Recreation & Parks Advisory Board

Advisory Board of Recreation and Parks Meeting Wednesday, March 3, 2021  7:00 P.M. DRAFT MINUTES Virtual Meeting: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup- join/19%3ameeting_ZmI2Yzk4MzAtNTA2OS00ZWJjLWJiMzUtYzQ5M2YyNmFhODcx%40 thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%2273ba5b04-4ace-4ae3-a6b2- 65cbc403418b%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2296a4bfd6-5c8a-4d69-8aa5- b5916d151828%22%7d NOTICE: This virtual meeting of the Advisory Board of Recreation and Parks was held pursuant to and in compliance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, Section 2.2-3708.2 and state and local legislation adopted to allow for continued government operation during the COVID-19 declared emergency. All participating members of the Advisory Board of Recreation and Parks were present at this meeting through electronic means. All members of the public may view this video of this meeting on the City’s website at Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Meeting (Virtual Meeting) (granicus.com) PLEASE NOTE: This meeting will be conducted using Microsoft Teams. Don't have the Teams app? You can still join a Teams meeting. See the instructions attached to this meeting agenda. Please email ayoungs@fallschurchva.gov if you need assistance with installation. During the meeting, staff will likely not be available to assist with installation. 1. Call to Order Charley O’Hara called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Members present were Charley O’Hara, Chair, Leslie Rye, Vice Chair, School Board member Laura Downs, Kim Hicks, City Council Liaison Letty Hardi, Jenna Schroeder, and Liz Weatherly. Student Representatives Thomas Downs and Nate Kusic were also present. Staff members present were Danny Schlitt, Director Recreation & Parks, and Amy Youngs, Deputy Director Recreation & Parks. 2. Reading of Virtual Meeting Notice 3. Receipt of Public Petitions and Board Member Petitions No Public Petitions or Board Member Petitions 4. Minutes for Approval: January 6, 2021 Motion to approve by Kim Hicks, seconded by Leslie Rye. All approved. 5. Fairfax County’s Food Council - Urban Agriculture Workgroup presentation Stacey Evers and Cory Suter – Food Council formed in 2015 and is housed within the Fairfax County Health Department. Urban Agriculture Workgroup can help identify areas suitable for edible landscaping or small gardens, help find funding and grant writing assistance. They can also help with technical support or connect us with technical support. Stacey provided examples of how gardens can be managed, which can include volunteers, schools/youth, part-time staff, or non-profit partnerships (churches, etc.). Cory provided his experience with non-profit partnerships. The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, call 703-248-5027 (TTY711). 6. Recreation Directors Report • Tracy Browand, Senior Center Coordinator introduction. Tracy provided an overview of the Senior Center programs. Discussion on resuming in-person senior programming. • Classes are ongoing. • Events – Heartfelt Scavenger Hunt completed. Little City Cookbook is almost complete. Mayor’s Fitness challenge between City of Fairfax, Town of Vienna and City of Falls Church. Easter events will include a Bunny drive around town, and Eggstravaganza Easter Kit. Memorial Day will include an in person ceremony and traveling parade • Spring Break camps and summer camps are being offered. Summer Camp registration opens Monday. • Planning to revamp preschool program. • RecConnect virtual learning continues. • Soccer will hold practices and team scrimmages within each team. Mask use is expected. Suggestion to recommend renters follow our model. • Farmers Market continues. Currently recruiting for a new Farmers Market manager. • Cherry Hill Farmhouse is still closed for tours but some programs are being scheduled. • Arts and Humanities Council – Text has been completed for transit plaza history panels. FY21 grants are being processed. 7. New Business • City Council Work Plan Scholarship Program is getting new funding and process is being updated. Rolling two-year work plan includes applying an equity lens in each committee’s policies and services. April meeting will include a discussion on equity and parks. Liz Weatherly will join the committee. • Virtual tour of parks Crossman Park – discussion on need for play equipment with Benjamin Banneker play equipment so close. Lincoln Park playground replacement as themed equipment was prompted by a car accident and additional insurance funding. Equity should be considered in replacing play equipment with basic play equipment vs. themed equipment. Request to resume consistent park signage. Gun ban signs have been posted. 8. Old Business • Big Chimneys grand reopening video Big Chimneys unveiling video is moving forward with filming beginning tomorrow. • Student representative projects Nate and Thomas are working with Mr. George on building benches. 9. Adjournment Kim Hicks motioned to adjourn. Jenna Schroeder seconded the motion. All approved. Advisory Board of Recreation and Parks Staff liaison: Amy Youngs, 703-248-5137 (TTY711), ayoungs@fallschurchva.gov