Parks and Recreation Commission

MURFREESBORO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2022 12:00 NOON Call to Order Prayer and Pledge Consider for Approval the Minutes of the June 1, 2022, Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. New Business I. Bird Survey Update II. Consider Adult Adventure Camp III. Consider Updated MPRD Aquatics Facilities Swim Attire Policy IV. Consider New DIY Band Class V. Consider Cultural Arts Programming Fees VI. Upcoming MPRD Programs/Events Other Business  MURFREESBORO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2022 12:00 NOON MPRC Members Present: Mr. Eddie Miller, Chair Dr. Gloria Bonner, Mr. Leroy Cunningham, Mr. Trey Duke, Mr. Rick LaLance, Mr. Tim Roediger, Mr. Ricky Turner, and Mr. Don Turner (ex officio) MPRC Member(s) Absent: Mr. Ronnie Martin MPRD Staff Present: Mr. Nate Williams, Director Ms. Rachel Singer, Asst. Director Ms. Brittany Garrett, Ms. Mitzi Hughes, Ms. Angie Keating, Mr. John Powers, and Ms. Melinda Tate Others Present: Ms. Katie Driver, City Staff Attorney After the meeting was called to order, Mr. Ricky Turner led the commission in the Pledge of Allegiance and in a prayer. Next, the minutes of the May 4, 2022, Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Commission (MPRC) meeting were presented for approval. Mr. Rick LaLance made a motion to approve the minutes as read. Dr. Bonner seconded. Motion passed by unanimous vote. Mr. John Powers presented the updated Siegel Soccer Complex Affiliate Organization Partnership Program information and Fees to the MPRC. The commission deferred the matter at its May 4, 2022, meeting, and requested staff to reevaluate and revise the program and fees. Mr. Powers reminded the MPRC that the fees are for Murfreesboro Select Travel teams. The proposed new fees for consideration were as follows: Murfreesboro Residents - $120 per season; $240 per year Non-Murfreesboro Residents - $165 per season; $330 per year. Mr. Roediger clarified that the Non-Murfreesboro Residents were those who did not live in the Murfreesboro City limits. Mr. Powers agreed. Mr. LaLance said that he appreciated staff’s work in restructuring the fees and then made a motion to approve the new Siegel Soccer Complex Affiliate Organization Partnership Program and fees, and Dr. Bonner seconded. Motion passed by unanimous vote. Ms. Angie Keating, MPRD Miracle League Coordinator, announced that the recent Special Olympics held at MTSU on May 9th and 10th went well. High school and adult participants competed on the first day and elementary and middle school kids on the second day. The event was led each day by a parade with the athletes and local law enforcement officers. There was even someone carrying a torch at the beginning of each procession. Ms. Keating also shared a Power Point presentation with the commission showing all the excited participants competing and receiving their awards. Ms. Keating additionally mentioned that other groups who helped with the event were the City of Murfreesboro, MTSU and Central Magnet School athletes and Oakland High School Cheerleaders. The athletes, according to Ms. Keating, received a legitimate track and field experience with music, announcers, and warm-ups before the competitions. She further said the events were running, long jump, and a softball throw, which seemed to be the most popular event of all. Mr. Williams informed the commission that this was the first time for the event to be held in Murfreesboro, and there were over 600 participants. All athletes received awards. Ms. Keating shared that one particular MTSU athlete was an extra joy to have because he has a special needs brother back home, who he misses, and the MTSU athlete had a great time interacting with all the Special Olympics athletes at the local event. Ms. Keating went on to say that the local Miracle League ended its 5th year with final games on May 13th and 14th. She said there were 120 participants in the local leagues, and games were held at 6:00 and 7:00 p.m. May 13th and 9:00, 10:00, 11:00 and 12:00 on May 14th. She added that some MTSU athletes even showed up to help with the league’s last weekend of the season because they had enjoyed the Special Olympics event so much. Ms. Keating further mentioned that it is very rewarding to spectators when they get to watch the Miracle League players in their games and see them interact with their buddies, who are high school athletes and sometimes officers from the Murfreesboro Police Department. She also mentioned that many families believe it is good for participants to see that the officers are their friends and can be trusted if needed for help. Mr. LaLance asked if there was a game schedule that the public could find online. Mr. Williams said that staff can see about advertising a schedule a different way next season so more people can have access to it. Mr. Cunningham asked when the seasons are. Ms. Keating said there was one in the spring and one in the fall, with the league break being from June to mid-August (when it gets a little too hot to play). The Miracle League All-Star Games was next discussed. Ms. Keating said that it is scheduled for September 16-18, 2022, at the Miracle Field, with 125 athletes coming from all over the United States and some from Mexico, plus another 500-600 other people coming who are part of their families or coaches and buddies. A big weekend is planned for the participants, who will get to stay with their families at the Embassy Suites Hotel. They will be transported to McKnight Park on Friday night for swimming at Boro Beach (located at Sports Com) and to meet their buddies and then be transported to their games at the Miracle Field on Saturday. Additionally, at the games, the players will have a top-notch experience with their own song before they bat and music and announcers throughout the day. After the games on Saturday night, the players and their families will be treated to a banquet at Embassy Suites Hotel and a dance with a DJ. Ms. Keating also shared that the first Miracle League was founded in Conyers, Georgia, with many of the Miracle Leagues being located in the Southeast. Further, Ms. Keating said that most players’ families are driving in for the weekend since a lot of the kids are not comfortable with flying. 2 Under “”Other Business,” Mr. Williams announced that installation of turf on the seventh outdoor soccer field should be finished within two weeks, and substantial completion for the indoor soccer facility, which will include another turf field, is expected sometime this October. Mr. Roediger asked that Oakland and Siegel High Schools be considered as sites to host games for state soccer tournaments so that there is enough seating for spectators. Mr. Williams said that staff will keep that in mind; however, he believes when the current work at the Siegel Soccer Complex is completed, there will be sufficient seating for everyone attending any tournaments. He added that Mr. J.P. Powers and Ms. Brittany Garrett have been doing a good job working all the spectators in at the soccer park during construction. Mr. Cunningham asked if “budget-wise” material costs have increased during the soccer complex construction. Mr. Williams said that material costs during turf construction on the first four fields before the Covid pandemic hit were cheaper than they have been for the other four fields after the pandemic period. Altogether, material costs have increased about $200,000 for the second phase of turf field installation, but the costs were determined early enough to be budgeted. No change orders have been issued on the project to date. Mr. Cunningham also asked how many soccer fields there will be when all the current construction is done. Mr. Williams said there will be 21, with 8 being synthetic fields, and one being located in the 100,000 square foot indoor facility. Next, Ms. Melinda Tate announced upcoming MPRD programs and events, starting with news that it was Global Running Day today and mentioned that there is a running event at the Gateway Island set for tonight. Also, she announced that registration for the October 8th Middle Half Marathon opened up this morning with the maximum number of participants set at 1,500. Boat Day through the Stones River Watershed Association (SRWA) is scheduled for June 25th at the Manson Pike Trailhead from 9:00 a.m.-noon. Various types of water craft will be available to try out, as well as Personal Flotation Devices. Everything needed for participation that day will be provided by the SRWA. Ms. Tate also reminded everyone of the Movies Under the Stars (MUTS) program that will begin next week and is set to run for eight weeks this summer. A different movie will be shown each week beginning at 8:30 p.m. with four different locations being offered: Mondays at Barfield Crescent Park (except on July 4th - that showing will be July 5th instead); Thursdays at Richard Siegel Neighborhood Park; Fridays at Patterson Park; and Saturdays at the Fountains at Gateway. The movie listings can be found on the City’s website under the Parks and Recreation link. Juneteenth is scheduled June 16-18 at Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center with Authors’ Night the first day (5:30-7:30 p.m. with local authors); Youth Night the second day (4:00-7:00 p.m.); and the Freedom Day (big celebration) on the third day from 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Vendors, music, and activities will be offered during the Saturday event. Attendance throughout the 3-day event will be free. Splash Out, also free, will be held on June 16th (Siegel Park), July 7th (Barfield Crescent Park), and July 21st (Old Fort Park) from 1:30-3:00 p.m. for children 12 and under. The Murfreesboro Fire and Rescue Department will be providing the water from a fire truck, and the participants can splash and play during the entire event. Also this summer, the Blacksmith Association will be demonstrating their skills every Wednesday from 9:00 a.m.-noon at Cannonsburgh (free). Ms. Tate further 3 announced that the Celebration Under the Stars, another free event, and sponsored by Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation, would be held on July 4th at the Fountains at the Gateway. Activities, food, music, and fun will begin at 4:00 p.m., with fireworks to begin at 9:00 p.m. And a sewing skill builder program will be offered at Cannonsburgh tomorrow by a guest instructor from the UT-TSU Extension office. Ms. Tate also mentioned that more information for MPRD programs and events can be found on the City’s website and on the department’s Facebook pages. Dr. Bonner, as the Rotary Club Board President, said that the Rotary Club appreciates their partnership with the Murfreesboro Middle Half. Ms. Tate said that the Middle Half board enjoys giving donations to its partners after each year’s race to help the partners with their missions. Mr. Miller said that MPRD always has lots to offer the citizens, and he thanked Ms. Tate and the wonderful staff in the department for all the programming and facilities that are available to enjoy. Mr. Ricky Turner asked if there were a dress code for the Boro Beach because he had been there recently and noticed several people wearing swimsuits that could be quite offensive to some people. He added that if there is not a policy, then it would be hard to ask someone to leave the pool for being dressed inappropriately. Mr. Williams said that new policies were developed for Boro Beach in 2011 and that staff would review them and see if the policies needed to be updated. Mr. Turner also asked if there was enough security at Boro Beach, since he had read on Facebook that boys were caught in the girls’ locker room. Mr. Turner suggested having police inside and outside the facility. Mr. Williams said that operations staff does check the locker rooms regularly, but that MPRD can talk with the Murfreesboro Police Department to see what else can be done there. He added that officers also regularly patrol McKnight Park, which includes Sports Com and Boro Beach. Before the meeting was adjourned, Dr. Bonner commended the MPRD Cultural Arts Staff and Murfreesboro City Schools for their outstanding work with children and the performing arts programs they offer. She added that the recent MPRD production of Matilda, Jr., was outstanding. Being no more business, the meeting was adjourned. Meeting adjourned: 12:39 p.m. Minutes approved: _________________________________ ________________________________ Eddie Miller, MPRC Chair Nate Williams, MPRD Director 4 July 25, 2022 For Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Commission: RE: Adult Adventure Camp As an item for the agenda of the August 3rd Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, it is recommended that MPRD’s first Adult Adventure Camp with its associated fees be approved. This program is scheduled for September 10-11, 2022. Background The proposed Adult Adventure Camp will be offered through the Wilderness Station, and staff wants to make it a regular event two times a year. Participants will get to kayak, learn archery, camp overnight at Barfield Crescent Park on the Saturday night, and go caving the next day. Meals will be provided the first night and then for breakfast and lunch the next day. Transportation to the various activity locations will also be provided. Staff additionally hopes to offer different types of adventures for future Adult Adventure Camps. Fiscal Impact Staff proposes a registration fee of $125 plus a $50 activity fee ($175 total). The activity fee will be to help offset costs of the activities, camping, travel, and food. City residents will be given a $15 discount on the registration fee ($160 total cost). Fees may be paid via the Wilderness Station or online via RecTrac. Recommendation It is recommended that the commission approve this program and its fees. Respectfully, Jacob Fogel Wilderness Station Outdoor Recreation Assistant Programmer Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department 697 Veterans Parkway * P.O. Box 748 * Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37133-0748 Phone 615 890 5333 * TDD 615 849 2689 * www.murfreesborotn.gov . . . creating a better quality of life July 25, 2022 For Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Commission: RE: Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Aquatics Facilities Swim Attire Policy As an item for the agenda of the August 3, 2022, MPRC meeting, it is recommended that the Commission approve the recommended Swim Attire Policy for all Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation aquatics facilities. Background With current trends, staff would like to clarify the swim attire policy in the MPRD facilities. Staff has reviewed policies of other nearby public pools, and while MPRD’s currently posted policy of “proper swimwear required” is the standard at most public pools, we are wanting to further clarify our policy to minimize future issues. Below is our proposed policy: 1. Clothing with frayed materials, such as cut-off shorts, that can damage pool filtration systems is not allowed. 2. Swimwear with buckles, exposed zippers, metal ornaments, or rivets are not allowed on water slides. 3. To maintain a family-friendly environment, swimsuits must provide adequate coverage. This prohibits, but is not limited to, the following: thongs, see-through swimsuits, or clothes unintended to be worn as swimsuits. 4. For health and sanitation requirements, children under age three, anyone who is not fully toilet trained, or is incontinent must wear a swim diaper. Fiscal Impact The policy will have no fiscal impact. Recommendation It is recommended that the commission approve the proposed Swim Attire Policy. Respectfully, Kyle Goss Aquatics Superintendent July 25, 2022 For Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Commission: RE: New DIY Band Class As an item for the MPRC agenda of August 3, 2022, it is recommended that the commission approve the new program called, “DIY Band Class.” Background This new class will be aimed at teenagers who want to start their own band. Cultural Arts staff will help them learn the process and what building your own band entails. This program will run from August 9 - August 30, 2022. Fiscal Impact The cost of the program will be $50.00. Recommendation It is recommended that the commission approve this new program for Cultural Arts. Susan M Hicks Cultural Arts Supervisor Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department 697 Veterans Parkway * P.O. Box 748 * Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37133-0748 Phone 615 890 5333 * TDD 615 849 2689 * www.murfreesborotn.gov July 25, 2022 For Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Commission: RE: Cultural Arts Programming Fees As an item for the MPRC agenda of August 3, 2022, it is recommended that you approve a fee increase for Cultural Arts Programming. Background Cultural Arts has guardian and toddler programs that have been $3.00 in the past. We wish to increase the fee to $5.00. This will help to cover the cost of materials for these programs. Programs include Little Picassos, Express Yourself, Move with Me, and Let’s Get Spooky Workshop. Fiscal Impact This fee increase will allow us to be more fiscally responsible and still provide a great experience for a low cost. Recommendation It is recommended that the commission approve the fee change for said Cultural Arts classes. Susan M Hicks Cultural Arts Supervisor 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