Park And Recreation Board Meeting

Park and Recreation Board Meeting Minutes Tuesday, October 3, 2023 – 7:00 p.m. Present: Gary Harris, James Lannon, Doreen McVaugh, Pat Keppler, Elizabeth Wyckoff, Recreation and Special Events Coordinator Caitlin Hernandez, and Borough Manager John Davis. Also in attendance were Council members Dennis Livrone and Amy Popkin Taylor. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. The Minutes from the September 5, 2023, meeting were approved as amended. 2024 Capital Budget Update was provided by John Davis. The drinking fountains were a recent addition to the budget since a few were broken. This could be considered a maintenance item. We do have a $73,000 item to create public restrooms in the vacant space of Borough Hall which has been placed in the Municipal Building Budget. These facilities will serve the park as well as whatever use this space may have in the future. John told the Board they need to decide what their priorities are within the budget. The Borough Dam aerator for $8,000 should be covered by the Friends of the Borough Dam since it will be exclusively for their use, and they are aware of the expense. John clarified the $8,000 expense will not be coming from the Park and Recreation budget, nor will tax dollars be used to pay for this item. The volleyball and tennis court upgrades are carried over from last year’s budget. The nets and hardware on the tennis courts are the priority for upgrades to be completed. James is in favor of the bocce courts to be added to Wood Street Park. This will be the more expensive option because there are upgrades that will be needed, such as a stormwater management issue and correcting a very narrow driveway in the park. James believes there is demand for bocce courts. With all the sitework, it will be approximately $8,000. The grass areas could be improved. John spoke to the Township and their bocce courts are not getting much use. John is having some difficulty substantiating the costs. James noted while it may not be feasible to include the bocce courts in the 2024 budget, he would like to see it completed sooner rather than later since costs tend to go up year after year and construction of the bocce courts would allow for some other larger projects to be completed at the Wood Street Park. If we add bocce, we will be able to make the necessary improvements at the park at the same time. John suggested we reach out to the neighbors since this is a new element and the neighborhood is close in proximity to the park. The Board had a productive discussion about the items listed in the 2024 Capital Budget. James believes all the items listed are a priority and would like to present this budget to Council. A motion was made and approved to do so. Comprehensive Plan Update was provided by James Lannon. The Bucks County Planning Commission consultants took all the feedback we received from our workshops and prepared a multi-slide presentation. At our last Planning Commission meeting we did not make it through one slide in 2 hours. We are trying to determine what is a land development issue and what of those issues are attainable. Bike/Hike Report was provided by Liz Wyckoff. The biggest news is the trail from Shady Retreat will begin construction in January of 2024. It connects the communities on the other side of 611. The Witches bike ride is October 28, 2023. It has gotten so popular that Discover Doylestown has agreed to take it under their umbrella. It will begin at Broad Commons Park and weave its way through town.  Park and Recreation Board Meeting Minutes Tuesday, October 3, 2023 – 7:00 p.m. Manager’s Report Nothing to report. Recreation Director’s Report was provided by Caitlin Hernandez. The major work is wrapping up at the playground at Broad Commons. Benches will be installed and the ribbon cutting for the playground will happen on October 16, 2023. Burpee Park had a large tree taken down and new trees will be planted along Church St. There was a major clean up at Star Park. The Historical Society Park renovations have begun. Hillside Park had dead trees removed and new shrubberies will be planted. Trail cameras will be installed to help capture and deter vandals. Scenic strolls are off to a great start, with an increase in participants each week. All the softball fields are getting great use. The volleyball program will not happen this fall due to a lack of participants. The Pride Outdoor Movie night will be happening at Broad Commons Park this year. They are showing The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Old/New Business Under Old Business, James wanted to follow up about adding a 3rd session to the Arts and Crafts program. John confirmed a 3rd session will be added but fees are to be determined. Liz asked about adding an option for donations since the registration is going to be electronic. It may help bring in additional revenue for the program. There was also a conversation about SandYard contributing to the cost of upgrades to the volleyball courts. It has been difficult to get Melinda to settle on anything. In New Business, there is a concern about the height of the grass across from the Post Office on Atkinson Dr. Public Works is aware and they are working towards getting everything addressed. Liz wanted to know about the survey from the pop-up bike lane on Doyle St. Once everything is wrapped up, John will have that information available. The lanes are scheduled to remain once this program is over. There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 8:04 pm. Respectively Submitted by Erika Fellman Parks and Recreation Minutes Secretary