Parks & Recreation Commission

PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION Lower Level Council Chambers Wednesday, September 13, 2023 6:00 PM MINUTES ROLL CALL PRESENT Jason Lang Megan Scherrman Matt Monahan Sarah Goldsmith Casey Frye ABSENT Jon Scherbring Nathan Huebner APPROVAL OF AGENDA Scherrman asked for review and approval of the agenda. Motion was made by Monahan, seconded by Lang. Voting Yea: Lang, Scherrman, Monahan, Goldsmith, Frye Motion Carried AGENDA ITEMS 1. Approve Meeting Minutes - July 12, 2023 Sherrman asked for comments or changes and there were none. Motion made by Goldsmith, seconded by Lang. Voting Yea: Lang, Scherrman, Monahan, Goldsmith, Frye Motion carried 2. Receive & File Director's Report - July 2023 Scherrman asked for comments or changes and there were none. Motion made by Monahan, seconded by Lang. Voting Yea: Lang, Scherrman, Monahan, Goldsmith, Frye Motion carried 340 1st Avenue East, Dyersville, Iowa 52040 • Phone: 563-875-7724 • Fax: 563-875-8238 www.cityofdyersville.com 3. Receive & File Director's Report - August 2023 Scherrman asked for comments or changes and there were none. Motion made by Monahan, seconded by Lang. Voting Yea: Lang, Scherrman, Monahan, Goldsmith, Frye Motion carried 4. Baseball/Softball 2024 - T-ball/Blastball Huehnergarth suggested that we try Blastball for three and four year-olds. We would have the five and six year-olds (kindergarteners) play t-ball. Blastball involves each batter hitting off a batting tee when the coach says "play ball" and then runs to the base (at first) which "HONKS" when stomped on. When the ball is stopped by a fielder, he/she holds up the ball and yells "BLAST" (no plays happen, but the fielder should be encouraged to throw the ball home). The object is for the runner to "HONK" before th fielder "BLASTS" and vice versa (regardless, no runner stays on the base and no runners go home). Monticello plays this and have had great feedback. T-ball would entail 3 pitches from their coach, and if not successful, the ball would be placed on a tee for them to hit the ball. We would have one diamond for t-ball and one for Blastball. Scherrman is requesting no three year-olds. They are just too small and the coaches end up babysitting these kids. Huehnergarth feels we should ask other parents what they think about this type of game. The commission also feels we need to be specific on our registration form/online what age is for what type of league. For example, it should say 3 year-old preschool, not just Pre-K. They would also like an email sent out to explain how to sign up for sports. There was also discussion regarding kids playing up a grade. Most of the commission felt that it is a recreational city league and kids should stay in their respective grades. There are traveling teams for those that are more competitive. 5. Baseball/Softball 2024 - Using all facilities This year Huehnergarth made a change where games were played. He moved "B" League to the Candy Cane fields. By doing so, this eliminated a lot of two games in one night at the same field. This allowed teams to play out a game instead of having to end early due to time constraints. Huehnergarth may also look into moving "D" League from Dyersville Commercial Club to Westside. He would continue to have softball at Dyersville Commercial Club. Lang thought the schedule worked very well this year with the change of field use. If these games are moved, how it would affect Tom Arens and his concessions? Tom would have the option to set up where he would like. Members of the commission think the players from out of town would prefer a concession stand. Huehnergarth isn’t hearing that. Additional requests - Goldsmith asked about a small playground for siblings watching the games. Huehnergarth said he'll try to get it in the FY25 budget. Frye would like to see a grass infield; however, due to the fact that we have several different ages playing on the same field, the bases get moved, which would make it almost impossible to sod the infield. Huehnergarth also looked at using a 16" softball for Adult Softball. This would make it easier to use more fields. He is still looking into this. Looking for information for adult activities. 340 1st Avenue East, Dyersville, Iowa 52040 • Phone: 563-875-7724 • Fax: 563-875-8238 www.cityofdyersville.com  One thing to keep in mind as we use more fields for games, this will allow for fewer practice fields. 6. Baseball/Softball 2024 - Games after July 4th Huehnergarth wanted their feedback on playing games after the 4th of July. He did it for “D” league last year, may do for “A” & “B” league as well. They thought it was fine to play local teams until the City Tournament and then the coaches were done. Plus, many families go on vacation at this time before school gets started. This sometimes makes it difficult to have enough players. 7. Aquatic Center - Hours of Operation Huehnergarth is recommending changing the pool hours. It is currently open for adult swim 6 - 7:30 am; 12 - 12:45 pm; & 5:30 - 6:15 pm. Lessons occur from 9 am - noon and some evenings. Open swim is from 1 - 5 pm and 6:30 - 8 pm. Huehnergarth would like to change the open swim to 1 - 6:30/7:00 pm and then have adult swim after that, possibly offering a night water aerobics class a few days a week. Looking at the number of attendees, not many children come for night swim. He also feels like we may sell more concessions if we are open until 6:30/7:00 pm. We would not offer concessions for night adult swim. This would also allow only 2 lifeguards to stay for adult swim, rather than having more required lifeguards for open swim. Also, have pool parties any night of the week, rather than on weekends only. Another idea was a themed party (ex. Teen party – need to be 10 - 16 years old). The commission also asked about the 10 minutes hourly break for adult swim. Many parents do not like this. Huehnergarth stated the new managers preferred to leave as is this year. We can discuss again for next year. 8. Commission Member Comments It was asked how the soccer season was going. Huehnergarth stated the parents were good. It was recommended that drivers need to slow down. When an officer is present, it seems like people slow down. Is there a possibility that officers could frequent this area on Saturdays? Flag football had a few bumps behind the scenes before the season started. They have decided to play 6 x 6, rather than 7 x 7. Huehnergarth likes the way parents are able to sit close to the fields, rather than being up high in the stands. Kids seem to be enjoying it and are improving. 9. Set Next Meeting Date for Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 6:00 pm. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:02 pm on a motion made by Monahan, seconded by Goldsmith. Voting Yea: Lang, Scherrman, Monahan, Goldsmith, Frye Motion carried __________________________________ September 13, 2023 Sandy Oberbroeckling Date 340 1st Avenue East, Dyersville, Iowa 52040 • Phone: 563-875-7724 • Fax: 563-875-8238 www.cityofdyersville.com