Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Meeting

Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Meeting Madison Heights, Michigan July 20, 2023 A Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Meeting was held on Thursday, July 20, 2023 at 5:30 PM at Department of Public Services, 801 Ajax Dr. CALL TO ORDER The Chair called the meeting to order at 5:32 PM ROLL CALL Present: Harris, Molencupp, Rohrbach, Aaron, R. Chambliss, C. Chambliss, Heisler, Pardy, Ballantine Absent: Theodoroff, Busch*, Wright, Borngesser*, Goatley* *denotes those members who gave notice 1. Excuse Absences (if applicable) ADDITIONS/DELETIONS None proposed. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2. Approval of Minutes from 4/20/23 Motion by Rohrbach, second by Chambliss to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 20, 2023 as written, unanimous approval. MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC No public were present. REPORTS 3. Activities and Events Subcommittee A summary was provided regarding the successful Juneteenth event, already planning for Trail Tunes. Harris and Chambliss volunteered to assist. A discussion ensued about the background of Trail Tunes, and how/why it was founded during COVID. A sidebar discussion took place regarding poured-in-place surfacing, and the ongoing efforts to make our parks increasingly ADA compliant. 4. Student Report: Madison High School: 1  C. Chambliss reported that it was the end of the year for Madison, the seniors have graduated, and the 8th grade classes had a student-led tour of the high school. The Spanish class took a trip to the DIA and Mexicantown, and the special needs class went to the science center. 5. School Board Representative Report: Madison District: R. Chambliss reported that Madison is being considered as the site for the HREC car show. Bond work is underway, and there is a lot of excitement; students are taking pictures and sharing on social media. Board meetings will be moving to the high school once the new A/V system is in place. Open air market at Wilkinson on July 22. The board's goal is to bring the community back to Madison, and showcase how different they are today than they were in years past. 6. Council Report: Rohrbach reported that Council is working on many different things, and are excited for the completion of the Civic Center Campus project. Grand opening for Fire Station 2 is scheduled for August 22. Many great festivals, events, and other things are happening. The volunteer awards are out, and are looking for nominations. 7. Administration Report: Ballantine gave an update on the construction project, as well as the recently completed playscape in Civic Center Park. Talks are in the works to possibly bring a grant-funded ampitheatre to Civic. DPS is in a state of flux with backfills, as Ballantine was officially promoted to Director of Public Services. Road construction continues, but is currently on schedule. All in all, a busy summer, but nothing we can't handle. 8. Oakland County Parks and Recreation Report: Pardy introduced Benjamin Prowse, the new naturalist. The County parks system is currently working on enhanced partnerships with several communities, Madison Heights included, to take over operations of local parks and bring a significant amount of investment. Programs are running with high enrollment, the water park is open 7 days a week, staffing challenges exist, but things are better. Prowse indicated his desire to get out into the community and work on building/rebuilding relationships and partnerships. Already doing so with the Rec department, the Library, and the Active Adult Center. 9. Recreation Report: Heisler affirmed that Prowse has been an incredible resource, always willing to help and to be present. Despite the rain, Festival went on; we'll hope for better weather next year. Attempting several new programs, including fall softball, summer glow golf, a fall 5K, and a truck or treat event. Summer camp is in full swing, but is starting to near the end. 2  Golf outing is coming up, and Middle School Mondays have been modestly attended with the same core group of friends. Recreation is already preparing for the fall/winter brochure. UNFINISHED BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS Sidebar discussion regarding the ADA pride celebration this Saturday, 1:00-4:00 at Civic Center Park with the community art project. This is a collaboration of the HREC, the Arts Board, and the Statewide Independent Living Council. The Independent Living Council approached the City based on measures we are already employing; this is the only such event currently happening, and it's here in Madison Heights. Approximately 50 pieces of art are also in the Library exhibit space. 10. Gardens in the Parks / Madison Heights Gardening Group Busch provided a statement in her absence regarding the new Madison Heights gardening group on Facebook, and their desire to plant flowers and bulbs in selected areas in the Parks. They would be responsible for all maintenance, supplies, etc. Motion by Rohrbach, second by Chambliss that the Board supports the initiative by Busch to work with DPS to identify appropriate flowerbeds to plant and maintain with the Madison Heights gardeners group, unanimous approval. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:37 PM. NOTICE: Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for effective participation through electronic means in this meeting should contact the City Clerk at (248) 583-0826 or by email: clerks@madison-heights.org at least two working days in advance of the meeting. An attempt will be made to make reasonable accommodations. 3