Parks Board

REGULAR MEETING OF THE LAFAYETTE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD 4:00 pm 21 March 2022 The City of Lafayette Parks and Recreation Board met in regular meeting at 4:00pm, March 21, 2022. The meeting was held at Rush Pavilion in Columbian Park. The meeting was called to order by Park Board President, Pat Corey. Board members present were Matt Metzger, Maurie Denney and Dave Mecklenburg. Parks Superintendent Claudine Laufman, Director of Operations Jon Miner, Marketing Manager Samantha Haville, Zoo Director Neil Dale, McAllister Recreation Center Manager Chad Aldridge, Maintenance Manager Mike Perry, Marketing Manager Samantha Haville, Marketing and Special Events Coordinator Bridgett Haro and Recording Secretary Jenny Spencer were also present. Upon motion by Mr. Denney, seconded by Mr. Mecklenburg, and unanimously carried, minutes of the February 14, 2022 Parks Board meeting were approved. Upon motion of Mr. Metzger seconded by Mr. Mecklenburg, and unanimously carried, General Fund Claims in the amount of $154,973.18, Non-Reverting Fund Claims in the amount of $13,556.63 for a total of $170,529.81 were approved. Superintendent’s Report  Superintendent Laufman commented on the improvements including paint, fixtures, ceiling fans and appliances to Rush Pavilion and invited board members to peruse changes to kitchen and restrooms after the meeting. Ms. Laufman commended the Marketing and Maintenance teams for their hard work and collaboration in both selection of material and work on an older site. She then introduced Ms. Haro to provide more information. Ms. Haro shared that she had given around twelve tours since completion of work with very positive feedback.  Marketing Manager Samantha Haville began sharing the release of the 2022 Fun Guide. It is a comprehensive overview of amenities, activities and events available in all park properties. In her media update; Ms. Haville shared that WLFI is doing a series called “What it Takes” in which local workers are highlighted. Reporter Cody Melin shadowed Zookeeper Lindsey for a great story. Assistant Zoo Director Caitlin Laffery did a story on the new Grandparent Zoo Membership. Movie Night at Loeb Stadium is April 22nd showing “Onward”. Doors open at 5pm, tickets are $2. There is a $5 combo ticket including drink and candy, with movie starting at 6pm. We continue to progress with marketing to outside organizations. There are more than twelve upcoming events at the park partnering with outside organizations. There is a free concert at Memorial Island on April 9th from 1pm to 5pm provided by Fulton County Music Show as a Park Board Minutes 3/21/2022 Page 1  Tribute to Healthcare Workers. Social Media update: increase of over 1% across all platforms.  Zoo Director Neil Dale shared details on upcoming opening of the Zoo. Opening day is April 16, hours will be 10am – 4:30pm. Focus now is on grounds. With staffing issues, everyone is shifting as needed. All seasonal zookeepers have been hired. Still looking for gift shop workers. Please get the word out. The totem pole has been taken down, looking into restoration. Changes are being made to Zoo entry. There will be a “Members-Only” gate. The exit will be by the Carousel building. Working making the old train depot a ticket window, hoping those changes will be complete by Memorial Day. Due to conversion to new system, working on details of member sign up discount. There will be baby goats in May. Since Easter is the day after opening staff is working on plans for an Easter egg hunt or something similar, more details to come.  Superintendent Laufman provided a project update for the Columbian Park Restrooms. Exterior masonry has begun. First coat of interior paint is on. Toilets are stubbed in; interior waterlines are being worked on.  Director of Operations Miner discussed the Cat Park All-Inclusive Field. Renew is installing sanitary and storm lines. HP Legacy started on earth work in concession area. Invitations will be going out for groundbreaking on April 13 at 2:00. Completion still set for June 19.  Director of Operations Miner also provided an update on seasonal hiring. The applicant pool has dried up with many positions yet to fill. We are looking internally at different solutions. This season starting pay is $1.00/hour higher. We have marketing campaigns. Ms. Corey suggested using Mayor’s Youth Council, a discussion ensued surrounding challenges. Upon motion by Mr. Metzger, seconded by Mr. Denney, and unanimously carried, the 2021 Annual Report was approved. Marketing Manager Haville provided an overview of the annual report. It reflected a bounce back from the pandemic, resumption of train rides in Columbian Park and addition of pedal boats. Communications:  Board: none  Public: none  Written: Ms. Corey read a letter from Bill Vollmer, Professional Disc Golf Assoc. Member thanking the Parks Department and Board for their support and maintenance of Murdock Park and McAllister Park disc golf courses. The letter included a report on Disc Golf growth through out the country. Park Board Minutes 3/21/2022 Page 2 There being no further business to come before the Board, on motion of Mr. Denney, seconded by Mr. Mecklenburg, and unanimously carried, the meeting adjourned at 4:25 pm. _______________________________________ Pat Corey, Park Board President _______________________________________ Dave Mecklenburg, Secretary Pro Tem ________________________________________ Jenny Spencer, Recording Secretary Park Board Minutes 3/21/2022 Page 3