Recreation Advisory Commission

Recreation Advisory Commission June 8, 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: June 8, 2022. Chair Stracks-Mullem called the meeting to order at 7:36AM. Attendance was confirmed by roll call. Commissioner Scurlock-Jones was an unexcused absence. Welcome / Introductions Commissioners welcomed the new Councilmember liaison, Dr. Holsey-Hyman. I. Adjustments to the Agenda/Special Announcements Item VI. Commissioner Comments, Community Engagement Events, and Committee Reports were moved to the in-person August RAC meeting for discussion and updates. II. Public Comment Latoya Alston introduced herself and shared ideas regarding the Lyon Park community and its community expansion. She discussed resources such as financial literacy, entrepreneurship classes, and art classes being made available to the Lyon Park community for accessibility and community awareness. Tom Dawson shared his working relationship with Latoya as a community partner and further explained the Lyon Park community needs including safety, access, and engagement. He also explained DPR’s working relationship with Neighborhood Improvement Services (NIS). Karthik shared information regarding the Town Hall meeting Latoya would be hosting the upcoming weekend. Commissioners thanked her for her time. Eliza Mathew introduced herself and her role in Durham Community Affairs with Duke University. She noted herself and co-worker, Jesse Huddleston, were there in support of neighborhood partnerships with DPR. III. Consent Agenda 1. Approval of Minutes: Cedric made a motion to approve the May 4, 2022 meeting minutes; seconded by Jill; 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 Jill. All in favor, motion passes unanimously. 1. Habitat for Humanity Event Walltown Reunion Event Facility Request Holton Dates June 2022 Fee waiver application approved by consent at 100% 2. Triangle Ultimate Event Walltown Pay What You Can Program Recreation Advisory Commission June 2022 Meeting Minutes Meeting conducted via zoom Page 1  Facility Request Old Chapel Hill Rd. Dates July 2022 Fee waiver application approved by consent at 50% 3. Eno Community Tennis Event Tennis for Life Program Facility Request Morreene Rd. Park Dates 09/09, 09/16, 09/23, 09,30, 10/07, 10/14, 10/21 Fee waiver application approved by consent at 100% 4. Eno Community Tennis Event Abilities Tennis Program Facility Request East End Park Dates 09/10, 09/17, 09/24, 10/01, 10/08, 10/15 Fee waiver application approved by consent at 100% 5. Eno Community Tennis Event Althea Gibson Tournament Facility Request Southern Boundaries Dates 09/17 Fee waiver application approved by consent at 100% IV. New Business Potential Indoor Pool Partnership Proposal (Wade Walcutt/Michael Curran/Michael Ulku-Steiner)  Michael Curran introduced himself and gave background of TAC (Triangle Aquatic Center), a non-profit charitable organization. He gave the history of TAC and its first successful completion phase of an aquatic center beside Cary’s Town Centre.  Michael Ulku-Steiner introduced himself as Head of School from Durham Academy, their mission and history. He explained their goal of being a “private school with a public purpose.” One of their roles in this partnership would include Durham Academy’s donation of land.  The presentation included a public-private partnership between TAC, Durham Academy, Duke University and the City of Durham for an aquatic facility with TAC being the exclusive operator. It highlighted renderings of different usage of the acreage of what the aquatic center could look like inclusive of indoor pools and fitness centers.  He shared the approximate cost of the aquatic additions totaling $30 million dollars and its overall challenges.  Michael C. further stated the TAC’s Strategic Partnership Framework inclusive of building, operations, maintenance, and programming in exchange for a capital contribution and annual sponsorship from their partners.  Wade recapped all of the benefits included for the City of Durham including Recreation Advisory Commission June 2022 Meeting Minutes Meeting conducted via zoom Page 2  discounted rates for residents, year-round quality aquatic programming, and no additional full time employees.  Michael U. shared the benefits for Durham Academy. Michael further highlighted the benefits for TAC and its expansion of its Regional Triangle Mission and key aquatic programs for the community. He shared the reduced capital costs and reduced operating costs. Pool Partnership Q & A:  There was discussion amongst Commissioners regarding the limited space for observers of swim meets and plans for expansion of seating. Additionally, Commissioners discussed the development of athletes. Michael C. reiterated utilizing public meetings for feedback of the design. He shared the benefits of having aquatic programming as a guideline for the development of athletes.  Commissioners discussed existing public/private collegiate programming examples and how this center would host similar programming. Michael C. discussed how Duke utilized its own aquatic centers and how this proposal would be focused on public equity. He discussed how its design would target high school programming instead of collegiate.  Commissioners discussed accessibility for Durham resident’s despite being on Durham Academy’s private property. Michael stated Durham Academy having no intent as branding this facility as their own and gave background of their requests for the facility.  Commissioners discussed diversity within the existing TAC facility in Cary. 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 explained the report and how it included updates on park projects. He stated the in person meeting taking place in August for the RAC. He highlighted the DPR business plan and its 90% completion rate at close of the fiscal year.  Wade explained the Splash and Play Project being presented to City Council and its history. He also explained the improvements proposed to Long Meadow Park and East End Park.  He discussed the opportunities of the continued operation of the skating rink at Wheels Fun Park and how it would affect operations. Open Discussion  Commissioners thanked Rebecca and Frank for their time spent on the RAC as their term limits were about to expire and invited them to continue to attend meetings.  Commissioners discussed the upcoming ribbon cutting ceremony at Merrick Moore. Lesley adjourned the meeting at 9:04AM. Next RAC Meeting: Wednesday, August 10, 2022 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Minutes respectfully submitted by Paola R. Roland Recreation Advisory Commission June 2022 Meeting Minutes Meeting conducted via zoom Page 3