Recreation Advisory Commission

Recreation Advisory Commission September 13, 2023 Call To Order: A meeting of the Durham Recreation Advisory Commission was held on this day in person, September 13, 2023. Meeting was called to order at 7:39 am. Commissioners present: Lesley Stracks-Mullem, Cedric Burke, Mike Johnston, Karthik Sundaramoorthy, and Jill Thomas. Excused Absence Girija Mahajan and Teah Rawlings. I. Adjustments to the Agenda/Special Announcements 1. None II. Public Comment 1. Dale McKeel – Concerned about conditions on the Third Fork Creek Trail. Interested in possible repairs to the trail and any possible funding sources. Would like to see improved signage on the American Tobacco Trail at Fayetteville St and Barbee. III. RAC Community Engagement Events & Committee Reports 1. Saturday Rainout of events. i. Lesley S-M signed up for the Durham Womens Tournament at Hillandale Golf Course, the event was rained out. ii. Cedric Burke was coaching DPR Soccer Acadamy and got through stretching and had to call the practice for weather. 2. DOST Report Karthik Sundaramoorthy i. Karthik was not able to attend the meeting in September 3. Durham Parks Foundation Emilie McIntosh, Staff Liaison i. Durham Parks Foundation met on September 12 and approved their annual calendar. 1. DPF will be focusing on event partnerships with DPR and fundraising events. ii. Emilie will send information on Afternoon in the Park the first partnership event between DPR and DPF. IV. Approval of Minutes 1. Cedric Burke motioned to approve the minutes and Fee Waivers as recommended by staff, Seconded by Jill Thomas. Approved unanimously. V. Fee Waivers (August) 1. Cedric Burke motioned to approve the minutes and Fee Waivers as recommended by staff, Seconded by Jill Thomas. Approved unanimously. VI. Old Business/New Business 1. October RAC Tour / Joint Meeting Mary Unterreiner, Culture & Community Manager i. October 19, 2023 – 4-7pm. Tour of 4 sites; CR Wood Park, Sherwood Park, W.D. Hill Recreation Center, and Hillside Park. Recreation Advisory Commission September2023 Meeting Minutes Page 1  ii. This will be in place of the October Meeting. iii. The meeting will take place at the Administration office beginning at 6pm. iv. Dinner will be provided. 2. RCN Grant for the Roxboro Rail Trail Emilie McIntosh, Staff Liaison i. Staff request a letter of support for the Durham to Roxboro Rail Trail Planning Study Grant Application for the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods. ii. Mike Johnston motioned to approve a letter of support, Seconded by Cedric Burke. Approved unanimously. VII. Director’s Report 1. Attachment A – Director’s Report i. Wade Walcutt will present on projects that are planned in the FY2024 Business Plan at the next meeting. ii. Soil studies in Walltown Park, East End Park, East Durham Park, Lyon Park, and Northgate Park. 1. Staff meet with Midatlantic and DEQ on the final report and recommendations. Staff are waiting for the results from the NCDEQ. The sites are being examined to see if they are pre-regulatory landfills. If they are designated as pre-regulatory landfills this would trigger state funding for remediation. 2. Continued advisement is that parks may remain open with restricted access to the identified areas. 3. Once more information is provided more community meetings will be held. 4. Commissioners are encouraged to refer questions to the website or to Mary and Wade for more information. iii. Comprehensive Plan 1. Wade Walcutt will share results from the statistically valid survey distributed by the consultant. DPR will also be sending out the survey through DPR email distribution lists. iv. Community Engagements Coming Up 1. CR Wood Playground Design Engagement a. September 18, 1pm 2. Wheels Roller skating Sub-group Update a. September 25 i. Contract was increased to include additional equipment needed by the potential operator. ii. Potential opening in August 2024 2. Attachment B – Project Updates i. City will be posting bid opportunities for the design and development of the larger Wheels property which will include additional engagement opportunities. 3. Questions i. What is the current status of cleanup in the parks after the storm last month? 1. DPR can manage tree removal up to a specific size. 2. The tree at Wrightwood Park that fell on the shelter is still down pending removal by General Services and Urban Forestry. Recreation Advisory Commission September2023 Meeting Minutes Page 2  3. There is still a tree down at Forest Hills Park blocking a pathway. ii. Campus Hills Swimming Pool was closed last month. iii. Is there a possibility of increased times for open swim and possible expanded swimming hours on the weekend. 1. This will be dependent on staff availability. a. Staff recruitment has been taking place in conjunction with Durham Public Schools. 2. Two additional pools have been requested by DPR. a. The pool Wheels. b. The pool at East End Park which has not been funded. Lesley Stracks-Mullem adjourned the meeting at 8:40 AM. Next RAC Meeting – Thursday, October 19, 2023, 6pm. Minutes respectfully submitted by Emilie McIntosh Recreation Advisory Commission September2023 Meeting Minutes Page 3