4. Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PARAB)

Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at 6:00pm Location: Main Street Station – 2nd Floor, Suite 221-A Meeting Agenda: 1. Introduction – Determination of Quorum a. Attendees: i. Board: Malica Evans, Josh Ruday, Patti Dukes, & Linda Sheppard ii. Staff: Katy Keller (Director), Maura Reed (Recreation Coordinator) b. Josh motioned for starting the meeting with Malica seconding the motion. 2. Approval of May & June 2023 Meeting Minutes a. Katy said that she would distribute these to be approved at a future meeting. 3. Roll Call 4. Public Input a. No public input at this time. 5. Board Updates a. Project Updates – Board Members requested that a review of the by-laws would like to be done at a future meeting. i. Upcoming FY23-24 Project Updates 1. Katy provided a Community House update that once the civil and structural engineers have submitted their part of the project that the project would continue to move forward with permitting. Once the permits go through, they will be well on their way with construction. Katy expressed that there was hope to have a firmer timeline coming soon. 2. Katy explained that given last year’s budget that the tennis and basketball courts were fully funded to get completely reconstructed. Given that both projects were approved, Katy has been reaching out to different departments and companies to see how that process would look for reconstruction as well as any additional information in an effort better understand the process. Katy hopes to get firm bids in the next two months. 3. Rock Ridge Playground was approved for replacement. Katy will start the process with meeting different vendors to see what options there  are as Katy feels it’s important to keep the nature atmosphere that is currently at the park. 4. The Town received the annual grant from Chatham County again this year for around $23,000 for park improvements that will go towards further replacing play equipment at Kiwanis Park. The next items that will be focused on are replacing the small ants and the playhouse that was originally out there. ii. Downtown Pocket Park 1. Katy mentioned that there is a small temporary park that is being discussed at this time located at the Town Hall site downtown. It is currently still in the design phase but this would provide an opportunity for programming and event space. The plans for the park would include a stage, open space, bathrooms, and areas for relaxation right in the middle of downtown. Katy reminded the Board that this park is temporary in that it would likely be only be there for the next 5-7 years. More information to come as plans progress. Patti expressed concerns that City Tap and other downtown businesses already have concerts downtown to make sure that we aren’t competing with them. Katy assured that the Downtown Planner is working with the downtown businesses in ensuring that we would not be having concerts or events on the same day and to avoid competing with the businesses. iii. Staff Positions 1. Katy mentioned that there were two positions that were open currently: the Downtown Maintenance and Parks Maintenance. Katy stated that they would be interviewing in the next few weeks for those positions to hopefully start in September. iv. Project Timelines 1. Katy expressed that they are actively pushing project timelines while ensuring quality work. Malica asked if signs and brochures would be updated over the next couple of months. Katy agreed and stated that there are plans in the budget to ensure that happens. Malica also reminded to include the updates for kiosks. There was mention of including QR codes as a paperless option as well. 6. Summer 2023 – Spring 2024 Programming & Events i. Fall Events – Scare Fest! With Maura! 1. Maura recapped the summer programs that were well-received by the community. She also relayed the information she gathered from the program attendance that was collected. Maura then shared plans regarding the upcoming Trick or Treat on the Trails were in the beginning stages. Maura stated that there were two sites to be considered either at Knight Farm Park versus at Rock Ridge. Knight Farm Park was a more ideal location at this point given the amount of parking and the layout logistically for the event. Patti recommended the Greenway as an option to target towards tweens, teens and adults.  Maura stated that she will further look into those options. Maura asked the Board for assistance in sharing the program and gaining vendors for the event this October 21st. 7. Questions & Comments – None at this time. 8. Adjournment a. Next Meeting Scheduled: September 13, 2023 b. Josh motioned to adjourn with Patti seconding, and Linda as a third. Meeting adjourned.