Recreation Advisory Commission

Recreation Advisory Commission October 13, 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: October 13, 2021. Chair Fellerath called the meeting to order at 5:44PM. Commissioners Scurlock-Jones and Tullis were unexcused absences. Attendance was confirmed by roll call. I. Adjustments to the Agenda: None II. Public Comment: None III. RAC Community Engagement Events (Reporting Items) Frank stated ArtFest was taking place on October 23rd and he invited other Commissioners to join at Central Park. Chairperson Fellerath stated he attended the grand re-opening of the Belmont Park where it featured a new bicycle pump track. Karthik stated he attended the public input event at Hoover Road Park and its inclusivity of the community. Cedric stated he partnered with DPR and its soccer academy and received positive feedback from the community. IV. Consent Agenda 1. Approval of Minutes: Lesley made a motion to approve the September 8, 2021 meeting minutes; seconded by Cedric; 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) Lesley made a motion to accept all fee waivers as recommended by staff; seconded by Cedric. All in favor, motion passes unanimously. 1. The Center for Documentary Studies Event Full Frame Festival Facility Request The Armory Dates April 4 – 11, 2022 Fee waiver application approved by consent at 100% Lesley adjourned the meeting at 5:59PM. Next RAC Meeting: Wednesday, November 10, 2021 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Minutes respectfully submitted by Paola R. Roland Recreation Advisory Commission October 2021 Meeting Minutes Meeting conducted via zoom Page 1  Recreation Advisory Commission October 13, 2021 RAC Retreat V. RAC Retreat A. Introduction and Board Strengths Commissioners thanked Chairperson Fellerath for his time served as Chairperson on the RAC. Commissioners took turns with an ice breaker and discussed their favorite holiday dishes and their personal recreational opportunities. B. Core Responsibilities: Wade explained the role of advisory boards and their core responsibilities. He stated how boards can be helpful to our organization and specific ideas, projects and initiatives the RAC can incorporate to assist. Wade stated how advisory boards assist with community engagement and how it shapes outreach as they are reflective of the demographics and needs of the community. He stated the importance of universal access through DPR and how the RAC can strengthen, advocate and connect DPR to the public.  There was discussion between Commissioners about how to address personal needs and involvement with residents. Wade stated DPR would provide information and resources to residents to ensure current and future developments were aligned with the needs and wants of the community.  There was discussion between Commissioners about the importance of “grassroots”, innovation, and the inclusivity of the public. Commissioners stated different examples of how Commissioners are addressed in their communities and how they can provide information via the RAC to fellow residents. There was discussion regarding opportunities within the soccer community, neighboring community parks and assets provided by these parks.  Commissioners discussed the preservation of green space and underutilized green spaces within the community. Councilmember Freelon agreed the preservation of green space is a priority for City Council and used Wheels Fun Park as an example of acquirement of real estate by the City. C. Goals / Initiatives: Wade shared the DPR Annual Work Plan and how it is utilized as both an internal and external tool to assist with providing information to community residents. The work plan showcased fundamental pillars consisting of programs/services, core focus areas, budgeting, engagement, and project development. Wade reiterated advocacy as a priority to the RAC and how it connects residents with DPR. He stated fundraising opportunities as a means to impact the community and how it could prove advantageous to assist with park improvements. He provided examples of partnership opportunities including a youth athletic scholarship fund. Commissioners shared past fundraising efforts in which they found successful. Commissioners were supportive of working with the Durham Parks Foundation and Durham Sports Commission to create a successful partnership to create the aforementioned scholarship and youth athletics. There were questions regarding the management and prioritization of the fund. Wade clarified the purpose of the retreat and redefinition of goals and initiatives relating to DPR. He stated finding resources and utilizing partners to be impactful as an advisory board. He stated fundraising opportunities would benefit the community overall. Recreation Advisory Commission October 2021 Meeting Minutes Meeting conducted via zoom Page 2  There was discussion amongst Commissioners regarding fees paid to DPR facilities being contributed to the general fund instead of going straight to the DPR budget. Wade agreed that there were opportunities for a restricted revenue fund similar to an enterprise fund. Commissioners discussed brainstorming additional initiatives to bring to the RAC as options. Wade agreed there were many avenues for advocacy with DPR and stated outreach to the Durham Parks Foundation for a presentation. He stated that the two priorities for DPR were playground and park improvements. There was discussion regarding recruitment of new members who specialized in certain skills that could prove useful to the RAC. Councilmember Freelon stated feedback from members is helpful in selection of candidates for the RAC. There was discussion to encourage members to apply in the community who they feel would be beneficial to their Commission. Commissioners were invited to discuss any additional relevant items. Commissioners shared stories of creativity of pickle ball and hand ball players in the community who collaborate to find resources to implement their sports in DPR parks. Commissioners thanked Wade for the packets provided and the updates they included. Commissioners discussed the implementation of free libraries in DPR facilities in places like Walltown and Edison Johnson. There was discussion regarding the aquatics facility at Wheels Fun Park. Commissioners thanked Lesley for the meals provided. Rich Hahn reminded Commissioners of engagement activities in the coming weeks. Recreation Advisory Commission October 2021 Meeting Minutes Meeting conducted via zoom Page 3