Recreation & Parks Advisory Board

Advisory Board of Recreation and Parks Meeting May 08, 2024 MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF THE ADVISORY BOARD OF RECREATION AND PARKS BERMAN PARK 236 IRVING ST., FALLS CHURCH, VA 22046 1. Call to Order Members present were Jenna Schroeder (Vice Chair), Michael Bracken, Bill Ackerman, Sharon Friedlander (Planning Commission Liaison), Jerrod Anderson (School Board Liaison), Erin Flynn (City Council Liaison) and Student Representative Caroline Carmody. Staff members present were Danny Schlitt, Director Recreation & Parks, Chetna Singal (Senior Administrative Assistant), Kate Walker (Administrative Assistant) and Wyatt Shields (City Manager). Also present were Joseph Cox (Playground Component Professional) and Betsy Osinaga (Spanish Interpreter). About twenty members of the public joined the meeting. 2. Receipt of Public Petitions and Board Member Petitions None. 3. Minutes for Approval: None. 4. Recreation Directors Report Jenna opened the meeting. Danny thanked those present on behalf of the Recreation and Parks department (R&P). He highlighted the challenges faced by the City of Falls Church over the past 15 years due to limited funds for park development. We now have funding available (in July) to replace equipment and improve components in Berman Park. Additional amenities may be included if funds permit. Danny stressed the importance of staying within the footprint of the existing equipment to avoid the need for a site plan, which would prolong the project timeline and incur costs that would reduce the funding available for equipment. He encouraged individuals, especially those under 14, to share their thoughts and ideas with R&P. and expressed his hope for continued resident engagement, information sharing, and feedback from people of all age groups and backgrounds. He introduced Joseph Cox as the playground component specialist who had provided the conceptual designs displayed on boards in the meeting area. 5. Resident Input and Suggestions: ­ Residents actively participated in the discussion, sharing their opinions and suggestions for desired park features. ­ Children expressed enthusiasm for having monkey bars, while other suggestions included small soccer goals, a zipline, seesaws, and a merry-go-round. - Joseph Cox provided detailed insights into the feasibility and pros and cons of each proposed component.  - Residents also expressed interest in installing benches for seating adjacent to the play areas and in other parts of the park. ­ A few residents who primarily spoke Spanish, through the interpreter, appreciated being consulted and stressed the importance of including swings in the new park design. ­ Erin suggested connecting the two footprint areas with a path, but this may require a site plan and permitting. Adjournment Jenna Schroeder moved to adjourn the meeting, and Jerrod Anderson seconded the motion. All approved, and the meeting was adjourned.