Recreation Advisory Commission

Recreation Advisory Commission September 8, 2021 Call To Order: A meeting of the Durham Recreation Advisory Commission was held on this day via video conference. Commissioners present via video conference: September 8, 2021. Chair Fellerath called the meeting to order at 7:35am. Commissioner Reyes was an (excused) absence and Commissioners Scurlock- Jones, Tullis and Nayou were unexcused absences. Attendance was confirmed by roll call. I. Adjustments to the Agenda: Chairperson Fellerath moved Item IV. 1 October 13th Retreat to Item IV. 3 under Old Business/New Business. II. Public Comment: None III. Consent Agenda 1. Approval of Minutes: Karthik made a motion to approve the August 11, 2021 meeting minutes; seconded by Lesley; no further changes, whereupon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously adopted, the minutes were approved as presented. 2. RAC Action Items – Fee Waiver Requests (Rich Hahn) None IV. Old Business / New Business 1. Aquatics Presentation (Jason Jones, Assistant Director)  Jason began the presentation with a list and brief overview of current facilities offered by DPR with aquatic features.  The presentation highlighted pool features from Edison Johnson, Hillside, Forest Hills and Long Meadow and gave a brief history of each of the areas.  Jason gave updates on the spraygrounds at each park, aquatic staffing challenges and opportunities. He stated they were able to serve 3,500 swimmers over the summer at the three outdoor pools.  Jason outlined the future plans for aquatics facilities moving forward inclusive of the Durham Aquatics Facilities Master Plan and the Wheels Fun Park acquisition. Presentation Q & A:  There was discussion about the decommissioning of pools and their replacements and relocations. Jason stated the processes involved and how the Durham Aquatics Facilities Master Plan is intertwined with the planning for future developments.  There was discussion on concentric circles and the accountability of pedestrians who utilize the facilities and accessibility. Jason stated the packet he provided has more information regarding this.  There was discussion regarding private swim lessons and pool leagues. Jason stated the pandemic has limited these offerings but the capability is there. He also stated how the national shortage has impacted lifeguard staffing and training. Recreation Advisory Commission September 2021 Meeting Minutes Meeting conducted via zoom Page 1  2. Hoover Road Updates (Tom Dawson, Assistant Director)  The presentation highlighted updates on the athletic park at Hoover Road inclusive of construction progress, community engagement and timelines. Tom shared live pictures taken by drone to display the ongoing development and its progress.  Tom shared future plans for the development of the space inclusive of playgrounds, fields, lighting, bathrooms and picnic areas.  He shared the development of Wheels Fun Park and how it fits into DPR’s recreation system. He stated opportunities available and utilization of amenities in the space.  He discussed the need for non-athletic based recreation/play and plans for those spaces. He displayed examples of community parks and marking the sense of entry into the parks along with play and nature zones.  Tom shared the timeline inclusive of community engagements, programming and volunteer groups. Presentation Q & A:  There was discussion about utilizing some of the undeveloped spaces as gathering areas for families and children who could spectate the sports being played at the athletic fields.  There was discussion regarding how announcements are presented to the community and how information is being communicated to the community. Tom stated how Neighborhood Improvement Services (NIS) is utilized to advise and transmit information to community members. Tom stated that DPR relies heavily on local champions.  There was discussion about a further expansion of Hoover Road and the further opportunities available for the land. Additional discussion was had regarding the possibility of a library and further opportunities for pedestrians. 3. October 13th Retreat – 5:30PM – 8PM (identify/finalize topics)  There was discussion regarding the amendments of the RAC’s by-laws, formal introductions, and setting a mission/goals and priorities for the RAC.  David recommended a goody bag or meal to be provided to the Commissioners as a token of appreciation. Lesley stated that herself and Lynda were working towards purchasing food locally for the retreat. David and Lesley volunteered to manage this and its execution.  Frank stated he would like a ‘fun’ factor at the retreat using trivia and ice breakers. Lynda stated she would assist. V. Director’s Report: Wade Walcutt  A copy of the director’s report was included in each RAC packet that members received. Upon your review, send Wade any questions you may have regarding its content.  Wade reiterated utilizing community support to assist with decision making for the Hoover Park Road Project starting with the Merrick Moore community. He stated the involvement of the RAC Commissioners and their participation in current and future community events.  Wade stated he was happy to assist and provide information with any agenda items for the October Retreat. Recreation Advisory Commission September 2021 Meeting Minutes Meeting conducted via zoom Page 2  VI. Commissioner Comments & Committee Reports: Durham Open Space and Trails Commission Report (DOST) (Karthik Sundaramoorthy)  Karthik stated Wade was present the last meeting. He stated the DOST was searching for a new chairperson and new commission members. Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission Report (BPAC) (David Fellerath)  David stated there were additional openings on the BPAC as well. He stated there was no longer a voting member seat for a staff liaison from the RAC on the BPAC. Hillandale Advisory Committee (Rebecca Reyes/ Lesley Stracks-Mullem)  No report at this meeting Open Discussion:  David opened the floor to other Commissioners who participated in or interacted in DPR community engagement. Lesley mentioned the newest edition of Indy Week that featured pickle ball and the Piney Wood Project. Karthik stated his family utilizing the programs at Herndon Park and swimming pool.  Karthik stated he has been promoting squash in the area and he has been working with U.S. Squash and its development of a local program.  Lesley stated she would make information available via chat about a funding project. David adjourned the meeting at 9:02AM. Next RAC Meeting: Wednesday, October 13, 2021 Retreat - 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm Minutes respectfully submitted by Paola R. Roland: Recreation Advisory Commission September 2021 Meeting Minutes Meeting conducted via zoom Page 3