Board of Parks Commissioners Meeting

Norman Board of Parks Commissioners Regular Meeting April 5, 2018 The Norman Board of Parks Commissioners of the City of Norman, Cleveland County, State of Oklahoma, met in Council Chambers on the 5th day of April, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. and notice and agenda of the meeting were posted at 201 West Gray Street, 24 hours prior to the beginning of the meeting. ITEM 1, being: ROLL CALL Present: Vice-Chairman Salmond, Commissioners Favors, Isacksen, Moxley, Rogers, Sallee, and Wright Absent: Chairman Dolan and Commissioner Hoover City Officials Present: Jud Foster, Director of Parks and Recreation BJ Brewer, Sports Coordinator James Briggs, Park Planner Mitch Miles, Park Planner Jason Olsen, Recreation Superintendent Karla Chapman, Administrative Technician IV ITEM 2, being: APPROVAL OF THE MARCH 1, 2018 MEETING MINUTES Commissioner Wright made the motion and Commissioner Sallee seconded to approve the minutes. The vote was taken with the following results: YEAH: Vice-Chairman Salmond, Commissioners Favors, Isacksen, Moxley, Rogers, Sallee, and Wright NAY: None ITEM 3, being: APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA Commissioner Wright made the motion and Commissioner Sallee seconded to approve the agenda. The vote was taken with the following results: YEAH: Vice-Chairman Salmond, Commissioners Favors, Isacksen, Moxley, Rogers, Sallee, and Wright NAY: None ____________________________________________________________________________________ Park Board Page 2 of 6 April 5, 2018 ITEM 4, being DISCUSSION REGARDING RELOCATION OF BLAKE BALWIN SKATEPARK COMPONENT TO LIONS MEMORIAL PARK Mr. Jud Foster, Director of Parks and Recreation, provided background information regarding the Norman Forward James Garner Extension Project and relocation of the Blake Baldwin Skatepark. Mr. Foster said the Public Works Department is working to extend James Garner/Front Street north of Acres Street across Robinson Street to Lexington Avenue. A major part of the project is the reconstruction of Acres/Front Street intersection at the northeast corner of Andrews Park and to accomplish the new street alignment, the Blake Baldwin Skatepark constructed at Andrews Park in the early 2000’s will need to be taken down and moved. Mr. Foster said eventually, a new Blake Baldwin Skatepark will be constructed in the southeast part of Andrews Park and the design will be completed later this year. Mr. Foster said American Ramp Company, the contractor who installed the original skatepark, inspected the structure and said the skatepark can be taken down in four sections. He said Staff presented four locations the existing skatepark features could be relocated to around Norman to create skate spots. Mr. Foster said Staff reviewed the parking, location, size and orientation of all of the neighborhood parks and Lions Memorial was one of the four parks selected. American Ramp Company proposed which pieces would work well together in groups and the Park Board approved recommendations at the February 1, 2018, Park Board meeting. Mr. Foster said the original artist in charge of the annual paint project at the Blake Baldwin Skatepark contacted Staff about adding graffiti art to the features and offered to come up with new artwork for the different pieces that would be in-context with the parks where the Skate Spots are proposed. Mr. Foster said it is not the intent of the Park and Recreation Department to cause any discontent with the citizens and/or neighborhoods of Norman, but rather concentrating on making Norman parks more beneficial to the community as a whole. Staff was trying to include the four skatepark components within a north, south, east, and west park location. In the past Staff has had requests from Quailbrook residents to install a skatepark and installing a skate park at Lions Memorial Park was an opportunity to do so within the west park of Norman. Mr. Foster stated the Ruby Grant Park Master Plan includes a proposed bowl-type skatepark within in the future; however, that will not be constructed for quite a few years. Mr. Foster asked whether anyone had any questions or comments about the possible relocation of a skate park component to Lions Memorial Park. Several citizens who live near the Lions Memorial Park were in attendance. Comments from concerned citizens included that the City did not get enough notice of the proposal to residents near Lions Memorial Park. Some felt the Norman Forward projects should be more transparent; include input from the citizens/residents near the project areas; include Ad Hoc Committee work; having no public restrooms in the park would be problematic; parking and lighting are limited in the park; and being adjacent to Truman Elementary School would be a potential noise issue during school hours and the metal on the skate spot will get too hot for children. Other comments included the skate park would be ugly for the neighborhood and park as well as bring down property values; traffic concerns; one felt the skate park would draw in the wrong kind of people with no good intentions and therefore crime would rise in the area; there would be more traffic accidents because drivers would be watching the activity in the park rather than to the road; the “graffiti” was not art Park Board Page 3 of 6 April 5, 2018 and did not belong in the park and/or neighborhood; who would enforce the rules, i.e., hours, helmets, garbage, etc.; concerned for kids safety; and will cause more loitering in the area. Others comments in favor of the Lions Memorial Park skate spot were that the skaters were good mentors to others coming to the park to skate and it is very important to have parks and places for people and children to visit. One citizen suggested moving the skate park to Tulls Park. Several skaters attended the meeting and one spoke on all of their behalf, stating the announcement (to move the skate park) given was short notice and the skaters felt the pieces should not be broken up into four separate parts because a skater cannot do much with small skate pieces. Skaters would like a larger skate park area and they are bummed out about having to do without a larger skate park until a new Blake Baldwin Skate Park or Ruby Grant Skate Park is constructed. He requested Staff consult with him and/or other skaters when the time comes to rebuild Blake Baldwin Skate Park in Andrews Park and/or the Ruby Grant Skate Park because they can offer a lot of insight and Staff said they will certainly contact them when the design project begins. Danny Jacobs, local artist on the Blake Baldwin Skate Park Project, said the paint used on the skate park(s) helps address the sun’s heat on the metal so it will not injure a skater or park-goer He said the “graffiti” is art and the mural he designed is for Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water. Mr. Jacobs felt parking will not be an issue at any park because people in the neighborhoods can walk, skate, ride their bicycles, etc. He felt a better location for a skate spot would be the 12th Avenue Recreation Center. Ms. Rhonda Baldwin-Brown said the Blake Baldwin Skate Park was named after her son, it is a very special place to her, and the skaters who frequent the park are always very polite. She said people have mentioned tonight how much noise a skate spot would be and how loud the kids will get; however, she felt most would not have a problem with kids playing outside and enjoy the laughter and “noise.” Councilmember Robert Castleberry, Ward 3, said he had a petition reflecting 86 people were against the skate spot being relocated to Lions Memorial Park and felt the decision was an easy one for the Park Board to make. He felt the skate spot should be moved to the 12th Avenue Recreation Center. Commissioner Moxley made the motion to find an alternate location and to not relocate the Blake Baldwin Skatepark component to Lions Memorial Park, Staff to bring forward an alternate location as an agenda item, and include neighborhood input and Commissioner Rogers seconded to approve the motion. The vote was taken with the following results: YEAH: Vice-Chairman Salmond, Commissioners Favors, Isacksen, Moxley, Rogers, Sallee, and Wright NAY: None _____________________________________________________________________________________ Park Board Page 4 of 6 April 5, 2018 ITEM 5, being PRESENTATION OF FIREHOUSE ART CENTER Mr. Douglas Elder, Executive Director, said the mission of the Norman Firehouse Art Center (FAC) is to enrich our community by offering the highest quality visual arts education, experiences, and exhibition. He said the FAC Kids Art is Smart program reached all 310 Pre-Kindergarten-5 year old students at Lincoln Elementary, including the school’s underserved populations such as children with autism, children with developmental disabilities, and at-risk youth. He said 1,145 children, teens, and adults attended over 160 classes offered at the FAC last year. The FAC partnered with local organizations last year to provide visual arts experiences at community events for over 4,000 individuals and families. The FAC has developed new partnerships with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) organizations, including the National Weather Center and Science Museum Oklahoma, as part of an effort to further the STEAM education methodology in the community. Mr. Elder said last year, the FAC was honored with recognition and funding from the National Endowment for the Arts in order to provide visual arts experiences for Norman’s underserved and underrepresented groups, including veterans and adults with disabilities. He said during the past year, the FAC Gallery highlighted the works of the Firehouse’s community outreach programs, students, and faculty. A 2017 organization annual report was received prior to the meeting. Chairman Moxley asked for a 2018 Balance Sheet and Mr. Elder said he would get the requested information sent to the Parks Board as soon as possible. Vice-Chairman Salmond said according to the income tax records, the revenues are down from last year and Mr. Elder agreed and said there were more investments than returns, and the sponsorship is down as well. Vice-Chairman Salmond asked about the marketing for FAC and Mr. Elder said mostly marketing is to schools, via Thursday Folders, existing mailing lists and social media. Commissioner Sallee asked if FAC has ever considered a “wine and pallet” type of event/fundraiser and Mr. Elder said that could be a possibility; however, an application for beer and/or wine license would be needed in order to serve alcoholic beverages. The Board acknowledged the report. ITEM 6, being UPDATE REGARDING THE LEGACY PARK ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE Mr. Jason Olsen, Recreation Superintendent, highlighted the Legacy Park Activity Committee (LPAC) to the Park Board stating LPAC met on March 7th, and April 4th and will be meeting the first Wednesday of each month. The LPAC mission is to assist Norman Parks and Recreation staff regarding coordination of enjoyable and rewarding activities, programs, and concerts for the citizens of Norman at Legacy Park. Mr. Olsen said the goal is to have five or six concerts and/or activities at Legacy Park between May and September. He felt events over the warmer months, depending on funding, would provide opportunities for musical groups and youth activities to perform as well as highlight Legacy Park’s potential. Suggestions regarding future events included Norman Philharmonic, Boyd Street Brass, Sooner Group for possible Shakespeare in the Park performances, Norman Public Schools music and/or dance classes, OU Drama Department, and Improv Groups. Park Board Page 5 of 6 April 5, 2018 Mr. Olsen said the first LPAC event will be artist Maggie McClure scheduled for Thursday, May 31st, and will include several food trucks in the park. He said Norman Philharmonic is scheduled for Saturday, October 20th. Mr. Olsen said there is not a LPAC budget yet; however, initial suggestions are $1,000 per event and he is meeting with Allison Starke and Kristyn Richardson, who are both LPAC members, to discuss the budget next week. He said LPAC members will be reaching out to various sponsors for funding and the next LPAC meeting is scheduled for May 2, 2018. __________________________________________________________________________________ ITEM 7, being PRESENTATION OF WESTWOOD AQUATIC FACILITY BUSINESS PLAN Mr. Jason Olsen, Recreation Superintendent, highlighted the Westwood Family Aquatic Center (WWFAC) business plan stating the WWFAC was a Norman Forward project which included the demolition of the existing Westwood Swim complex opened in 1967 and the construction of a modern, multi-featured facility at the same location. Mr. Olsen said the WWFAC amenities include a 50 Meter lap pool and diving area with a family slide and climbing wall; lazy river and two large water slides; zero depth entry family pool with toddler play features; wet deck with dumping buckets and spray features (similar to a splash pad); a variety of shade features (36 total); new bath house containing an entry/office area, restrooms, showers and changing areas along with lockers; and redesigned and enlarged parking lot to accommodate more guests. Mr. Olsen highlighted the fee schedule as follows:  Children 3 and under Free  Day Pass $8.00  Senior/Military $6.00  Group Rates (over 10) $5.00  Twilight Fee (after 6pm) $5.00  Season pass $60.00  Family season pass (4+passes) $50.00 per person/minimum $200  Senior/Military season pass $55.00 Mr. Olsen said the WWFAC conducted a market study to determine fees, etc., which included the University of Oklahoma, City of Moore, Oklahoma City Parks, and Andy Alligators. He said the WWFAC fee structure is comparable to the above listed facilities even though the WWFAC is larger and offers more amenities. The WWFAC dates of operation are Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend, May 26th – September 3rd, from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., except when Norman Public schools start school on August 16th, the hours will change from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Mr. Olsen highlighted the swim lessons, $50.00 per person/$35.00 with season pass; aqua fitness classes, $50.00 per person/$35.00 with season pass; lap swim/lazy river open walk, $5.00/included with season pass; toddler time, $5.00/included with season pass; and Friday night special events, $5.00/included with season pass. Shelter rentals for 10 people is $120.00/additional passes are $5.00 per person and 20 people is $200.00/additional passes are $5.00 per person. Park Board Page 6 of 6 April 5, 2018 Full water park rental, (2 hours) is $1200.00, Lap pool rental, (2 hours) is $450.00, slides/lazy river (2 hours) is $450.00, and zero depth & splash area (2 hours) is $400.00. Swim lessons, Lap swimming, Lazy River Walking, Water Fitness and Tot-Time will be offered at the WWFAC, as well as special events to include Movies at the Pool, Teen Nights, and Duck Races. Mr. Olsen said the financial goal for WWFAC is to operate on a break even basis where revenues cover the cost of operation, including a capital reserve fund. The budget proposes setting aside 4% of revenues to help fund future capital improvements for the facility. Additionally, City Council has previously programmed $35,000 per year from the Norman Forward proceeds for capital maintenance of the facility. Proposed revenue and expenditures for WWFAC are approximately $709,375. __________________________________________________________________________________ ITEM 8, being MISCELLANEOUS Mr. Jud Foster, Director of Parks and Recreation, provided an update on the Norman Forward projects beginning with the Westwood Family Aquatic Center (WWFAC) stating the pool is now full of water. He said contractors and staff will be busy this week and next testing the pumps and equipment and getting the slides certified. Mr. Foster said it is very exciting wrapping up everything and told the Park Board to save May 26 th because they are invited to the WWFAC grand opening. Mr. Foster said the Indoor Tennis Facility will be out to bid shortly as well as the Ruby Grant construction documents. The Griffin Park Master Plan has given the go ahead to re-light one field and install new lighting on another field, as well as the regrading for two fields. Mr. Foster said the work is out to bid and a pre-bid is scheduled on April 19, 2018. Once done, the bid contract will go to full council for approval. The work should be completed by September. __________________________________________________________________________________ ITEM 9, being ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Rogers made the motion and Commissioner Sallee seconded to adjourn. The vote was taken with the following results: YEAH: Vice-Chairman Salmond, Commissioners Favors, Isacksen, Moxley, Rogers, Sallee, and Wright NAY: None Passed and approved this ____________of ________________________ 2018 Bud Dolan, Chairperson