Recreation and Parks Board

Johnson was there for other business, and was asked by the Board his impression of the design. He indicated that at first look the only thing he would like to see change is for concrete to be the surface under the pavilion instead of the existing asphalt due to the ease of cleanup for concrete versus asphalt after people have used the pavilion. During the presentation the Board was very involved with asking questions about the equipment, costs and other items. During discussions it was bought up that the recently completed Downtown Master Vision Plan shows an amphitheater in drawings. It was mentioned that this feature was included in this design since the recent parks survey indicated that many respondents wanted this feature somewhere in the town parks. The Town will have to decide which placement of this feature it would prefer. After the presentation and discussions, A motion was made for repurposing what is generally known as the skate park at Watkins Park, for an all-inclusive playground as presented, and to work with Ava's T21 Foundation as a partner, contingent on obtaining grants and other funds to cover the costs of this project. A vote was taken with 8 in favor, no nays, and 1 abstention. Board member Heather Hobbs Michael abstained from voting on the grounds that due to her employment as a school principle with the Frederick County Public School System (FCPS) and that the company that the Town has worked with, Playground Specialists, Inc., is an approved vendor with FCPS. • Councilmember Report: Due to the meeting running late, Councilmember Hushour deferred most of his report to the town staff report, since many of his items were included in the town staff report. He did give an update on the following: o The Town will be holding upcoming elections on May 6th, and that candidate nominations will begin on March 11th . o An update on the annexation of Dorseytown by Town of Mount Airy. o Gave a status update on the topic of voting by the Town Council commission liaisons. o Reminded the commission of the upcoming Mt. Airy Historical Society basket bingo in February. Town Staff Report • Manger Gina Campanile gave her report on the following topics o Watkins Park Tennis Backboard • Board has been installed • Town has received cost reimbursement from DNR. o Town has received a "Keep Maryland Beautiful" grant to cover the purchase cost of 6 trash cans and 3 pet waste stations. Once "Keep Mount Airy Beautiful" signs are placed on them, maintenance crews will place them where they see fit. o Have interviewed candidates for the park attendant position.  o Veterans Lane shed replacement has been delivered and is set up in the town maintenance yard. o Parks survey of what would be an appropriate use of the Skate Park Pad at Watkins Park • Total of 291 responses. ■ Park survey had signs up at Watkins as well as Facebook and the Town website • Most people are satisfied with Mount Airy Parks ■ Most people get their information about Parks activities through social media • Top 3 requested features are: • Amphitheater (64%) ■ Inclusive Playground (52%) • Water feature (49%) o Summit Ridge Park Pavilion and Picnic Tables ■ Grant application making it through several steps in approval process. ■ Received copy of recommendation letter to House Senators ■ Should hear final decision by May o Twin Arch Crossing Park Sign ■ Bid has been awarded to lowest bid of $5,280.00 • Award letter sent • Work to begin as soon as possible as weather permits (must be above freezing for concrete and mortar) o Watkins Park and Rails to Trails • Rails to Trails Tap Grant • The Town of Mount Airy is continuing to provide monthly progress reports to the State Highway Administration (SHA). • Still in design phase due to additional requirements. • Rails to Trails Signage • Several sign versions are in the works • I have attended and am assisting coordinating the signs so they complement rather than compete • Security Cameras • One skate park ramp left at skate park which has been roped off after an accident occurred there • Met with police, IT support team and staff to access current security camera situation at Watkins Park • IT support is currently evaluating options and will report back to Town Council with recommendations and quotes • Meeting was adjourned at 8:50 pm