Parks and Recreation Commission

Parks & Recreation Commission (PRC) Thursday, August 7, 2025 Cornelius Town Hall 5:30 – 7 p.m. www.cornelius.org/pr MINUTES 1) Call to Order Vice-Chair Eustache called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m. 2) Determination of Quorum A quorum was reached with six commissioners in attendance.  Commissioners present: Vice-Chair Carla Eustache, Jon Show, Robert Reed, Andrew Heywood, Jana Ritter, Travis Dancy, and Town Commissioner Michael Osborne  Commissioners absent: Chair Trey Fouche, Jeff Jones, Steve True  Staff present: Director Troy Fitzsimmons, Assistant Director Adam Abernathy, Recreation Programs Manager John Anderson, Recreation Programs Assistant Rashad Hart, and Executive Assistant Mary Curcione 3) Public Appearances – Citizen Concerns/Comments None 4) Approval of Minutes a) June 2025 Draft Minutes  Vice-Chair Eustache made a motion to approve the minutes from the June 5, 2025, meeting as presented. Commissioner Dancy seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. 5) Presentations a) Recreation Programs Update – John Anderson & Rashad Hart  John Anderson and Rashad Hart presented the FY25 Annual Recreation Centers Report, highlighting program participation, facility usage, and upcoming initiatives for FY26. 6) Director’s Report a) June/July 2025 Director’s Report  Director Fitzsimmons shared updates on recent and upcoming special events, facility improvements, staff promotions, and the upcoming transportation sales tax referendum. 7) Parks & Recreation Commissioner Recommendations & Reports a) Items to be placed on record b) Commissioner Reports  Vice-Chair Carla Eustache o Attended the Strategic Planning Long-Range Finance Committee (SPLRF) meeting where they discussed the Park Bonds, park maintenance and improvement, priority projects, and received feedback from the committee on the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for FY27.  Chair Trey Fouche – Absent  Commissioner Jeff Jones – Absent  Commissioner Jon Show o His son is enjoying his time as a counselor at the half-day sports camps. o He intends to include more parks coverage in Cornelius Today; next month the magazine will have a Park Bonds focus.  Commissioner Steve True – Absent  Commissioner Robert Reed  o Kudos were extended to Athletics Program Manager Shelby Cruse and the Athletics Department for a job well done with the Sports Summer Camps. o Both he and his child enjoyed the new Martial Arts camp, a sentiment echoed by Kinchen Martial Arts Academy. o Additional praise was given for the Tennis Camp, particularly for its well-organized operations and strong safety measures during check-in/check-out. o He attended Symphony in the Park & Fireworks and thought it was a fantastic event.  Commissioner Andrew Heywood – No Comment  Commissioner Jana Ritter o Attended the North Meck Community Farmer’s Market the last two weeks and felt the past week (July 30) was slow; would like to see more people attend weekly. o Lake Norman Tennis Association (LNTA) is starting a brand-new social tennis league at the new Bailey Road Park Court Complex this September called “Mixed Up Dubs” and she encouraged the commissioners to spread the word and create their own teams, if interested. o Lakeside Living plans to have a Park Bonds feature in one of their fall issues as well.  Commissioner Travis Dancy – No Comment c) Town Commissioner Report – Commissioner Michael Osborne o Extremely supportive of the communication and transparency regarding the Park Bonds. o He noted there is significant crossover between the Parks & Recreation Commission (PRC) and the Transportation Advisory Board (TAB), emphasizing the importance of improving access to parks. He suggested that now is the time to prioritize and explore a joint ranking of shared projects the two boards can agree upon. o He expressed interest in standardizing electric bike speed limits on sidewalks and greenways, while noting uncertainty regarding proper management, enforcement, and safety measures. He emphasized the need for continuity across Mecklenburg County. 8) Old Business a) Parks & Recreation Code of Ordinances Update  Director Fitzsimmons built on Commissioner Osborne’s comments and noted that electric bike popularity has exploded and regulations regarding appropriate speed limits, enforcement, and safety are under review, so updates are on hold until these matters are resolved.  Director Fitzsimmons will serve as the liaison between the PRC and TAB. b) Parks & Recreation Commission Goals & Committees  Public Awareness o Commissioner Ritter stated that if the Bailey Road Park Court Complex is not ready for mid- September, perhaps there could be a soft opening leading up to the grand opening later in the fall. o Assistant Director Abernathy said the Department will have a better idea of the Bailey Road Park Court Complex’s opening date after August 22. c) 2024 Park Bonds 9) New Business a) Proposed FY26 Park Maintenance & Improvement Projects List  Commissioner Reed made a motion to approve the FY26 project list. Commissioner Ritter seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. 10) Adjournment Vice-Chair Eustache adjourned the meeting at 6:52 p.m. Next PRC Meeting – Thursday, September 4, 2025 Future PRC Meetings – Thursdays, October 2, November 6, and December 4, 2025 Next Town Board Meetings – Monday, August 18 and Tuesday, September 2, 2025