

Agenda

Packet

CITY OF CHARLESTON West Virginia Council Member – AT LARGE Caitlin Cook Parks & Recreation Committee, Chair 1534 Summit Drive Environment and Recycling Committee Charleston, WV 25302 Telephone: 304.543.4879 caitlin.cook@cityofcharleston.org THIS MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE AND CAN BE ATTENDED IN PERSON AND CAN BE VIEWED LIVE VIA ZOOM (audio only) AV Room #308, City Hall Charleston, WV A meeting of the Council Committee on Parks and Recreation will be held on July 29, 2021. The meeting will begin promptly at 6:30 PM. *Join via internet: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88977688725?pwd=TFdnUHNjN1Y3YW55TDhpVmtNMEd4UT09 Passcode: 629774 *Join via Telephone: (312) 626‐6799 or (929) 436‐2866 Webinar ID: 889 7768 8725 Agenda APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES 1. 6‐24‐2021 DISCUSSION 1. Earl Lloyd Sr. Family Basketball Courts 2. Skate park update ADJOURN 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 THE MEETING WAS HELD IN AND MADE AVAILABLE AS A LIVE STREAM PER THE AGENDA 5:30 P. M., JUNE 24, 2021 Caitlin Cook, Chairperson, called the meeting of the Charleston City Council Committee on Parks and Recreation to order at 5:30p.m., JUNE 24, 2021. Committee Members Present: Caitlin Cook, Chair Jeanine Faegre via Zoom Joseph Jenkins via Zoom Robert Sheets Committee Members Absent: Chad Robinson, Vice Chair Pat Jones Deanna McKinney A roll call was taken, and it was determined that a quorum was present. June 24, 2021 Page | 2 of 1. Approval of Previous Minutes 4-29-2021– Councilmember Faegre motioned to approve the minutes of the previous meeting on 5- 27-2021. Councilmember Sheets seconded. There were no objections, and the minutes were approved. 2. Disc Golf at Cato Park – Councilmember Cook introduced John Butterworth, Neighborhood Planner with the Planning Department and Jeff Pierson, Director of Public Art. They gave a presentation in favor of having a disc golf course at Cato Park. Highlights of the presentation include:  It’s a low-impact social sport that can be shared with families of all ages.  It has a low-cost barrier.  Most courses coexist with other park uses.  There has been an increase in interest nationally as well as in West Virginia over the past several years. There were 3,437 sanctioned events in the country in 2020; there are projected to be 5,000 sanctioned events in 2021.  Most courses are free to play.  It has diverse levels of play, from recreational to professional.  There is an opportunity for economic development from tournaments, local sales, tourism, etc. Councilmember Cook added that a course at Cato Park would be the most eastern course in West Virginia, making it a good opportunity for Charleston. She added that now would be the time to invest in a course while people are still in the outdoor mindset from the pandemic. Butterworth showed the Committee a map of the proposed course, which was situated around the existing golf course. Each hole would have 2 different tee off spots depending on skill level. The Director of Parks and Recreation, Rashaun Sayles, added that they would need to look into increasing their staff for maintenance. Councilmember Cook agreed that it would be important to maintain the City’s investment. Butterworth agreed, adding that public reviews would have a high impact. Councilmember Faegre added that the addition of disc golf was a wonderful idea. She asked about the cost. Butterworth replied that from the initial quotes, the course would cost about $17,000 for materials. Councilmember Sheets suggested that the clubhouse could rent out the discs. Councilmember Sheets motioned that the Committee recommend to the Administration that a disc golf course be installed at Cato Park Councilmember Faegre seconded. With the members being present having voted in the majority as affirmative, the Chair declared the motion as approved. June 24, 2021 Page | 3 of 3. Resolution No. 492-21 – Resolution No. 492-21 - Authorizing the Mayor or City Manager to enter into a lease agreement with Charleston Urban Renewal Authority for the City to construct community basketball courts and other related community park infrastructure on property situated on the southeast corner of the intersection of Washington Street West and Beatrice Street. Councilmember Cook added that the Committee had previously discussed this. She added that this was a good opportunity to put a recreational space on the West Side. The only thing that had been on this property was a small farmer’s market. Councilmember Faegre added that it was a wonderful idea, but she had concerns that the area was not safe. It will be important to have a visible police presence. Councilmember Cook added that she appreciated those concerns, but this presents an opportunity to add a park and more lighting to that area, which would probably make it safer. Councilmember Sheets motioned to approve the resolution. Councilmember Faegre seconded. With the members being present having voted in the majority as affirmative, the Chair declared Resolution No. 492-21 as approved. 4. Miscellaneous – Councilmember Cook added that the department has had problems staffing lifeguards for the summer. The new pumphouse at North Charleston has been working really well. Councilmember Sheets motioned to adjourn the meeting. Councilmember Jenkins seconded. Meeting adjourned. June 24, 2021 Page | 4 of