Coralville Civil Service

Coralville Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes May 21, 2012 Call to Order Commission Chairperson Fred Fevold called the meeting to order at time 7:01 p.m. Present were Commission Members Marti Mount and David Thayer, Council Member Jill Dodds, and Parks and Recreation Director Sherri Proud. Citizen Comments None Approval of Minutes Commission Member Mount made the motion to approve the meeting minutes from April 16, 2012 with the addition of the Parks and Recreation Director’s response related to trash at Rotary Camp Park. Commission Member Thayer seconded the motion; unanimous approval. Director’s Report Parks and Recreation Director Proud reported that the Parks and Transit have been moving into the new facility. Departments are in various stages of the move depending on their need to repack, transition of materials being moved from storage sites, and occupancy leases. The City will eventually be able to house all vehicles under a roof once the moves are final. Proud noted that currently Recreation Accessibility, Inc., a Chicago based agency, has been hired by the City to evaluate park and recreation facilities in regards to ADA rules, regulations and access. Proud noted that this is an opportunity to target city needs as well as considerations for future development. Concern has been noted that the developers and consultants utilized for projects across the City may or may not be aware or have been aware of the current ADA requirements. Discussions have been held regarding past, current and projected changes related to ADA requirements. Proud noted that there will be some requirements which will need immediate attention and others that will be scheduled across a timeline. A report will be compiled and provided. Commission Member Mount inquired about whether the consultants of recent projects would be held liable. Commission Member Thayer inquired whether the consultants’ responsibilities would be released when the city accepts the project. Proud noted that changes in standards from when a project has been initiated and bid to a project being finalized may have created obstacles for projects not meeting these standards. Proud noted that the learning process has been beneficial and has created a greater awareness specific to accessibility related to code standards and related design standards. Master Plan – Coralville Creekside Ballpark Proud presented the Phase 2 Master Plan. Proud shared the frustration and challenge being addressed given that the park itself has provided the grounds for the numbers and an increased number of participants and teams yet the park is not making the goal of being near to self sufficiency. She reviewed how the programming has been maximized for use with teams, evenings, and play times. Given the change in expenses encompassing part of the Supervisor’s salary and benefits, the revenues have not provided a break even budget. Proud noted that considerations related to the location of the ballpark, the field layout, the amenities for families during game times, lack of playground features, location for teams to hang out before and after their scheduled games, and drop in concessions sales have all been factors related to the challenge and deficits in the revenues/budget. Proud shared that brainstorming sessions have been held to target the concerns and utilize the open space areas remaining in the ballpark area:  sand volleyball relocation from Dovetail Recreation Area or sand volleyball onsite with the other location also maintained – either recreational or league  picnic table features and shaded open space areas  bocce ball courts  lighting to expand ball seasons and play opportunities  playground structures   mixed adult and family activity spaces  use of artistic designs and eco blocks  building features and farmland features – prairie structures, bank barns, gable roof buildings  varied fencing and ground markers For the playground area, varied amenities were proposed: festival thematic play structures including tunnels, wood stumps, tree house structures, and splash pads. Commission Member Mount inquired about how these features might be available to the public beyond the league schedule. Proud shared that preliminary planning studies have included many of these amenities and features. Proud noted that targeting a social space would address several of the current challenges if developed correctly. The proposal includes a central location with features including a fireplace, open and partial areas, and billiards. Commission Members discussed how this location could be utilized for not only the ballpark activities but other venues. In addition, the options which may be considered for the Charles Gay would also be expanded beyond the league play to include options for farmers market, trailheads, rentals, camps, etc. Johnson County Historical Society is interested in coupling with the City of Coralville on programming for the latter site. Proud noted that fundraising to raise a barn feature to encompass the options to address the challenge would be necessary. Proud shared with the Commission that the thought of abandoning the original Master Plan would be difficult given the justifications related to the site bringing in tournaments and additional league play options. The Plan targeted a destination park for Master play targeting the sport, leisure, and tourism. Commission Member Thayer inquired about the playground amenities being accessible to children with varying disabilities. He noted that a location like this may have adults who are capable of playing in team based sports while having children who may not. Thayer encouraged the questions to be asked as to how the site will be provided for all children. Council Report Council Member Dodds invited the Commission and encouraged members to share about the two presentations by respective developers targeting Old Towne Coralville. The presentations will be provided in the City Hall Chambers prior to the Council the next evening. Dodds encouraged members and the community to review the information and provide feedback for the developers and the Council. Commission Comments Commission Chairperson Fred Fevold No additional comments. Commission Member Marti Mount No additional comments. Commission Member David Thayer No additional comments. Adjournment Commission Member Fevold released the Commission to the Coralville Creekside Adult Softball Park to review the plans shared during the meeting at 7:54 p.m.