Parks & Recreation Board

200 South Hamilton Road City of Gahanna Gahanna, Ohio 43230 Meeting Minutes Parks & Recreation Board Chrissy Kaminski Kevin McGinn, Chair Daphne Moehring, Vice Chair Donna Simmons, Secretary Eric Miller Jan Ross Ken Shepherd Nichole Butler, Clerk Wednesday, September 11, 2024 7:00 PM Gahanna City Hall, Committee Room A. CALL MEETING TO ORDER Chair McGinn called the September 11, 2024 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board to order at 7:02 PM. The agenda was published on September 6, 2024. B. ROLL CALL Present: 7 - Chrissy Kaminski, Kevin McGinn, Eric Miller, Daphne Moehring, Jan Ross, Ken Shepherd and Donna Simmons Staff in Attendance: Stephania Ferrell, Director; Nichole Butler, Clerk; Brian Gill, Recreation Superintendent; Chris Simmons, Recreation Supervisor of Aquatics C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES P&R Board Minutes 08.2024 A motion was made by Shepherd, seconded by Moehring that the August 14, 2024 minutes be approved as published. The motion carried the following vote: Yes: 7- Kaminski, McGinn, Miller, Moehring, Ross, Shepherd and Simmons D. ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA E. HEARING OF VISITORS Chair McGinn stated that Director Ferrell would give a brief overview of the Action Park project to hopefully answer questions. Ferrell stated that the previous skate park at Shull Park was well beyond its useful life, elements were rusting due to residual flooding, and to redevelop the City of Gahanna Page 1 Parks & Recreation Board Meeting Minutes September 11, 2024 current site was not an appropriate fix for the problem. Ferrell stated that thru the 2023 Parks and Recreation Master Plan the department learned that skate parks have evolved and are more wheeled activities, and action sports, rather than a skate park alone. Ferrell stated that lower McCorkle Park was identified as a possible location and that although the outline of the property was labeled on a map the only portion of the land that would be used for development of wheeled sports would be the soccer field location. Ferrell stated the potential for a canopy walk or a Frisbee golf course is being studied for the wooded property behind the cell tower. Ferrell stated the project is in a conceptual phase and has not been funded or approved for construction. Ferrell stated that during the process the environmental impact as well as the constructability of the project will be evaluated. Ferrell stated that there will continue to be opportunity for more feedback and input throughout this phase of the project.. Director Ferrell turned it back to chair McGinn to begin the public comment section. Michael Heitzman, of 180 Rivers Edge Way, stated that he is fully against the move of the skate park to Lower McCorkle Park. Heitzman stated that while he appreciates the parks and recreation department exploring moving amenities to the west side of Gahanna, he feels that it does nothing to make the citizens living near the park feel valued or heard. Heitzman stated he learned of the plan after neighbors had attended the Creekside Hops and Vines event and has since engaged with his neighbors, and Walnut Trace. Heitzman stated that most of the neighbors he has spoken with are fully against the project. Heitzman stated that he believes that the installment of a skate park at lower McCorkle Park makes no sense at this location and that the plan to place the skate park in a neighborhood surrounded by green space, the big walnut trail and the golf course. Heitzman stated that the natural part of Gahanna must be preserved. Heitzman stated that he feels the communication and solicitation of feedback has been disappointing and stated that he feels there has been no attempts to hold a community meeting or forum with the neighbors directly impacted by the project. Heitzman stated that if the City Council and the Parks and Recreation Department feel passionate about building a skate park, they should keep it at the same location. Heitzman stated that he will continue to work with his ward council member, and the mayor to reject any progress that moves the project to McCorkle Park. Gina Grabau, of Walnut Trace National Church Residences, located at 389 Olde Ridenour Road, stated that Walnut Trace is home to 83 Senior residents with a total of 90 residents expected to the end of 2024. Grabau stated that the property was built in 2021 and was designed with large windows to engage all the beauty of the area that it was built in. City of Gahanna Page 2 Parks & Recreation Board Meeting Minutes September 11, 2024 Grabau stated that she doesn’t just sell Walnut Trace to Seniors but sells Gahanna to the potential residents as well. Grabau stated that the residents who bought their retirement living in that facility also bought into the nature that surrounds them. Grabau stated that she owes it to the residents of Walnut Trace as well as the neighbors to state that herself and the corporate office of National Church Residences have a vested interest in ensuring that it remains natural. John Marette, of 215 Rivers Edge Way, stated the problem he has with the project is that information has already been posted at Creekside, and while the City Administration stated that the project is not far along, it appears to him and other residents that by these visuals being posted the project is further than being represented. Marette stated that the most valuable asset that Gahanna has is the natural beauty and he feels that to put a concrete jungle in the middle of everything would be a disaster. Marette stated that in the 2023 Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan survey the two most important amenities listed were trails and multi use paths. Marette stated that the two lowest priorities from the Gahanna resident responses to that survey were skate parks and BMX parks. Marette stated that he feels the structure overtime will deteriorate, be vandalized and become a blight on the community. Marette requested that the city rebuild the skate park in its prior location or find an open field somewhere else. Marette stated that the initiative is also a safety concern, as it will invite unsupervised teens to assemble right next to a senior living community and a neighborhood with young children. Marette stated that Olde Ridenour is a narrow road with many curves, turns and blind spots and believes the increased car traffic will result in dangerous and deadly situations. Marette stated that the city already has a shortage of fields and greenspaces due to a recent surge of organized sports competing for field time. Marette stated that most of the fields are located on the far east side near Hannah and Headley Park, and this would be taking away the little bit they do have on the west side of Gahanna. Marette stated that he feels that there is a development double standard in that there is a delapadated monstrosity in Creekside that multiple developers sought to develop however were denied by the city. Karen Blaes, of 200 Founders Court, stated that she sees many children, teenagers, and adults playing and walking on the field at Lower McCorkle Park. Blaes stated that it is interesting that the administration stated there are issues with flooding at Shull Park, where the current skate park is located, as the lower McCorkle is also in a flood plane. Blaes stated that according to the 2023 Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan, had a skate park very low on the priority list. Blaes noted that 88% stated they had not visited a skate park and 90% stated that they don’t want or need a skate park. Blaes stated that while a canopy walk would City of Gahanna Page 3 Parks & Recreation Board Meeting Minutes September 11, 2024 be nice, she believes that the bald eagle who calls those woods home, still deserves to have his canopy too. Blaes stated that when visiting the area, she often sees a large variety of animals, insects and wildlife and that light pollution and deforestation will change and destroy the habitats for the wildlife and without them, living along the Big Walnut creek would be diminished. Blaes requested that the city keep the park as is. Hans Weisheimer, of 3650 Olde Ridenour Road, stated that he is relieved to hear that the wooded area remains undeveloped. Weisheimer stated that with such a diverse ecological area with wildlife and wetlands and it is a privilege to live right next door to the current green space. Weisheimer stated that he was unaware of the plan until a very informal encounter with a neighbor a few days prior. Weisheimer stated that he believes this has been a concrete plan to put a facility there for at least four months when the Request for Proposal (RFP) went out. Weisheimer stated that in the last parks and recreation newsletter he received there was an ad that stated that the Action Sports Park is moving forward and to visit Gahanna.Gov for more information however that upon visiting the site, only the RFP, not any additional information. Weisheimer stated that while the survey supposedly went out on Facebook, he does not use Facebook and it is not an appropriate venue to communicate to the community at large. Weisheimer stated that as a neighbor of the park, he feels that he is a stakeholder of the project and is more familiar than probably the parks and recreation staff. Weisheimer offered that if anyone wants to walk around the area with him, he is happy to help. Jenni Hecker, of 211 Kamilah Lane, stated that she has heard a lot of anger, frustration, misinformation, and no desire to truly understand or share an idea or solution. Hecker stated that she hears that nature is the most valuable asset in Gahanna, and she will not argue that as her family moved here seven years ago and her son grew up in the creeks, and on the bike trails. Hecker stated that to her the most valuable asset Gahanna has been our community. Hecker stated that the children and teenagers need a place to be a part of the community and feel safe, a skate park is that safe space for some. Hecker stated that skaters are kicked out of everywhere they go and have nowhere to go and they need a space that is easily accessible to them. Hecker stated that she was made aware of this potential project over a year ago, because she sought out information on how to make their skate park safer for the people who visit. Hecker stated that she hopes the community can rally together and collaborate and think of ideas. Ashley Hammond, of 185 Rivers Edge Way, stated that the community has some concerns impacting their families. Hammond stated that arriving into their neighborhood by entering from a wooded area is part of the charm and why they purchased a home there. Hammond stated that City of Gahanna Page 4 Parks & Recreation Board Meeting Minutes September 11, 2024 the flooding continues to happen and additional construction to that area could cause flooding in their homes as well and will lower the value of their homes. Hammond stated that some of the presented possible designs back up to their homes and would add additional traffic to the area. Hammond stated that she is not opposed to having a facility like this in Gahanna but at the base of their neighborhood it would not work. Hammond stated that they would continue to work to learn more about the plans however they will continue to be present and hope to find another solution because this is not the location for it. Richard Blaes, of 200 Founders Court, stated that one thing they noticed on the plans that were circulating social media, is that the plan includes the wetland area, and remembered that when Stonegate was built, the developer had to give up one lot to create a wetland, and asked how the city can get away with removal of a wetland. Blaes requested that better communication happen from the city in regard to projects like this. Blaes stated that the department puts out sign saying that the soccer fields are closed, but the city should put up a large sign stating that there is a proposed development change so that it reaches more impacted residents. Blaes stated that he believes that the field serves more people in the community than that of a skate park that was at the bottom of the priority list. Maria Duque, of 200 Rivers Edge Way, stated that she is speaking for her children and that they are growing up in Gahanna. Duque stated that she and her children walk often and see many forms of wildlife. Duque stated she feels that the plans presented on social media, and what was stated online show that this has not been properly communicated. Duque stated that the city has all of these residents’ addresses, and they support the summer camps, Hops and Vines and Parks and recreation yet they have received no communication. Duque stated she went door to door and not one person she communicated with was aware of this project. Duque stated that environmental impact and traffic issues are an issue, and that the entire area is also in a flood zone, and she feels this project will not age well. Kevin Cavener, of 3657 Olde Ridenour, stated their concerns have already been addressed by his neighbors. Cavener stated that he believes there was no communication and feels that the city is trying to sneak the project past the residents, and it will no longer work. Cavener stated that the walking path is used by many of the residents and residents of Walnut Trace and suggested that an option for that field is that it be turned into a dog park or something else. Cavener stated that he feels that the children should find somewhere else to play, and that he did not have the city buying him things to do as a child, and they had to City of Gahanna Page 5 Parks & Recreation Board Meeting Minutes September 11, 2024 find a space to go play baseball. Becky Cavener stated that the road is not a two-lane road and would cause speeding and traffic that the area cannot handle. Frank Kurtz, of 131 Rivers Edge way, stated that he is disappointed with the late notice of the project. Kurtz stated that he is concerned with what will happen to the property values if the project goes thru and is concerned with noise. Kurtz request that the city regroup and come up with a better solution than has been offered. Jay Bohman, of 336 Vista Drive, stated that he was reviewing the Parks and Recreation Masterplan and is very thankful for the priority that is placed on increased connectivity, maintenance, and snow removal the city has placed upon the trail system. Bohman stated that he would be in favor of traffic calming along Olde Ridenour as many of the fellow residents have shared concerns as that would help walkers and bicyclist who also use that area. Ferrell stated the project is in a conceptual phase. Ferrell stated that a budget has not been determined or awarded given the project is still conceptual. F. OLD BUSINESS Master Plan Action Plan Update Director Ferrell provided the board with most recent version of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan Action Plan. Ferrell stated that the final draft of the Active Transportation Plan was submitted to the city for review. Ferrell stated that the next steps would be that the plan be presented to City Council prior to adoption. Master Plan Action Plan update 09.24 H. CORRESPONDENCE AND ACTIONS G. NEW BUSINESS Aquatics & Safety Program updates Director Ferrell stated that the 2024 aquatics season has concluded and introduced Recreation Superintendent, Brian Gill. Gill introduced Chris City of Gahanna Page 6 Parks & Recreation Board Meeting Minutes September 11, 2024 Simmons, Recreation Supervisor of Aquatics. Gill Stated that the 2024 season of hiring seasonal staff was better than previous years. Gill congratulated Chris Simmons on completing his Water Safety Instructor Trainer and Lifeguard Instructor Trainer Certifications thru the American Red Cross, which will allow him to train swim instructors and lifeguard instructors on how to run their classes and certify more lifeguards in-house which previously was contracted out. Chris Simmons stated that the City received over 185 applications for employment at the pool and started the season with 135 staff. Simmons provided the Board with an outline of the enrollment and financial report for the 2024 aquatic season. Simmons stated that memberships were up in 2024. Simmons stated that over $6000 in scholarships were provided to families towards pool memberships, thanks to the partnership with the Gahanna Parks and Recreation Foundation. Simmons stated that programming was expanded this year with around 576 participants in swim lessons, including parent child, learn to swim and adaptive lessons. Simmons stated that with the addition of private lessons in 2024 they were able to teach 34 children individually and as this was a new program the department expects that it will expand. Simmons stated that the Parent/Child classes for those age six months to three years, were offered for free to pool members in 2024, and many members took advantage of this benefit, and they hope to continue to be able to offer this. Simmons stated that the swim team enrollments were down from 2023. Simmons stated that the department was able to offer rental space to the Greater Columbus Swim Team of Ohio and Hydra Aquatics who are outside teams, as well as the Plain Township Dive Team. Simmons stated that there were nearly 16,000 visitors and members at the Hunters Ridge Pool, and 22,000 visits at the Gahanna Swimming Pool in 2024. Simmons stated the pools also hosted several camps including internal camps, staff and campers for weekly swimming field trips. Ross asked how the usage has been at the splash pad. Simmons stated that there has been a lot of usage at the splash pad in the mornings from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM there is often a shortage of parking, however there are even daycares that will bring their kids as well. Simmons noted that the usage at the splash pad often decreases when the pool opens for normal operating hours as the splash pad becomes an amenity of the pool. 2025 Budget Requests- P&R Ferrell provided the Board with a draft of the 2025 Operational Budget Requests for the Department Director Ferrell noted that the staffing numbers are not included in this current request as the Finance Department projects the salaries and benefits.. Ferrell stated that any of the budget accounts noted with an SRF like summer camps, Golf, Senior Center, and Aquatics are part of the Special Revenue Fund and are City of Gahanna Page 7 Parks & Recreation Board Meeting Minutes September 11, 2024 separate from the General Fund. Ferrell noted that the Department projects what they expect the revenue to be for the upcoming year. Ross asked what the timeline of the budget discussions is. Ferrell stated that the budget will be presented to council in October, with discussions happening thru the final Council meeting of 2024. I. DIRECTOR'S REPORT Directors Report Aug 2024 Ferrell stated the parks team is preparing for the replacement of the cart path at the Golf Course as well as work being continued on the replacement of the deck at the Golf Course Clubhouse. Ferrell stated that the Department has hit record numbers on participation in the summer day camps for 2024. Donna Simmons asked how the progress is on the Price Road house project. Ferrell stated that recently the Department received a review of the finishes on the inside of the house. Ferrell stated that the goal is to get the project out to bid by the last quarter of 2024 with the parking lot to be included in the scope. Ross asked what the timeline would be for the completion of the project. Ferrell stated that the consultant estimated an eight-month co. Simmons asked for an update on the progress of Academy Park. Ferrell stated that funding will ultimately determine the timeline. The department is currently in the design review phase with engineering and construction anticipated in 2025. J. COMMITTEE REPORTS i. Bicycle & Trail Advisory Committee (BTAC) ii. Gahanna Active Senior Advisory Committee (GASAC) Simmons stated that the Senior Expo is Thursday September 12, 2024, at the Gahanna Sanctuary from 11 A.M. to 2 P.M. Simmons stated that the next meeting is September 17, 2024, at 3 P.M. at the Senior Center. GASAC Minutes August 2024 iii. Natural Resources Advisory Committee (NRAC) K. POLL MEMBERS FOR COMMENT City of Gahanna Page 8 Parks & Recreation Board Meeting Minutes September 11, 2024 i. Gahanna Parks & Recreation Foundation Miller stated that the next meeting is September 19, 2024. Ross stated that the numbers from Hops and Vines are not yet available. ii. School District Update Moehring stated that the school year has begun. Moehring stated that with the new start times of the school day, the bus schedules all had to be adjusted but has been going well. Moehring stated that the high school has also adjusted to a block schedule and allows for students to be in their core content classes longer with less interruptions. Moehring stated that the school board members were also able to visit the CLAW academy, where students who require an alternate learning environment attend and are able to learn in a smaller setting allowing for less distractions for both traditional learners and those who need an alternative setting. Moehring stated that the program offers the same resources the high school offers in an off-site location. iii. Veteran's Advisory Committee Shepherd stated that the next meeting was set for Monday September 16, 2024. Shepherd stated he would forward the minutes from that meeting to the Parks Board once available. L. ADJOURNMENT City of Gahanna Page 9