Recreation Advisory Commission

The City of Durham Parks & Recreation Department Recreation Advisory Commission Wednesday, September 11, 2019 DPR Training Room (1st Floor) 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Members Present: David Green, David Fellerath, Lesley Stracks-Mullem, Frank White, Eric Tullis, Rebecca Reyes, Kokou Nayo Members Excused/Unexcused: All present. City Council Liaison: Council Member Alston City Staff Present: Tom Dawson, Joy Guy Jason Jones, Rich Hahn, Rhonda Parker, Lynda Merritt Introduction/Call to Order: David G. called the meeting to order at 7:41 a.m. and welcomed those present. Approval of Minutes: Rebecca made a motion to approve the August 14, 2019 meeting minutes; seconded by David G. No further changes, whereupon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously adopted, the minutes were approved as presented. Adjustments to the agenda:  No adjustments to the agenda. Director’s Report:  DPR is now providing transportation to two additional DPR after school sites. DPR now provides transportation to W.D. Hill, Walltown Park, Campus Hills and Holton Recreation Center. We are now serving over 50 children. This was a pilot we started 2 years ago.  DPR staff are meeting with the Executive Director of the West End Community Foundation to discuss the recent shooting incidents near Lyon Park and share our safety concerns for DPR staff.  DPR’s Marketing Coordinator attended an ADA User Group Training to discuss accessibility as it related to web presence. DPR is in the process of making updates to DPRplaymore.org. and will continue to work with our staff, Public Affairs, and CivicPlus to ensure our website is as accessible as possible.  CompStat meeting/presentation – This will be an opportunity to educate the group on DPR’s challenges, ordinances, how they are assisting now and how they can assist us in the future. Staff developed a presentation that will be shared highlighting DPR’s struggles and concerns on September 19, 2019. Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, September 9, 2019 Page 1   The Demonstration Garden at West Point on the Eno continues to donate fresh produce through the Plan a Row program. In addition to the Hannah’s Kitchen food bank the garden will begin supporting the Fresh Produce Program at the Duke Outpatient Clinic. Patients identified as food insecure by their healthcare provider receive support through this program.  The W.D. Hill Recreation Center (named after W.D. Hill one of the founders of the Algonquin Tennis Club) was the backdrop land host for the unveiling of a North Carolina Historical Highway Marker and program celebrating the legendary Algonquin Tennis Club on Thursday, August 15, 2019. Among the many tennis greats who played at the tennis club during a time span ranging from the 1930’s thru the 1960’s included Arthur Ashe, Althea Gibson, John Lucas, Bonnie Logan, Joe Williams and Irwin Holmes. The history of the W.D. Hill Recreation Center is directly intertwined with the Algonquin Tennis Club and as a result was the perfect location for the historical marker program that followed the unveiling. State and Local dignitaries attended with a wide range of community members for this momentous historical moment. Approximately 200 people attended this event. The WD Hill Recreation Center staff worked on this project for months with former Councilmember Eddie Davis, the Quintessential 150th Committee and the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People. A W.D. Hill Team member even developed a historical video of pictures depicting the many activities hosted at the Algonquin Tennis Club.  The MyDurham Teen Initiative launched its first free summer program this year. The program ran June 17th – August 16, 2019, at both the Durham Teen Center at Lyon Park and the Weaver Street Recreation Center Monday through Friday (11 am – 4pm) for teenagers ages 13-18. In its first year the MyDurham Summer Program averaged 121.5 teens per week over 9 weeks, equaling 24.3 teens per day over 44 days at its two host sites. The program totaled 1,094 check-ins. Based on these check-ins, we had 135 unique participants. Each unique user returned to the program 8.1 times throughout the 9 week program. These totals are impressive as the vast majority of the teen participants were not mandated by parents to attend. The design of this free program combined with the frequency of trips and travel was pivotal for participants when making the self-guided decision to attend. It should also be noted that throughout the nine weeks of programming, the MyDurham Staffing Team was able to successfully manage teens from across the city, some of which had known gang affiliations with little to no incidents.  Duke Park Play Ground updates: o The tube slides attached to the tower structure at the Duke Park playground have been temporarily closed due to unsafe conditions created by the age of the equipment. We are currently working on finding replacement pieces, and we will reopen the slides when repairs have been completed. We anticipate this will take several months to complete. o The general age of a playground is 15 years. o The slide on the small play structure for children ages 2-5 will be removed. o The multi-pondo play element (standing teeter-totter) is broken and will be removed. o Staff are working to replace them asap.  Duke Park Bathhouse Deconstruction: o The project contractor was terminated due to the amount of time they were taking to complete the project. o Tom provided some background information on what happened. o Rhonda provided the steps involved in terminating a contractor. o DPR is working to salvage as many materials as possible. Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, September 9, 2019 Page 2   Toys @ Oval Park, American Village & Burch Ave. o Toys left in the parks are creating a safety hazard leading to risk and safety issues. o Park Maintenance staff have been moving the items prior to mowing and having to deal with them prior to an inclement weather event. o Joy shared pictures, one of which showed a toy car that was used to climb up and reach a bar that could possibly be seen as a safety risk, because children too young can reach the bar. o Liability issues may result if someone is injured. o Who is responsible for disposal? o The toys are not part of DPR’s playground standards inspections practice. o Nayo suggested working with a strategy to resolve this issue with the individual neighborhood residents.  Updates were provided on the following topics: o Elmira Tennis Courts o RBI Longball o Skate Park planning meeting  Vandalism: o WD Hill was hit by gunfire on Labor Day. A bullet went through the lobby window o Residents of nearby Oakwood Park are still reporting illegal activity and evidence of occupation in this park. Reports include drug trade and visible weapons Events:  Disable The Label has been relocated to CFLRC at Lyon Park on Saturday, October 19th from 11 am until 2:00 pm.  6th Annual Fiestas Patrias En Unirumba on Sunday, September 15th from 12 pm – 6:00 pm at the Compare Foods Parking Lot at 2000 Avondale Dr. RAC Reporting Items:  Leslie attended a Discover Durham meeting, she spoke with Susan Amey about the subject of sports tourism in Durham, Ms. Amey seemed surprised and delighted.  David F. attended the North Carolina Historical Highway Marker event at W.D. Hill on Thursday, August 15, 2019. RAC Action Items – Fee Waiver Requests Fee Waiver Request - Rich Hahn The RAC Action Items/Fee Waivers were presented.  Rebecca made a motion to approve all three fee waivers by consent (staff recommendation); the motion did not move. There were some questions asked of Rich. 1. Full Frame Event: Breakfast Film Festival Facility Request: Durham Armory Date(s) of Event: March 30 – April 6, 2019 Staff recommendation at 50% A motion was made by David G.; seconded by; Frank and unanimously approved. 2. Durham Lions Club Event: Annual Pancake Fundraiser Facility Request: Durham Armory Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, September 9, 2019 Page 3  Date(s) of Event: November 5-6, 2019 Staff recommendation at 50% A motion was made by Frank; it was seconded by David G. and unanimously approved. 3. Ellerbe Creek Watershed Event: 20th Anniversary Celebration Facility Request: Durham Armory Date(s) of Event: November 17, 2019 Staff recommendation at 25% there was some discussion before Frank’s final motion. Frank made motion to approve the request at 50%; it was seconded by David G. The motion passed in favor; 5 to 2 opposed (Rebecca & Leslie) Public Comment: No public comment. Old Business: Project Updates – Tom No updates at this meeting. RAC Priorities for FY20 – Lynda  It’s not too late to submit your feedback and suggestions. RAC Report to City Council – Lynda  The RAC Annual Report and presentation will be submitted in the agenda cycle beginning on 10/8/19; presentation time will be requested for the 10/24/19 City Council Work Session.  David G. will work with staff on the talking points of the presentation. New Business: Leslie left the meeting at 8:51 a.m. Committee Reports: DOST Report - Frank White  No report at this meeting. Park Safety Committee – Frank White  The Committee will meet immediately following the RAC meeting to discuss their strategies. Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission (BPAC) - David Fellerath  The Transportation Department provided a presentation on “Go Durham”.  Scooter Updates: some statistics were shared, three companies are operating them, and they are being used across the city. 22% of scooter users represent low to moderate incomes.  Volunteers are needed for the bike event on October 26th Hillandale Advisory Committee – Rebecca Reyes  No report at this meeting. Open Discussion:  Special recognition to Marge Clemons for her years of service. Staff will provide a card for members thanking her and wishing her well. A motion was made to adjourn at 8:57 a.m.; it was seconded. Next RAC Meeting Wednesday, October 9, 2019 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. st DPR Training Room – 1 Floor Minutes respectfully submitted by Lynda Merritt: Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, September 9, 2019 Page 4