Parks and Recreation Commission

MURFREESBORO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2020 12:00 NOON Call to Order Prayer and Pledge Consider for Approval the Minutes of the February 5, 2020, Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. New Business I. Presentation of Appreciation Plaque to Eddie Smotherman II. Director’s Department Update III. Introduction of Derek Blake – Patterson Facility Supervisor IV. Introduction of Karen Lampert – City Grant Coordinator V. Information on Martin Luther King Day of Service Grant Award for Patterson VI. Consideration of Frightensburgh VII. Consideration of Perform Murfreesboro Programs VIII. Consideration of Science Camp IX. Consideration of Socially Distant Jamming 101 X. MPRD Upcoming Events/Programs Other Business  MURFREESBORO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2020 12:00 NOON MPRC Members Present: Mr. D. Edwin Jernigan, Jr., Chair Dr. Gloria Bonner, Mr. Rick LaLance, Mr. Tim Roediger, Mr. Eddie Smotherman, and Mr. Don Turner (ex officio) MPRC Members Absent: Dr. Charlie Apigian, Dr. Linda Gilbert, Mr. Eddie Miller, and Mr. Ricky Turner MPRD Staff Present: Mr. Nate Williams, Director Mr. Thomas Laird, Assistant Director Mr. Gary Arbit, Mr. Jim Davis, Ms. Brittany Garrett, Ms. Kathy Herod, Ms. Mitzi Hughes, Ms. Gernell Jenkins, Ms. Jennifer Joines, Mr. Rob Millar, Ms. Priscilla Murray, and Ms. Melinda Tate Others Present: Ms. Kelley Baker, Assistant City Attorney After the meeting was called to order, Mr. Rick LaLance led the commission in a prayer and in the Pledge of Allegiance. Next, the minutes of the January 9, 2020, Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Commission (MPRC) meeting were presented for approval. Dr. Bonner made a motion to approve the minutes as read, and Mr. LaLance seconded. Motion passed by unanimous vote. Mr. Nate Williams announced that Ms. Gernell Jenkins had been promoted to the Patterson Community Center Superintendent position after the retirement of Mr. Russell Smith. Mr. Williams said that Ms. Jenkins had already done amazing things at Patterson and that staff was looking forward to seeing the additional things she can do in the future. Ms. Jenkins said that she was glad to continue her service at Patterson and excited for its growth. Mr. Williams further announced that the department recently received Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association’s (TRPA) Awards from various TRPA sections/branches. They were presented at today’s MPRC meeting as follows: Special Events Award (from Programming and Recreation Branch) to Kathy Herod of St. Clair Street Senior Center for demonstrating innovation and creativity in her programs, while inspiring others to do the same. Marketing Award (from TRPA Programming and Recreation Branch) to Melinda Tate for demonstrating innovation and creativity while inspiring others to do the same. Robert Horsley Award (from Municipal County Interest Section) to Priscilla Murray for planning, conducting and/or being the one responsible for the most outstanding community center program (at McFadden). Wayne Hansard Award (from Municipal County Interest Section) to Rob Millar for demonstrating excellence in parks, facilities, and/or grounds maintenance. Donald Stanton Award (from the Ethnic Minority Interest Section) to Patterson Community Center, received by Gernell Jenkins for having the best overall community center programs. Dennis Rainier Award (from Athletics Branch) to Brittany Garrett for showing excellence in athletic planning and programming. Wellness Award (from Programming and Recreation Branch) to Jennifer Joines for her focus on physical activity, fitness, and wellness programs, policies, and activities with the Better Boro Project. Public Relations Four-Star Award, received by Melinda Tate, for excellence and community impact for MPRD’s “Bring Your Own Water Bottle” campaign. Mr. Williams explained that 2019 was the first year in TRPA’s history that every award category had multiple entries, which gave MPRD more competition. Mr. Jernigan congratulated the award winners and said that Murfreesboro has continued to have a great parks and recreation department due to its staff and volunteers. Mr. Williams also mentioned that Volunteer Service Awards would be presented at an upcoming MPRC meeting. Mr. Thomas Laird, MPRD Assistant Director, reviewed the BOGO sale information for Patterson and Sports Com. He said the BOGO and 25% discount specials were offered first in 2008 and that this past round of the BOGO sale was offered in December and January, while a 25% discount was not included. He pointed out that Sports Com’s BOGO sales were up a little from Patterson’s, but between both facilities, the BOGO sales were up about $1,800 from last year. Ms. Brittany Garrett, Athletic Facility Supervisor, requested a change to the McFadden Community Center (MCC) operating hours, which are currently 3:00-8:00 p.m. Monday-Friday when Murfreesboro City Schools are open and 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. when said schools are closed. She added that staff would like to be open from 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. year-round to better accommodate league play, practices and youth development programs at the center. Mr. Roediger made a motion to approve the adjustment of MCC’s operating hours as requested. Dr. Bonner seconded. Motion passed by unanimous vote. Mr. Gary Arbit, Adams Tennis Complex (ATC) Supervisor, also requested a change in operating hours for the ATC. He said that current ATC hours on Sundays are from 11:00 a.m.- 7:00 p.m., October through April, and 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., May through September. Staff, however, recommends that Sunday hours at the ATC be adjusted to 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. year- round to best serve the patrons. Mr. Smotherman made a motion to approve the change in Sunday hours as requested, and Mr. LaLance seconded. Motion passed by unanimous vote. Mr. Arbit next gave an update on the $6.00 ATC tournament fee per participant. He said that the ATC is in high demand for tournaments, mostly due to its 32 tennis courts being all on one site, while other tennis facilities in Middle Tennessee do not have that many courts on the same property. He added that the USTA currently assesses a $6.00 participant fee when they run tournaments. The ATC hosts tournaments as well and applies the same fee that participants are accustomed to paying. Mr. Williams said that staff did inquire about the tournament fee at other facilities, and the $6.00 head fee is in line with what other facilities are charging. 2 Ms. Gernell Jenkins explained that Patterson staff is in partnership with the Myrtle Glanton Lord (MGL) Library staff to offer STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) opportunities to the youth and adults at the facility. Studio B at Patterson has been converted into a technology education room for the STEAM program and includes a 75” tv monitor, 13 laptops, and a recording studio. Also, the former vending machine area has been cleared of machines, and tables and chairs are planned for that area, as well as charging areas for patron’s computers/phones. Ms. Jenkins said that the STEAM program began in the summer of 2019 and is aligned with MPRD’s mission statement. Ms. Jenkins added that Ms. Mindy Garrett, branch manager of the MGL Library, has been working in partnership with Patterson to help develop the program. Dr. Bonner asked how many constituents can use the computers at one time. Ms. Garrett said that Studio B’s 13 laptops will allow for 12 students and 1 instructor to use the room together for classes, or up to 24 students for various programming at a time. Mr. Smotherman asked if 3D printers would be added at some point. Ms. Garrett said that they are on the technology wish list, as well as specialized recording equipment for the already existing recording space at the library. Mr. Roediger asked if Murfreesboro City School teachers would help with the STEAM instruction. Ms. Garrett said that the library staff will help, and other staff will be hired to lead and facilitate the program. Dr. Bonner encouraged the Patterson and library staff to reach out to MTSU for an additional partnership for STEAM programming needs. Dr. Bonner also mentioned that MTSU’s Dr. Judith Iriarte-Gross is Director of the Women in STEM Center at the university, and she runs the Expanding Your Horizons workshops annually (hands-on STEM experiences) for middle and high school girls. Dr. Bonner hopes that some of the Patterson and McFadden girls can participate in the workshops this fall and that funding assistance for the $20 fee per girl can be explored. Mr. Williams agreed with Dr. Bonner and mentioned that MPRD staff would also look into Mr. Roediger’s idea of having MSC teachers to help with Patterson’s STEAM program. Dr. Bonner added that every opportunity to get young people to MTSU’s campus is healthy for them, so they can be exposed to the idea of higher learning past their regular secondary education. Also, she said that the girls who participate can meet women who are scientists and astronauts, as well as women involved in other STEAM-related careers. Mr. LaLance asked if Patterson had a place for youth to have internet access so they can do schoolwork and research, since all children do not have the same opportunities at home. Ms. Garrett said that there are nine computers already available for kids to use in the Patterson computer lab. Mr. LaLance requested that they let him know if more help is needed in providing computers with internet access for the Patterson patrons. Dr. Bonner said that the STEAM/STEM programs are teaching today’s youth coding skills and other technological skills for jobs that are not even in existence yet. Dr. Bonner is very encouraged that the STEAM program at Patterson is a resource available to its youth. Ms. Tate announced upcoming MPRD activities/events. The Coffee Marathon will continue through March 31, 2020, and signups are through runsignup.com. Cannonsburgh will have line dance classes February 13 - March 19 for $30, or $10 for individual classes. An information meeting is set for tomorrow at 6:00 p.m. in the Jaycees Building. Cannonsburgh will also host a Potluck Lunch and Learn on February 19 at 1:00 p.m., with the lesson theme being “Love and Laughter in the Victorian Era.” Ms. Tate encouraged everyone to look at the numerous Outdoor Murfreesboro activities that are listed in the Rec Connection, and she said that 3 pickleball is very popular at Sports Com, Patterson and McFadden Community Centers. Also, a Caregivers Clinic will be held at St. Clair Street Senior Center February 18 – March 24 from 2:00-3:30 on Tuesdays. Perform Murfreesboro’s Little Mermaid, Jr., is scheduled at Patterson’s Washington Theatre February 13 - 15. Tickets may be ordered from the Parks and Recreation website on the Perform Murfreesboro page. Patterson will also be hosting the Black History Month Triumph Awards on Saturday, February 29th, starting at 3:00 p.m. Further, Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center just held their Black History: Past, Present, and Future event on February 1st from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at the museum and had a great turnout. Ms. Tate also announced that MPRD Summer Camp sign-ups would start at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, March 2nd, online and at Patterson, Sports Com, and the main MPRD office. She said that there are a variety of camps for different age groups, and that there should be something to interest most kids. Specifics on summer camps and numerous other MPRD programs/activities may be found on the City’s website, www.murfreesboroparks.com, and on 14 or more Facebook pages. Meeting adjourned: 12:39 p.m. Minutes Approved: _______________________________ ________________________________ D. Edwin Jernigan, Jr., MPRC Chair Nate Williams, MPRD Director 4 August 27, 2020 For Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Commission: RE: Frightensburgh at Cannonsburgh Village Background Murfreesboro has been the host to the Barfield Halloween Bash for 18 years. The event typically includes a haunted hayride, carnival and not-so-haunted trail. With the current pandemic and social distancing guidelines, we have decided to postpone the Barfield Bash until 2021. In an effort to fill the void, we hope to have a walk-through haunted attraction at Cannonsburgh Village. “Frightensburgh” will be a thrilling trail through the village with a variety of scenes that are sure to frighten all visitors. Wait lines will adhere to proper social distancing guidelines, and visitors will tour the village in small groups. Staff will be on hand to wipe down high touch areas and to ensure proper distancing is maintained throughout. Fiscal Impact MPRD will charge $10 per visitor, which is consistent with other haunted attractions within the area. Recommendation It is recommended that the commission approve the “Frightensburgh” event scheduled for October 21, 22, 23, and 24th. Thomas Laird Athletic Superintendent Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department 697 Veterans Parkway * P.O. Box 748 * Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37133-0748 Phone 615 890 5333 * Fax 615 904 6507 * TDD 615 849 2689 * www.murfreesborotn.gov August 27, 2020 For Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Commission: RE: Perform Murfreesboro - New Classes As an item for the Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Commission (MPRC) agenda of September 2, 2020, Perform Murfreesboro/Washington Theatre seeks approval from the MPRC for Perform Murfreesboro’s New Fall Schedule. Background This educational program gives children aged 9-17 training and instruction in vocal music, choreography for performances, and costume/makeup knowledge. We have created COVID-safe programs that will allow our students to participate on campus or via Zoom, if the need arises. Classes include Semiprivate Voice Lessons, Choreography (Musical Theatre Dance Classes), Ensemble Singing (Mixed Ensemble Classes, Hamilton, Sing, and Newsies), as well as Costume/Makeup classes. Thirteen classes began the week of August 3rd (with COVID guidelines in place), and they will run through the middle of November. Class sizes range from 5-10 students. In the vocal classes we maintain a 15- foot distance. In the dance classes and costuming classes, students are spaced 6 feet apart. We are providing a video recording of our classes to share with the parents at the end of classes in November. The video will replace our more traditional in-person performance in front of a live audience. These classes were created to fill in the gap until we can continue with our regular programs. They have been very successful with a waiting list for January. Fiscal Impact The fiscal impact of this program is a total of $25 per student per semester in addition to the annual Perform Murfreesboro Membership fee ($25). The program fee(s) will cover the cost of materials and the classes. Recommendation It is recommended that the MPRC approve said Perform Murfreesboro program with its associated fee(s). Susan Hicks Cultural Arts Coordinator Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department 697 Veterans Parkway * P.O. Box 748 * Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37133-0748 Phone 615 890 5333 * Fax 615 904 6507 * TDD 615 849 2689 * www.murfreesborotn.gov August 27, 2020 For Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Commission: RE: Science Camp As an item for the MPRC agenda of September 2, 2020, the Wilderness Station seeks approval for the new program: Science Camp. Background The Wilderness Station would like to begin a new program entitled: Science Camp. Who: Students, Ages 8 – 12 Maximum Participants: 12 What: Campers will spend a week getting to know and understand the natural world around them. By using state science standards and STEAM disciplines, the staff will teach the campers about ecology, biology, and geology topics. When: September 21 - 25, 2020 Camp Hours: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm Where: Wilderness Station How: Cost $75 per camper. Camper brings lunch. Camp Provides: Cold water, snacks, and cookout on Fridays. Program Coordinator: Eric Fann & Wilderness Station Program staff. Rotation: Campers will be placed in rotational groups. The group will travel together throughout the day to attend different programs and project groups. The staff will wear masks; campers will be spaced according to distancing guidelines. Campers will be provided their own materials for programs. Fiscal Impact Costs: Snacks/cookout $50, Supplies/programs $250 (not including staff hours) Anticipated Income: $900 Expense: $300 Net: $600 Recommendation It is recommended that the Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Commission approve the Science Camp. Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department 697 Veterans Pkwy * P.O. Box 748 * Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37133-0748 Phone 615 890 5333 * Fax 615 904 6507 * TDD 615 849 2689 * www.murfreesborotn.gov August 27, 2020 For Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Commission: RE: Socially Distant Jamming 101 As an item for the Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Commission (MPRC) Agenda of September 2, 2020, Cultural Arts Murfreesboro seeks approval for the new program: Socially Distant Jamming 101. Background Cultural Arts Murfreesboro would like to begin a new program entitled Socially Distant Jamming 101. This workshop is for folks who want to try their hand at jamming or to improve their jamming skills. IBMA award recipient for 2008, Andy May, will lead the workshop, and there will be opportunities for group pickin’ and playing. A variety of topics will be covered including jamming common sense and etiquette, nervousness, judging the jam, practice techniques and face-saving performance tips. Bring your instruments, your questions and your smile. The workshop will take place in the City Plaza, providing free entertainment to those visiting the downtown Murfreesboro area on that Friday evening. Proposed Date: Friday, October 9, 2020 Rain Date: Friday, October 16, 2020 Fiscal Impact The fiscal impact of this program is a total of $235; $150 for leading the workshop and $85 to provide, set up and run the sound system for the event. There will be limited socially distant seating for participants. Jammers will pay $5 for reserved seating. Recommendation It is recommended that the Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Commission approve the Socially Distant Jamming 101 workshop. Deb Hunter Cultural Arts Assistant Program Coordinator Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department 697 Veterans Parkway * P.O. Box 748 * Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37133-0748 Phone 615 890 5333 * Fax 615 904 6507 * TDD 615 849 2689 * www.murfreesborotn.gov