Park & Recreation Board - Rescheduled From 11/5/2024

Park and Recreation Board Meeting Minutes Tuesday, November 4, 2024 – 7:00 p.m. Present: Gary Harris, James Lannon, Doreen McVaugh, Molly Crotty, Matt Reece, Karissa Elser, and Recreation and Special Events Coordinator Caitlin Hernandez. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. The minutes from the October 1, 2024 meeting were approved as submitted. James wanted to have a Booorough Bash Follow-up. The feedback overall was positive, but Karissa asked for less glue with the crafts next year. James also mentioned that there needed to be more clarity surrounding parking and directional signs. Also, James thinks more promotion for the events and activities can happen on the website. Caitlin believes the event could end in an hour and a half versus the original two hours. Caitlin would like to expand on this year’s event for next year, and the Board agrees to her suggestions. James gave a Skate Park Follow-Up. James thinks the idea of a skatepark in the Doylestown area is excellent, but having one in the Borough is unsuitable for many reasons, specifically pushback from neighbors. He proposes that the skate park organizers pitch their idea to Doylestown Township for a skate park in Central Park. James asked board members to share their feedback with him or Caitlin before the next meeting so that it could be compiled and shared with the skate park organizers. Caitlin shared a new Craft Workshop Proposal. Donna from Allora on E State Street has experience with “make-and-take" workshops. She would like to host one or two in Council Chambers once a month. Hosting an evening weeknight is not feasible, but weekends would make scheduling easier. Caitlin will discuss the financial portion with the Finance department and how it will work with the money. Gary has voiced several concerns surrounding public/private partnerships. Caitlin explained that this partnership would be like the Yoga in the Park partnership. Gary is amenable to that sort of pairing. The board had an extensive conversation about the topic. James would like to have procedures for allowing private businesses to use Council Chambers before this specific proposal is taken to the Borough Council for approval. The question of “for-profit” organizations using the space also arose several times. Caitlin will work on a document setting procedures for businesses to rent Borough Hall and bring it to the December Park and Rec meeting. James updated on the proposed Dog Park at 280 N Broad St. The sketch plan was shared in the packet. This dog park is part of an overall development that will be built in Doylestown Township. This park will be open to the public with no “membership” requirements. Completion will be anywhere from two to three years away. Caitlin provided the Bike/Hike Report. The ribbon cutting for the new portion of the path on Shady Retreat will take place on November 17th. Caitlin also shared the Recreation Director Report. Pavilion rentals are up over $500 for the year. DAA and Plumstead softball have partnered for their season, which may skew the number of rentals for Burpee and Neis. We also had an increase in Arts and Crafts overall for the summer, with approximately 70 children participating daily. Chapman also had an increase in rental revenue for the 2024 season. Caitlin gave an update on all the other programs and shared numbers for the Borough-sponsored activities. The board discussed raising fees for the Arts and Crafts program. James suggested we try one more year at the current fee schedule and then re-evaluate the fees for 2026. James also wants to hold off on discussing Outdoor Games for now. James gave the Comprehensive Plan Update. The second rough draft will be available in November, and the link to that draft will be available to all the Boards and Commissions in December. A complete plan will be given in the first quarter of 2025. This process has been happening for nearly three years, and James is excited for it to be complete. James will continue to advocate for the Council’s support of the Borough’s park system. Old/New Business None There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 pm. Respectively Submitted by Erika Fellman Parks and Recreation Minutes Secretary