4. Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PARAB)

Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting Wednesday, February 9, 2022, at 7:00pm Location: Via Zoom Meeting Agenda & Minutes Board Attendees: Committee Chair Ryan Ford; Members: Malica Evans, Linda Mueller, Sara Brinson, Bridgett Perry, and Josh Rudy Staff Member: Parks Planner Katy Keller Members of the Public: John Justice & Bill Baker from the Kiwanis Club 1. Introduction – Determination of Quorum – Ryan called to order. 2. Approval of January 2022 Meeting Minutes – motion to pass by Malicia with Sara Brinson seconding. 3. Roll Call 4. Public Input a. Mr. Justice spoke that he was attending to gain knowledge on the development of the Kiwanis Park expansion project. 5. Discussion: a. Director Report i. Park Updates 1. Katy spoke on the start of budget season which focuses on gathering information on what Parks and Recreation sees as a priority for next fiscal year. A major topic of focus will be on the need of park maintenance staff. ii. FY22-23 Budget Report b. Lewis Freeman Park – Design Discussion - Katy expressed concerns regarding the current design. Based on the information from the original design firm, Surface, along with another design firm, provided feedback on the lack of public access; parking; overall feasibility; and most importantly, lack of community involvement/feedback during the planning process. Given previous conversations during past meetings, to make the changes that were discussed (privacy wall, shorter walking trail, eliminating the  boardwalk, etc.), Katy received a quote from Surface around $11,000 to incorporate the changes and updated Construction Documents. It was determined that while updated construction documents were needed, there were not any guarantees that these newly altered suggestions would be within the new “ideal” budget range of $200k-$250k. During conversations with both firms, it was highly recommended to “pause” the project to gather more historical information on Mr. Freeman as well as focus on public engagement initiatives to establish the community’s priorities for this park prior to making changes to the current design. Katy agrees with this assessment and recommends that the Town contract external professionals that specialize in community engagement. These professionals will seek out key stakeholders, local groups and organizations, and members of the community to gain public input. The Board voted that given the many concerns listed (public access and parking, surrounding parcels, feasibility, lack of historical information and public input, etc.) that the Board supports the decision for Katy to seek different avenues externally at this time prior to moving forward with the original design. c. Vineyards Pocket Park – Continued work with Chatham Park – Katy introduced that there will be a design submitted to planning in the next couple of months for the pocket park. Topics of concern include: public parking spots; ensuring that the submittal reflects the specific amenities that Chatham Park will be “improving” at the time of construction. Ryan asked the question if this pocket park will be available for public rentals similar to Knight Farm which Katy confirmed. Katy will continue to work with Chatham Park representatives and provide the Board updates as they come. d. Kiwanis Park – A member of the community donated $50,000 last year for an expansion of the current park. At the time of donation, it was the donor’s wishes that funds will go towards new equipment, cannot be used for maintenance, targeted for children ages 5- 9, and has special needs components. In looking at the proposed expansion site submitted by the Kiwanis Club, Katy expressed concerns that by building a separated enclosed playground for special needs goes against the inclusive recreation philosophy and in turn is actively excluding children. It also goes against the department’s goals of providing a safe, inclusive opportunity for all to play. Additionally, there were concerns from staff and Board Members entailing safety risks due to children crossing a road between the two separate areas, limited parking, and the idea of installing new park amenities in an expansion while the state of the existing park is in need of restoration. Mr. Justice expressed concern that the money was donated to the Town with the intent of expansion only. Mr. Baker provided historical project insight that the original structure designed was meant as a “first phase” of expanding the park for the future. Due to time, the board motioned to revisit this conversation in the future. i. County Grant Awarded Funds e. Upcoming Discussion: Logos and Town signage – Upcoming discussions will include defining goals and objectives of what we want to accomplish in the future. 6. Questions & Comments 7. Adjournment – Linda motioned to adjourn with Ryan seconding. a. Next Meeting: March 9, 2022 at 7:00pm via Zoom