Parks & Recreation Advisory Board

Parks, Recreation & Leisure Services Advisory Board Meeting Tuesday, May 7, 2024 | 5:00 p.m. | 5th floor City Hall, Canty Conference Room Members: Michelle Griffin, Chair Dr. June Javier, Vice Chair Dr. Irina A. Gorbunova-Ford Katherine G. Dermanis DeRocke Croom Jennifer R. Parker Remi Travis B. Wright Steven L. Raudman Thomas Alston Jr. Opening Business  Welcome, Introduction and Call to Order Attendees: Katherine Dermanis, Dr. Irina A. Gorbunova-Ford, Dr. June Javier, Jennifer Parker, Steven Raudman, Michelle Griffin, Thomas Alston Jr. Mayor Tuck, David McCauley, Airris Madden, Nicole Dennis Absent: DeRocke Croom, Remi Travis Wright Dr. June Javier called the meeting to order at 5:01pm, welcomed the attendees, and advised that a quorum was present.  Approval of March 5, 2024 minutes Dr. Javier gave the board members an opportunity to review the minutes from March 5th. Steven Raudman stated a correction to be made on the first page of the minutes due to a misspelling of his name. Steve made a motion to accept the March minutes with the necessary corrections. Jen Parker seconded the motion and the minutes were unanimously approved.  PRAB Introduction Director McCauley introduced Thomas Alston Jr. as the new Parks and Recreation Advisory Board member. Thomas gave a brief introduction of himself to the board and guests. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Services 22 Lincoln Street | Hampton, Virginia 23669  Director McCauley introduced Mayor Tuck and Jason Campbell as attendees in the meeting. He also introduced Airris Madden as the new Recreation Administrator for the Parks and Recreation department. He shared that Airris will be overseeing all of the community centers, neighborhood centers, special events, and athletics. New Business Review and Finalize Athletic Documents Director McCauley shared that he has received the edits and revisions from the board in reference to the athletics documents that were discussed during the March meeting. All edits were incorporated in the revised set of athletics documents. Jen Parker had a question in reference to the documents where it stated that Hampton Parks & Recreation has no residency requirement. Director McCauley shared that there will be further discussion to help clear any concerns or discrepancies. Themed Meeting- Review of Community Center Program Proposals/Applications with Nicole Dennis Director McCauley introduced Community Center’s Manager, Nicole Dennis, to discuss the program proposals that were submitted to be reviewed by the board. Nicole thanked everyone in attendance for inviting her to present at today’s meeting. She began her presentation with the first program to be discussed titled “Juneteenth Pageant” submitted by Sophisticated Ladies. The organizers of the program have interest to hold the program at Little England Cultural Center. Jen made a motion to accept the “Juneteenth Pageant” and Kathy seconded the motion. The board was all in agreeance to move forward with the program at Little England Cultural Center. The next program proposal up for discussion was “The Good News Club” submitted by CEF of Virginia Peninsula. This is a faith-based program that is also offered within Hampton City Schools. The organization would like to expand their program into the community centers. Nicole stated that it would not be PRLS philosophy or views, but the department would allow the organization to use the space within the community centers. Any students who join/participates in the program, must have a HPRLS membership. The organization has interest to hold the program at West Hampton Community Center. Steven made a motion to accept ad Michelle seconded the motion to the program proposal. The board was all in agreeance to move forward with the program proposal. The third program proposal up for discussion was “Youth Summer Readiness (Youth Training Programs) submitted by Thru the Eyez of Color, LLC. Nicole stated that the program could be offered as an enrichment through PRLS after school program. The program would be piloted at Northampton Community Center. Discussion was made amongst the board for the program to Parks, Recreation & Leisure Services 22 Lincoln Street | Hampton, Virginia 23669 narrow the age group. Nicole will revisit the program proposal once she receives clarification for the organization. Steven made a motion and Jen seconded the motion to table the program proposal and revisit during the next meeting. All was in favor. The final program proposal for discussion was “Women’s Ministry” submitted by Friendship Fellowship Ministries. Nicole stated that the program proposal was incomplete and it will be revisited during the next meeting. Steven made a motion and Michelle seconded the motion to table the program proposal. Department Update Director McCauley shared the following department updates: • Darling Stadium turf is down and scheduled to reopen on August 14th. • Air Power Park ribbon cutting is scheduled for May 25th. • Ribbon cuttings have been completed for Carousel Park and Mary Jackson Neighborhood Center Playground. • Buckroe Beach Playground concept will be taken to the community for public input. • Soccer Field/Complex repairs on irrigation will begin step one of repairs. • Northampton Community Center is in discussion to establish a pickleball court. • Recreation Administrator position has been filled by Airris Madden. • The Special Events Supervisor and Chief Park Ranger positions are to be filled. Open Discussion Jen shared her thoughts on the Soccer Complex in reference to the parking lot. Thomas shared his thoughts/concerns in reference to the attendance policy. Adjourn: Michelle Griffin made a motion to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 6:10p.m. Next Meeting: Tuesday, June 4, 2024 @ 5:00 p.m. 5th Floor City Hall, Canty Conference Room Parks, Recreation & Leisure Services 22 Lincoln Street | Hampton, Virginia 23669