Parks & Recreation Commission

PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING December 5th, 2022 Maeck Education Center 12:00 Noon Members in Attendance: B. Combo, B. Lee, B. Nitschke, M. Hill, J. Walker, C. White, L. Burtenshaw, T. Reinke, R. Campbell, C. Horsley, T. McCammon Members Not in Attendance: T. Hersh, R. Foote, P. Lloyd Call to Order – B. Combo B. Combo called the meeting to order at 12:02 pm. Approval of Minutes C. White moved to approve the November 7th meeting minutes. B. Nitschke seconded. All were in favor. Director’s Report – P. Holm P. Holm reported on the following: • P. Holm requested that the Parks and Recreation Commission listen to a proposal by Gateway Parks to Kelly Canyon for a tubing hill at Ryder Park. If possible, he wanted a recommendation, yea or nay, from the Commission to the City Council. Director Holm introduced Mike VanSteenkiste, the owner of Kelly Canyon, and Doug Swanson who then presented the proposal. Slides were displayed showing the tubing park in Eagle Idaho, how it was constructed, the amenities the park would offer, etc. The presenters estimated the Parks and Recreation Department would receive approximately $50,000 to $75,000 per year from a percentage of each paid usage fee. Gateway Parks to Kelly Canyon’s immediate needs to open the park would be electricity and water, but for an optimum opening they would need sewer, restrooms, and a pavilion which would be funded by themselves and other donors. • The board discussed their individual concerns regarding the fees to be charged to patrons, the infrastructure needed, whether Gateway Parks to Kelly Canyon would be able to adequately accommodate the public, the park appearance in the off-season, etc.  • B. Combo asked each commissioner present to voice their opinion. C. White, J. Walker, B. Combo, B. Lee, and M. Hill were in full support. B. Nitschke said he needed more information before he could offer his support. • B. Combo made a formal motion that the Parks and Recreation Commission recommend the City Council proceed with the public/private collaboration with Gateway Parks to Kelly Canyon for a tubing hill at Ryder Park. This recommendation is subject to a favorable response to the questions and concerns the members expressed during the discussion. C. White seconded. The majority voted in favor. Adjournment at 1:36 pm. Next meeting will be held February 6, 2023 Recorded by: Tracy Sessions, Clerk, Parks & Recreation