Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee

MINUTES PARKS & TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE April 21, 2022 5:00 P.M 111 Opera Street, Suite A 1) Roll Call of Committee Members Committee Members present: Dudley Webb, Julie Nix, Rick Dwyer, Samantha Christian, Larry Williams, Bob Reddish and Ann Kendrick. P&T staff present: Anthony Whittington, Kathleen Fason 2) Approval of the Agenda Julie made a motion to approve the April 21, 2022 agenda. Bob seconded. Motion carried unanimously. 3) Approval of the Minutes Rick made a motion to approve the January 20, 2022 minutes. Samantha seconded. Motion carried unanimously. 4) Introduction of Guests 5) New Business A) Bid Opening-HSCGT, Ph 6 (Southern Trail, Ph 1): the city received permission to put out to bid this next section of the Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail called Southern Trail. It will be phase 1 of this section that will include two pedestrian bridges that take trail users across Hot Springs Creek twice before coming to the Jean Wallace Wetlands Trailhead at TV Hill Road. Anthony explained that the bidding process will be taking place 5 years after receiving the funding in 2017. Adjustments may be needed due to the much higher cost of materials now. He will keep the committee informed. The Bid Opening is set for May 2, 2022. B) New Online Pavilion Reservations and Sport Program Signups Website: Kathleen explained about the new CIVICREC website. The site launched fully in March. Now citizens and visitors can go online to reserve a pavilion, signup for youth and adult sport programs, and special events then pay for it all online. Creating an account is required but it will allow users to plan and pay for their events without being forced to call our Department. Staff has already seen an increase in profits with the new system. C) Velocity Park Groundbreaking: Anthony explained that Velo-Solutions will begin work on Phase 1 of Velocity Park in June. He is planning to have a groundbreaking around the same time that work begins. Installation of the initial pump track and amenities will be included in Phase 1. The city will provide in-kind work roughing in the natural surface trail in between each amenity. Phase 2 Grant (Outdoor Recreation Grant) is being written and submitted this year. It will include the second phase of the pump track and additional sections of natural surface trail and amenities. D) Trail Coordinator Position Update: The position will be advertised through the city’s Human Resources Department. E) Arbor Day Celebration: Set for Friday, April 29, 2022. It’s been two years with no Arbor Day fun at Entergy Park due to the pandemic. Brian Fisher and Jennifer Shinn have worked hard to plan this year’s event that will have fifth grade students from Fountain Lake, Jessieville, and Mountain  Pine school districts come to the park to learn all about trees, wildlife, urban forestry, stormwater, parks, trails, and more. The park will be closed to the public during the event. F) Stokes Creek Tap Grant: The TAP Grant request will be resubmitted again this year for Stokes Creek Phase 1. Deadline is June 1, 2022. 6) Parks & Trails Director Reports, Announcements, & Items for Discussion  Earth Day tree give away is planned for April 22/10 AM-1PM at the Garland County Library.  The Jeanfo sculpture that is located at the Sponsor’s Plaza along the HSCGT was vandalized and is currently being repaired. It will be reinstalled when ready.  The Baker’s Lovers/Fighters sculpture currently located on the HSCGT at the Belding St. entrance will be moved to the top of the hill crest along Hollywood Trail Phase 2.  A position is being created to manage all 21 rain gardens in the city. It will be part-time, paid for by Stormwater but managed by Parks & Trails. 7) Parks & Trails Advisory Committee Reports, Announcements, & Items for Discussion  Larry spoke to the group and explained that his position on CDAC prevented him from speaking in favor of one park project over the other. Anthony thanked him for his support of the Velocity Park restroom project as a member of PTAC and stated that we all understand his ethical responsibility not to advocate for one project over another. 8) Adjournment: The Parks and Trails Advisory Committee will hold their next regular meeting on Thursday, May 19, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. ATTEST: ___________________________ APPROVAL: ____________________________ Anthony Whittington, Director Dudley Webb, Chairperson Parks & Trails Department Parks & Trails Advisory Committee