Parks Board

REGULAR MEETING OF THE LAFAYETTE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD 4:00 pm 16 May 2022 The City of Lafayette Parks and Recreation Board met in regular meeting at 4:00pm, May 16, 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, Security Director Kurt Wolf, Marketing Manager Samantha Haville, and Recording Secretary Jenny Spencer were also present. Upon motion by Mr. Denney, seconded by Mr. Metzger, and unanimously carried, minutes of the April 18, 2022 Parks Board meeting were approved. Upon motion of Mr. Mecklenburg seconded by Mr. Denney, and unanimously carried, General Fund Claims in the amount of $63,075.16, Non-Reverting Fund Claims in the amount of $21,470.86 for a total of $84,546.02 were approved. Superintendent’s Report • Marketing Manager Haville reported that Tyler Laufman had interviews regarding the new e-sports league. Zoo Director, Neil Dale also gave interviews on Zoo Run Run and the research on modifications to the Penguin Exhibit. The first Art in the Park of the year will be on June 7th at Columbian Park with the theme “Baseball Night” from 5pm – 7pm. There will be an Aviators meet and greet from 5pm- 6pm, buy one, get one free ticket to the game and a kid’s craft. The America concert ticket sales have reached 1700. Ms. Haville also provided a social media update, with an increase across all platforms. The Marketing Department has a new intern, a Political Science major from Purdue. Former intern, Bethany Wagner has been hired as the part time seasonal marketing assistant. • Zoo Director Neil Dale provided an update on Zoo operations. After being open one month, there have been 10,000 paid admissions, 4500 train tickets sold, and $55,000 in gift shop sales. There are also eight baby goats at the zoo. The internal penguin cam should be live soon. Still researching modifications for the live penguin exhibit. The Depot is being converted to a ticket booth and should be open by Memorial weekend. The pedal boats are now in the water, also plan to be running Memorial weekend, weather permitting. Staff is still working on a member entry gate for busy days that will allow season pass holders their own gate. The zoo also gained some new animal ambassadors through private donations Park Board Minutes 5/16/2022 Page 1  • McAllister Manager Aldridge updated that there are 284 children registered for summer camp compared to 317 in 2019. We are still low on counselors, 27 now versus 35 in 2019. The referral program has been a help. In other business, Kids’ Fishing Day is Father’s Day weekend at Munger Park. • Superintendent Laufman provided a project update for the Columbian Park Restrooms. There was a deviation from the plans in the concrete work which required some replacement at contractor expense. The liquid carpet is being installed this week. The sidewalks are a separate project. Maintenance will be putting in mulch until the sidewalks are installed. • Director of Operations Miner discussed the Cat Park All-Inclusive Field. The fence posts are up, you are able to see the footprint. They are pouring pads for curbs, dugouts and announcer’s booth. The project is still tracking toward 6/19- 6/20 finish. • Director of Operations Miner also provided an update on aquatics. Pool staff has started. Held aquatics seasonal orientations. Opening day is May 28. We have 73 lifeguards. With some applications and interviews this week we will be getting close to 80. Ms. Corey mentioned that the Aviators are getting geared up and must also be having a challenge in staffing their food and beverage workers Communications: • Board: Mr. Denney spoke to working through suite issues at Loeb, and gave his appreciation to Mr. Miner and Mr. Perry for being so responsive as issues arrive. • Public: none • Written: None There being no further business to come before the Board, on motion of Mr. Metzger, seconded by Mr. Mecklenburg, and unanimously carried, the meeting adjourned at 4:30 pm. _______________________________________ Pat Corey, Park Board President _______________________________________ Dave Mecklenburg, Secretary Pro Tem ________________________________________ Jenny Spencer, Recording Secretary Park Board Minutes 5/16/2022 Page 2