Recreation Advisory Commission

Recreation Advisory Commission October 12, 2022 Call To Order: A meeting of the Durham Recreation Advisory Commission was held on this day in person, October 12, 2022. Chair Stracks-Mullem called the meeting to order at 7:37AM. Attendance was confirmed by roll call. Commissioner Thomas was an excused absence. Commissioner Mahajan left at 8:41AM. Welcome / Introductions I. Adjustments to the Agenda/Special Announcements Item IV. Sub-Item 2. Lyon Park Presentation was moved to Item IV. Sub-Item 3 to allow for a later presentation time. Item VI. Sub-Items 1, 2, and 3 were moved to the November meeting. II. Public Comment  Jesse Huddleston introduced themselves and wanted to discuss the renovation project at Lyon Park. He discussed community engagement and partnering with DPR to improve community trust and commit to making the project a priority. He wanted further instruction on how to continually grow their partnership and wanted clarification on his contact at DPR. III. Consent Agenda 1. Approval of Minutes: Cedric made a motion to approve the September 14, 2022 meeting minutes; seconded by Girija; 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 Girija. All in favor, motion passes unanimously. 1. Triangle Ultimate Event Ultimate Frisbee Facility Request CM Herndon Dates Sept. 2022 – Oct. 2022 Fee waiver application approved by consent at 50% IV. New Business 1. In Person vs. Virtual Meetings  Commissioners voted unanimously to continue in-person meetings. All in favor, motion passes unanimously. 2. Athletic Rental Process – Tammy Brown, Athletics Manager  Tammy explained the rental process and how it encompasses all of DPR’s facilities. She explained the details of the application process inclusive of dates, sports options, and seasonal occupancy. She discussed availability and prioritization of groups within the process. Presentation Q & A: Recreation Advisory Commission October 2022 Meeting Minutes Meeting conducted via zoom Page 1   Commissioners discussed the occupancy of each park/facility and which are the most rented and availability of space. C.M. Herndon, Merrick Moore and Twin Lakes Parks are least available.  Commissioners discussed the fees between grass and turf fields.  Tom Dawson discussed the differences between parks and what influences their rental capacities.  Commissioners discussed how this process is as equitable as possible. Mary discussed equitable measures DPR takes to ensure all residents are able to communicate and utilize the rental system offered. Wade further discussed the hourly rates and how they are fairly priced. 3. Lyon Park Presentation – Lindsay Smart, Sr. Park & Trail Planner  Lindsay introduced herself as a senior DPR planner and her work with the Lyon Park Project.  She discussed the areas for improvement regarding amenities, maintenance areas, and branding. In addition, she discussed both renovated and new features.  She discussed their request to Council for funding for new recreation in 2018 and how funding was received in 2020.  She listed the 2022 design build project goals inclusive of concept designs, community engagement, permitting and construction. She reviewed the project engagement schedule and how it began with collaboration. She further discussed DPR’s contract with community partners. She listed all of the events and communication surveys sent to residents and shared results. She gave an update on where the project stands currently inclusive of a preliminary proposal that would improve the picnic shelter, add smaller amenities and additional seating. She included details regarding the public input process. Presentation Q & A:  Tom detailed the potential and priorities for Lyon Park including lighting improvements and bathroom renovations.  Commissioners had further discussion regarding community partners. 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 shared the items brought to City Council at the last work session held on Oct. 6, 2022. One of them was the opportunity to establish a “Social District”. He explained the district would allow of age residents to consume alcoholic beverages within an area of downtown Durham. He stated the amount of support received from local small business owners. He discussed the formal voting on ordinances to solidify the district. He explained the signage, enforcement, and options for participation from downtown business owners.  He explained the designee, Downtown Durham, Inc. (DDI), to administer and manage the program.  He discussed the potential for funding and community engagement for future parks and green space.  He provided an update on the Splash & Play Project. Recreation Advisory Commission October 2022 Meeting Minutes Meeting conducted via zoom Page 2  Director Q & A:  Commissioners discussed the connection between the proposed Social District and DPR. Wade explained the Special Event Review Team (SERT) and how it relates to DPR being the administrator for this proposed district. Open Discussion None Lesley adjourned the meeting at 9:13AM. Next RAC Meeting: Wednesday, November 9, 2022 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Recreation Advisory Commission October 2022 Meeting Minutes Meeting conducted via zoom Page 3 Minutes respectfully submitted by Paola R. Roland Recreation Advisory Commission October 2022 Meeting Minutes Meeting conducted via zoom Page 4