4. Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PARAB)

Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at 6:00pm Location: Knight Farm Community Park Shelter Meeting Agenda: 1. Introduction – Determination of Quorum a. Attendees: i. Board Attendees: Ryan Ford (Chair), Bridgett Perry, Malica Evans, Josh Rudy, Sara, Patti ii. Staff Attendees: Katy Keller (Director), Maura Reed (Recreation Coordinator), Molly Boyle (Planner) iii. Guests: Liz Cullington b. Josh motioned for the start of the meeting located at Knight Farm Park Pavilion with Bridgett seconding and Linda with the third motion. Upon opening the meeting, it was determined to move locations to the Town of Pittsboro Annex Building (aka Main Street Station) to continue the meeting given that the main focus was going to be on the upcoming Amended North Village Small Area Plan (NV SAP) for Chatham Park and the use of the conference room was more conducive to the meeting. The Parks Planner Molly would also be attending this meeting via Zoom for any questions regarding the Small Area Plan. 2. Approval of May 2023 Meeting Minutes – May Meeting Minutes were not approved at this meeting. 3. Roll Call 4. Public Input a. Ms. Cullington reminded the Board that she had sent in some comments on the Amended NV SAP that were a part of the special meeting package. 5. Brief Board Update: a. NV SAP Amendment Overview i. Katy and Molly provided updates on North Village overview highlighting some specific areas of comments including the biggest concerns of there being a decrease in parkland in the North Village with this amended version. Katy explained that there were many conversations with Chatham Parks in ensuring that the parkland requirements would in fact be met in the South Village. The intent behind taking away some of the parkland in the North Village was to spread out the parks throughout the entirety of Chatham Park in an effort to  meet the needs of the residents as well as keep in line with the “5 minute walk to a park” philosophy that has been a priority for all parties involved. The PARAB wanted again reiterate to ensure that there is an equal amount of parks between the North, South and South East Villages. Katy assured the members that Chatham Park is aware that if park land requirements are not met at build out that they will be responsible for the payment in-lieu. Katy asked for any additional questions or concerns from the Board and no feedback was give. Katy reminded that this information was presented to the PARAB members as information, anyone with additional questions or concerns can contact Molly or present at a public hearing. 6. Main Discussion: a. Summer 2023 – Spring 2024 Programming & Events – Maura started off the conversation with informing the PARAB that July is National Parks and Recreation Month. In celebrating this month, the department will be providing multiple pop-up programs throughout the month including a Chalk the Walk, Popsicles in the Park, Storytime, Summer Kits, Rock Painting and a monthlong scavenger hunt. Each of these programs will be held at a different park each week. b. Katy and Maura also discussed updates on the new recreation software that has been launched. This software allows users to sign up online for all types of programs. Maura also showcased the website changes that she has been working on for the past couple of months in making the necessary updates for the department. i. What are our priorities? 1. Maura shared some new ideas on programming that she would like to see happen including: a Halloween event in October, Teddy Bear Picnic in November, a Christmas event such as Letters to Santa in December, and the annual EarthFest in April 2024. All Board Members were excited to see these come to fruition. ii. What are key components that the PARAB would like to see? 1. In addition to thinking about new ideas and programs that we could do, the PARAB expressed some feedback for the following as future program opportunities: a. Bridgett – Walk to School Day (October 14th); Josh – provide a calendar of events for the public; Ryan – have a Parks and Recreation booth at street fairs to provide maps and a taste of the programs that we offer; Patti – skateboard safety demonstrations; Movie “Knight” in the Park at Knight Farm Park; Ice Cream Socials. 7. Questions & Comments a. No questions or comments at this time. 8. Adjournment a. Next Meeting Scheduled: August 9, 2023 b. Malica motioned to adjourn with Josh as a second. Motion carried, meeting adjourned.