Recreation Advisory Commission

Recreation Advisory Commission March 9, 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: March 9, 2022. Chair Stracks-Mullem called the meeting to order at 7:35AM. Attendance was confirmed by roll call. Welcome & Introductions Commissioners each took turns introducing themselves to the RAC’s newest member, Jill Thomas. Commissioner Thomas introduced herself and her background in both the aquatics and running communities. DPR staff took turns introducing themselves and their roles within DPR. I. Adjustments to the Agenda/Special Announcements None II. Public Comment  Vernon Gibbs introduced himself as the brother of Vincent Gibbs Jr., a Durham community sports advocate and coach, who passed away unexpectedly recently. He is seeking advocacy for naming/renaming a DPR facility, asset, or park after his brother. He expressed how Vincent has contributed to the community and DPR.  Kara Johnson introduced herself as the Assistant Principal at McDougal Middle School. She explained “Coach Gibbs” as a positive force in the community as a coach and how he represented equity. She commended his experience, historical volunteering within the community, and overall impacts he has made throughout his lifetime.  Commissioners expressed their condolences for Vincent Gibbs, Jr. and thanked Vernon and Kara for their time. III. Consent Agenda 1. Approval of Minutes: Cedric made a motion to approve the February 9, 2022 meeting minutes; seconded by Marcella; 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 Marcella. All in favor, motion passes unanimously. 1. Military Adaptive Court Sports Event Pickle ball for veterans Facility Request Walltown Dates March 30, 2022 Fee waiver application approved by consent at 100% 2. Durham Area Pickle Ball Players Event Pickle ball tournament Facility Request Bethesda Park Dates May 21 – May 22 Recreation Advisory Commission March 2022 Meeting Minutes Meeting conducted via zoom Page 1  Fee waiver application approved by consent at 100% IV. New Business 1. Naming Request – Action Item - (Wade Walcutt, Director)  Lesley made a motion to deny the proposed naming request due to insufficient criteria met by the applicant; seconded by Rebecca; no further changes, whereupon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously adopted, the request was denied as presented. 2. Park Classification (Wade Walcutt, Director) 1. Attachment A – Park Classifications o Wade explained park classifications and gave background on the listings provided in the Commissioners’ packets. o Wade explained the standard practice of park development, design, and park classifications. He explained development opportunities within the City and how it pertains to the established land given by community developers. He explained the updated criteria to the park classifications and service radiuses. o He gave further insight on how this updated material can assist with clarifying the differences between DPR properties inclusive of examples such as White Oak Park and Wilkins Road Park. 2. Attachment B – Action Item – Park Classification Listing o Cedric made a motion to accept the updated park classification listing as presented; seconded by Girija; no further changes, whereupon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously adopted, the request was approved as presented. Park Classification Q & A:  There was discussion amongst Commissioners regarding limited parking around smaller neighborhood parks or mini parks. Additional discussion of foot traffic in regard to park/parking expansion was had.  Commissioners discussed acquisition of new properties to be utilized as DPR facilities, park development and park maintenance.  Tom further explained the park developments discussed between Commissioners and how the acreage will be developed.  Wade discussed the revitalization of the DPR Park Challenge checklist inclusive of the park classification’s updates. Commissioners gave examples of relaying this information to new homeowners and real estate associations. 3. May Meeting Proposal – Action Item - (Lesley Stracks-Mullem)  Karthik made a motion to move the May 11, 2022 RAC meeting to May 4, 2022 at 7:45AM to participate with the KaBoom! Build at Burton Park; seconded by Cedric; no further changes, whereupon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously adopted, the request was approved as presented. Recreation Advisory Commission March 2022 Meeting Minutes Meeting conducted via zoom Page 2  V. 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 stated that the Rockwood Park playground dedication would be taking place today, March 9, 2022.  Wade reiterated the budget request for additional staff to assist with park maintenance and cleanliness.  Wade stated the new Durham Parks Foundation liaison, Emily McIntosh, would be replacing Annette Smith. He discussed potential fundraising opportunities with either the DPF or DSC. He stated this would be further discussed at next month’s RAC meeting. VI. Commissioner Comments & Committee Reports Durham Open Space and Trails Commission Report (DOST) (Karthik Sundaramoorthy)  Karthik reiterated the letter sent to Commissioners regarding the budget request by DOST and the RAC’s advocacy regarding it. Lesley suggested a discussion be had by what it required. Karthik explained the importance and concentration of an open space implementer in the City and how this request would fit into it. Hillandale Advisory Committee (Rebecca Reyes/ Leslie Stracks-Mullem)  Lesley stated golf has been extremely busy at Hillandale. She stated Hillandale is in a good position but struggles with supply shortages, theft, and cart maintenance. Durham Parks Foundation (Marcella Scurlock-Jones)  Marcella reported DPF was going through a re-organization and had just named a new treasurer. She stated this would be a great learning experience. Open Discussion  Lesley suggested any engagement activities be shared with staff at the next RAC meeting.  Karthik received feedback from the community regarding Chapel Hill Road Park field replacement. He also discussed affordable gymnastics options, and a potential partnership with NCCU to utilize their facilities. Jason shared further information regarding this.  Commissioners discussed after care programming with earlier start times as it relates to DPS. Lesley adjourned the meeting at 9:12AM. Next RAC Meeting: Wednesday, April 13, 2022 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Minutes respectfully submitted by Paola R. Roland Recreation Advisory Commission March 2022 Meeting Minutes Meeting conducted via zoom Page 3