Parks Board

REGULAR MEETING OF THE LAFAYETTE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD 4:00 pm 12 August 2024 The City of Lafayette Parks and Recreation Board met in regular meeting at 4:00pm, August 12, 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, Director of Operations Jon Miner and Recording Secretary Jenny Spencer were present. Parks staff members present were Mike Perry, Neil Dale, Alex Tanksley and Colin Miner. Upon motion by Mr. Mecklenburg, seconded by Ms. Abney, and unanimously carried, minutes of the July 22, 2024, Parks Board meeting were approved. Upon motion of Ms. Abney, seconded by Ms. Molina, and unanimously carried, General Fund Claims in the amount of $29,248.81, Non-Reverting Fund Claims in the amount of $40,441.06 for a total of $69,689.87 were approved. Superintendent’s Report:  Marketing and Events Coordinator Alex Tanksley provided a recap of recent events: - The final installment of Art in the Park was held at McPaw Dog Park. The season was very successful with a record-breaking Dance Night earlier in the summer. - Pooch Plunge was held Aug. 8th and 9th with about 150 dogs in attendance each evening at Castaway Bay. - Upcoming events include the second concert of Sounds of Summer series. The Prannies will perform at Memorial Island Amphitheater on Aug. 21st. - Ms. Tanksley also shared a social media update with increases across all platforms except Tik Tok which had a slight decrease in followers. • Director of Operations Miner provided an Aquatics report: - Castaway Bay finished the season with 62 operational days and an average daily attendance of 224. - Vinton Pool had 59 operational days with an average daily attendance of 139. - Tropicanoe Cove is now open only on the weekends, with the last day of the season being Monday, September 2nd. Attendance to date has been 59,876, which is an average of 854 visitors per day. Revenue for the pool and concessions have increased over 2023. The addition of three cabanas contributed $9,960 of revenue and have been extremely popular with guests. Park Board Minutes 8/12/24 Page 1  • Program Coordinator Colin Miner shared an update on happenings at McAllister Center: - Today is the last day for summer camp. Attendance has averaged around 193 campers per day this summer, which is an increase from the average of 180 campers last summer. - Daycation Trips have been going well. The most recent trip was a July 31st visit to French Lick with 15 guests. There were tours, shopping, free time and a lovely buffet dinner on the way back to Lafayette. The next trip on August 28th is to the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. There will be three more trips this year. Project Updates:  Superintendent Laufman shared a project update: - The original schematics for work at McCaw Park Phase 2 did not show all of the existing trees. The Street Dept. was able to remove the trees that were directly in the path of the trail, which is beginning to take shape. The pad for the new batting cage has also been poured. The majority of the project should be completed by the end of November. - Facilities Director Mike Perry gave an update on the very popular new playground at Columbian Park. The contractor is returning this Thursday for some touch up painting. They will also be returning to do some warranty repair on the rubber surfacing after it slows down a little bit later in September. - Zoo Director Neil Dale provided an update on the Commissary Building. Some of the red metal siding has been installed. The roof is complete and shingled. The plumbing and HVAC is being roughed in. Today marks the return of shortened hours. The Zoo closes at 4:30pm. The pedal boats are running only on the weekends until Labor Day. Upon motion by Mr. Mecklenburg, seconded by Ms. Abney, and unanimously carried, the Declaration of Worthless Property was approved (attachment A). Communications:  Board: none  Public: none  Written: none Park Board Minutes 8/12/24 Page 2 There being no further business to come before the Board, on motion of Ms. Abney, seconded by Ms. Molina, the meeting adjourned at 4:13 pm. _______________________________________ Matt Metzger, Park Board President _______________________________________ Siany Molina, Secretary Pro Tem ________________________________________ Jenny Spencer, Recording Secretary Park Board Minutes 8/12/24 Page 3