Parks Board

REGULAR MEETING OF THE LAFAYETTE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD 4:00 pm 15 April 2024 The City of Lafayette Parks and Recreation Board met in regular meeting at 4:00pm, April 15, 2024. The meeting was held at Rush Pavilion in Columbian Park. The meeting was called to order by Park Board President Matt Metzger. Board members present were Dave Mecklenburg, Siany Molina and Jan Abney. Parks Superintendent Claudine Laufman and Recording Secretary Jenny Spencer were present. Parks staff members present were Mike Perry, Kurt Wolf, Mike Jones, Neil Dale, Chad Aldridge, Samantha Haville and Alex Tanksley. Steve Moore from the Safety Committee was also present. Upon motion by Mr. Mecklenburg, seconded by Ms. Abney and unanimously carried, minutes of the March 18, 2024 Parks Board meeting were approved. Upon motion of Ms. Abney seconded by Ms. Molina, with Mr. Mecklenburg’s abstention, General Fund Claims in the amount of $66,866.16, Non-Reverting Fund Claims in the amount of $34,351.94 for a total of $101,218.10 were approved. Superintendent’s Report: • Event Coordinator Alex Tanksley shared that the McAllister Spring Celebration was a success with over 100 children present to enjoy games and activities. Also at McAllister; the street hockey class is almost full. Sporties for Shorties t-ball begins in May. Opening day at the Zoo was a success this past weekend. In addition, the McPaw Dog Park dedication will be at 1:30pm on Friday, April 19. • McAllister Manager Chad Aldridge updated the board on the newly created Daycations with McAllister. Visits are planned to the Tulip Festival in Holland, Michigan, Beef and Boards, French Lick, Indianapolis Zoo, Shipshewana and Chicago. • Zoo Director Neil Dale provided an update on opening day numbers. There were almost 2,000 paid admissions and close to 800 goat feeding tickets sold. There is a new ride package this year with 12 rides for $25. Zoo programs such as Schools on Safari and Strollers on Safari are close to sold out. Mr. Neil also shared an update on the Zoo Commissary project. The parking lot is closed due to upcoming concrete work. There will be three large pours that require a concrete truck with an extra-long boom. • Superintendent Laufman shared that a new amenity would be available at Tropicanoe Cove this summer. Cabanas are being installed for paid reservations. The cabana area will include fans, a small refrigerator and a safe for personal belongings. Ms. Laufman also updated on seasonal job openings. There are still openings in some areas. The Board of Works approved a contract for Deb Schmuker of Cornerstone PDS for design work at Brittany Chase. The Master Plan should be delivered in early fall. Project Updates: Park Board Minutes 4/15/24 Page 1  - McCaw Phase 2 design work with Chastain is wrapping up. It will be approximately a six-month project with work beginning after awarding the bid in June. There will be new pickleball courts that will require demolition of the existing courts. The batting cages will be relocated, and the baseline will be extended 15-feet on field 2. - The Columbian Park Playground renovation continues. The rubber surfacing on the upper level is complete. Hillside excavation began for the slide installation. The completion is still expected within the first week of June. Upon motion by Mr. Mecklenburg, seconded by Ms. Siany and unanimously carried, Resolution 24-02, Transfer of Property from Lafayette Parks and Recreation to Habitat for Humanity was approved. See Attachment A. Superintendent Laufman introduced Steve Moore, Water Works Superintendent and Safety Committee Chair. Mr. Moore recognized Kurt Wolf, retiring Parks Safety and Security Director, for his years of service on the Safety Committee. In that time, loss claims have reduced by 40%. Communications: • Board: Mr. Metzger thanked Kurt Wolf for his time with the city, with both the Parks Department and previously with LPD. • Public: none • Written: none There being no further business to come before the Board, on motion of Ms. Abney, seconded by Ms. Molina, and unanimously carried, the meeting adjourned at 4:21 pm. _______________________________________ Matt Metzger, Park Board President _______________________________________ Siany Molina, Secretary Pro Tem ________________________________________ Jenny Spencer, Recording Secretary Park Board Minutes 4/15/24 Page 2