Recreation Advisory Commission

Recreation Advisory Commission January 12, 2022 Call To Order: A meeting of the Durham Recreation Advisory Commission was held on this day via video conference. Commissioners present via video conference: January 12, 2022. Chair Stracks-Mullem called the meeting to order at 7:37AM. Commissioners White and Nayo were unexcused absences. Attendance was confirmed by roll call. I. Adjustments to the Agenda/Special Announcements: None II. Special Recognition (Wade Walcutt, Director) Wade presented David Fellerath, former Chairperson of the RAC, with a plaque commemorating his time, efforts and contributions to the City of Durham. Wade gave examples of David’s service to the community through the Recreation Advisory Commission. David stated his efforts to maintain a close working relationship with the City of Durham and thanked DPR and the Commission for the time served over the past three years. He hoped to create the same relationship with his new community in Oxford, NC. III. Public Comment None IV. RAC Community Engagement Events (RAC Reporting Items) Karthik stated he attended the Duke Park Festival of the Lights. He gave a brief summary of the event inclusive of history and attendance. He stated he visited the Old Chapel Hill Road Park and discussed its new amenities. He also attended the Christmas Parade and stated it was a fantastic event. He also gave updates on squash and how he has been doing research to share with Wade. Jason shared how DPR is working on a Spring squash program at Edison Johnson. Cedric stated he attended the Herndon Park event and how it embodied representation and discussed its versatility. Rebecca stated she attended the pickle ball event in November. She recognized the staff and their dedication to organization. She stated how squash was another phenomenal movement happening in Durham. V. Consent Agenda 1. Approval of Minutes: Cedric made a motion to approve the December 8, 2021 meeting minutes and retreat; seconded by Rebecca; 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) Cedric made a motion to accept all fee waivers as recommended by staff; seconded by Rebecca. All in favor, motion passes unanimously. Recreation Advisory Commission January 2022 Meeting Minutes Meeting conducted via zoom Page 1  1. SEDJCC Event Joint Community Council Facility Request IR Holmes Recreation Center Dates Jan – Dec 2022 Fee waiver application approved by consent at 100% VI. Old Business / New Business. 1. Durham Rail Trail Presentation (Tom Dawson, Asst. Director)  Tom’s presentation highlighted funding sources, community engagement, and the construction and completion timeline of the Durham Rail Trail. He gave background of the project and its purpose.  Tom’s update included the present design stage of the project and shared its past history dating as far back as 2014. He shared the ‘Master Plan Concept Map’ with graphics illustrating the preferred, constrained and residential trail cross sections.  The presentation included opportunities for infrastructure connections between neighboring trails.  The presentation included the financial aspect of the project and how these financial resources are being distributed through community engagement. The presentation concluded with an estimated completion of the project to be in 2024. Presentation Q & A:  There was discussion about the Third Fork Trail and its inception to completion timeline. Tom shared the ‘Trail implementation Plan’ and its utilization moving forward.  There was discussion on the ‘Equity Blueprint’ and its relation to project development. Tom shared how community involvement has potential to shift projects but can be limited as developmental technicalities can interfere.  Tom wrapped the discussion sharing how the Trail will connect to the Ellerbe Creek Trail and wetlands furthering establishing the Trail network. 2. RAC Annual Attendance Report  No changes were made. 3. Meeting Proposal  Wade proposed a change to the RAC’s meeting schedule to meet on a bi- monthly basis moving forward to enhance the efficiency and productivity of the RAC’s meetings.  There was discussion amongst Commissioners regarding this and agreement was made to discuss further at the next meeting. VII. Director’s Report  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 the W.D. Hill opening and how the staff did a great job. He gave background on how the construction and beautification of the facility was vital to the success of the event. He gave an update to the Weaver Recreation Advisory Commission January 2022 Meeting Minutes Meeting conducted via zoom Page 2  Street Community Center and how DPR is reinvesting in the facility. He gave updates on Rockwood Park playground after storm damage occurred.  He shared updates on a park development to be named, Rock Quarry Park, and the difficulties faced in after school programming and aquatics due to the pandemic. He stated the Wheels Fun Park has been utilized by the County as an additional Covid-19 testing site.  He stated the City-wide flexible working policy to be implemented within DPR and its finalization.  Tom and Wade shared updates on Burton Park, Rock Quarry Dog Park, Long Meadow Park and East End Park.  There was discussion regarding motorized vehicles on the trails and police involvement. This segued into further discussion of the historic relationship between the RAC and park rangers/police enforcement. VIII. Commissioner Comments & Committee Reports Durham Open Space and Trails Commission Report (DOST) (Karthik Sundaramoorthy)  Karthik reiterated the letter being sent to City Council from DOST regarding an open space implementer at the City level and its finalization. He proposed it be added as an agenda item for the next meeting.  He discussed the Sandy Road Project and its planning. Hillandale Advisory Committee (Rebecca Reyes/ Leslie Stracks-Mullem)  No report at this meeting Open Discussion:  Commissioners discussed the significance of the meaning of PAC (Partners Against Crime). Tom explained DPR’s staff liaisons sent to PAC meetings and how these meetings are held in DPR facilities. Jason explained how the acronym of PAC refers to standard nomenclature within DPR and City.  Karthik discussed Andre White and his community engagement. He suggested inviting him to a RAC meeting to discuss his center. Lesley adjourned the meeting at 9:03AM. Next RAC Meeting: Wednesday, February 9, 2022 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Minutes respectfully submitted by Paola R. Roland Recreation Advisory Commission January 2022 Meeting Minutes Meeting conducted via zoom Page 3