Recreation Advisory Commission

Recreation Advisory Commission February 8, 2023 Call To Order: A meeting of the Durham Recreation Advisory Commission was held on this day in person, February 8, 2023. Chairperson Stracks-Mullem called the meeting to order at 7:41AM. Attendance was confirmed by roll call. Councilmember Holsey-Hyman was present via Zoom. Commissioner Rawlings was an excused absence. Commissioner Barnes was an unexcused absence. I. Adjustments to the Agenda/Special Announcements None II. Public Comment None III. RAC Community Engagement Events (Reporting items) Commissioners discussed the DPR Squash Program (ages 5-13) that began recently at Edison Johnson and will be held every Saturday morning. Commissioners discussed how to sign up. Commissioners discussed open family hours at Walltown Recreation Park. IV. Approval of Minutes Cedric made a motion to approve the January 11, 2023 meeting minutes; seconded by Girija; no further changes, whereupon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously adopted, the minutes were approved as presented. V. Fee Waivers (February) Cedric made a motion to accept all fee waivers as recommended by staff; seconded by Jill. All in favor, motion passes unanimously. Commissioners discussed how fee waivers are assessed by DPR. Commissioners and DPR staff further discussed how fee revenues will change within the next few years. 1. Duke University Hospital Event Hitting with Heart Tournament Facility Request Valley Springs Softball Fields Dates August 26, 2023 Fee waiver application approved by consent at 100% 2. Long Ball Triple Play Event Long Ball Season Facility Request Various Fields Dates April, May and June Various Dates Fee waiver application approved by consent at 100% 3. 5K Foundation Event Flag Football Recreation Advisory Commission February 2023 Meeting Minutes Page 1  Facility Request Twin Lakes Artificial Turf Field Dates March, April and May Various Dates Fee waiver application approved by consent at 50% 4. Triangle Ultimate Event “Pay What You can” Event Facility Request Merrick-Moore Dates March through June Various Dates Fee waiver application approved by consent at 50% 5. Bull City Athletic Association Event Cancer Awareness Event Facility Request Holton Center Dates March 18, 2023 Fee waiver application approved by consent at 100% 6. Lyons Farm Elementary PTA Event 5th Grade Kickball Game Facility Request Herndon Park – Turf Field Dates March 12, 2023 Fee waiver application approved by consent at 100% 7. EDFC Soccer Event Non-profit Youth Soccer Facility Request Sherwood Park – Mini Pitch Dates March through June Various Dates Fee waiver application approved by consent at 50% VI. Old Business/New Business 1. *Board Elections  Lesley and Cedric expressed their willingness to continue in their roles as Chairperson and Vice Chairperson.  Lesley shared her experience on the RAC, her support of DPR and her vision for the RAC moving forward. RAC Action Items – *Board Elections Girija made a motion to nominate Lesley Stracks-Mullem as Chairperson and Cedric Burke as Vice Chairperson for the next year; seconded by Jill. All in favor, motion passes unanimously. 2. Former Wheels Site Updates (Jason Jones)  Jason introduced the Splash and Play Project with a focus on the Wheels site and the Aquatics Master Plan.  He explained the consultation that took place of the plans and evaluation of the facilities.  He highlighted the engagement process and methods. He explained the Resident Steering Committee which consist of stakeholders and are representative of different community Recreation Advisory Commission February 2023 Meeting Minutes Page 2  organizations.  He explained the restructuring of the engagement process (phase 1.5) to gain immediate community members utilizing the NextDoor app and how it is available on the DPR website.  He shared the three different potential concept designs and the top three priorities for the project that included keeping the skating rink, an aquatic facility friendly to all ages, and a connection to Merrick Moore Park.  He continued to the second portion of the engagement phase where the three aforementioned concepts were presented to the community. Jason stated the local skateboard community also requested a plan for a skate park.  The final concept design was presented to the community after engagement inclusive of survey results and opinion feedback formed. He showed examples of the final concept design including renderings of what the final design would look like and features.  Tom further explained the development of the skate park inclusive of community feedback. He shared the parking vs. program design and how other opportunities could be identified within this plan and other DPR locations. Presentation Q & A:  Commissioners discussed the potential for canvasing in local neighborhoods within a mile radius.  Commissioners discussed greenhouse potentials for the aquatic facility similar to what the Town of Morrisville has implemented.  Commissioners discussed the capacity for the facility.  Commissioners discussed potentials for after school programming and rentals for family events. 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 shared an opportunity for a pool at East End Park and before and after renderings of the spaces.  Wade explained the presentation he will give to City Council at the end of February and the timeline inclusive of dates.  Commissioners discussed how they could support and provide advocacy for these projects. VIII. Commissioner Comments, Community Engagement Events & Committee Reports 1. Hillandale Advisory Commission (Lesley Stracks-Mullem) None 2. DOST Report (Karthik Sundaramoorthy) None 3. Durham Parks Foundation (Girija Mahajan) Girija shared an update on the DPF. She stated how DPF is planning fundraisers currently with downtown business owners aimed for April debut. She also shared how they have created an online way of donating. Open Discussion None Recreation Advisory Commission February 2023 Meeting Minutes Page 3  Lesley adjourned the meeting at 9:01AM. Next RAC Meeting: Wednesday, March 8, 2023 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Minutes respectfully submitted by Paola R. Roland Recreation Advisory Commission February 2023 Meeting Minutes Page 4