Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

Agenda Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Thursday, March 6, 2025, 7:00 p.m. M/M Senior Center 3500 Marais Avenue, Royal Oak, MI 48073 Anyone planning to attend the meeting who has need of special assistance under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is asked to contact the city clerk’s office at 248-246-3050 at least two (2) business days prior to the meeting. Pages 1. Meeting Called to Order 2. Approval of Agenda 3. Approval of Minutes 2 Recommended Motion: Motion to approve the minutes of the February 6, 2025 Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting. 4. Public Comment 5. Reports a. Staff Report - Nicole McEachern b. City Commissioner Report - Brandon Kolo 6. Business Items a. Playground toys and playhouse donation policy - Nicole McEachern and 6 David Reichel Recommended Motion: Motion to approve proposed policy as presented. 7. Items Not on the Agenda 8. Upcoming Events 9. Adjournment 10. Next Meeting: April 3, 3025  Minutes Parks and Recreation Advisory Board February 6, 2025, 7:00 p.m. M/M Senior Center 3500 Marais Avenue, Royal Oak, MI 48073 Present: Ryan Danescu Brandon Kolo Perry Abbey Brigitta Burguess Hannah Holliday Ian McKinney Tony Rennpage Absent: Sarah Kindinger Sue Wells _____________________________________________________________________ 1. Meeting Called to Order Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm. 2. Approval of Agenda Moved by: Brandon Kolo Seconded by: Perry Abbey Motion Adopted 3. Approval of Minutes Moved by: Brandon Kolo Seconded by: Hannah Holliday Motion Adopted 4. Public Comment  Dave Sarkoski: Asked about aquatic programming in the city.  Pat McGee: Wanted to make the group aware of a recent traffic study done by the city's engineering department and is against the department's recommendation of increasing the speed limit in the relevant area. He is interested in alternative traffic-calming measures. He submitted an Office 1 Page 2 of 9  of Safety study by the US Department of Transportation about the dangers associated with increased speeds on non-limited access roadways where vehicles and vulnerable road users mix. He expressed concerns over the city's engineering department not adhering to specific considerations laid out in the Office of Safety study.  Nick: Shared his personal support for Pat McGee's comment against increasing speed limits on certain roads in the city (regarding the engineering department's recent traffic study). 5. Reports 5.a Staff Report – Nicole McEachern Administration  Our new City Manager, Joseph Gacioch, is creating a brand-new Parks and Recreation Department, which will be separate from the Department of Public Services (DPS). McEachern will serve as Parks and Recreation Director, reporting directly to the City Manager. The transition plan is currently being developed, but here's what we know so far: Parks maintenance (mowing, athletic field prep, etc.) will remain within DPS. Recreation Clerk Elana Bordine and McEachern will soon be moving their workspaces to City Hall.  Director of Public Services Aaron Filipski has resigned. His last day with the City will be February 14. Recreation  We are currently exploring partnerships with third parties to resume aquatics.  We are happy to announce a new collaboration with Metro Detroit Youth Clubs for this year's Summer Camp! Instead of running our own camp, MDYC will be expanding their fantastic camp at Salter Center to ensure this valuable service continues for families that need it.  Spring Insight production is underway. Estimated release date is February 28.  Four Seasons Preschool state childcare licensing inspection went smoothly.  Save the Date: The Great Marshmallow Drop, Friday, April 18, 10 am. We're thrilled to collaborate with Oakland County Parks and Recreation to bring this beloved community event to Worden Park. 15,000 marshmallows will be dropped from a helicopter! 2 Page 3 of 9   Save the Date: Rock the Block, May 15-16. Kickoff event will be held at Senior Center. This is a partnership with Habitat for Humanity. 24 homes in Royal Oak will receive exterior home repairs! Park/Facilities  New picnic tables and benches have been installed outside of the Senior Center. This project was made possible by an AARP grant.  Memorial Park Netting project is currently out to bid.  The Salter Center is in the process of getting updated lighting in the gym. One half has been completed. Accessible door opener buttons have been repaired on main entrances at Salter. 5.b City Commission Comments Commissioner Kolo: Introduced himself as he takes over for Commissioner Macey. 6. Business Items 6.a Art in the Park Discussion – Susan Barkman The board discussed the items as presented in the memo. The general consensus was to keep the Pat Paruch Park existing art sculpture as is, and to pursue Normandy Oaks as a location for the new oak leaf sculpture. 6.b Parks and Recreation Overview - Nicole McEachern McEachern shared an overview of the department. No action required. Presented for information purposes only. 6.c Survey Results - Nicole McEachern Parks, Recreation, and Senior Programs Customer Satisfaction Winter 2025 Survey was included in the Winter 2025 Insight and shared through social media. 376 responses were received from 10/31/2024 through 2/02/2025. Survey results are available at the following dashboard link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/stories/SM- YcI0zsWG4hFndnBZDh25hg_3D_3D/ 7. Items Not on the Agenda 8. Upcoming Events  The Great Marshmallow Drop, Friday, April 18, 10 am.  Rock the Block, May 15-16. 9. Adjournment 3 Page 4 of 9  Moved by: Brigitta Burguess Seconded by: Perry Abbey Meeting adjourned at 9:11 PM Motion Adopted 10. Next Meeting: Thursday, March 6, 2025 4 Page 5 of 9  Royal Oak Parks and Recreation 203 S Troy Street Royal Oak, MI 48067 248.246.3180 MEMORANDUM DATE: March 6, 2025 TO: Parks & Recreation Advisory Board FROM: Nicole McEachern, Parks and Recreation Director David Reichel, Parks & Forestry Supervisor SUBJECT: Playground Toys and Playhouse Donation Policy BACKGROUND The City of Royal Oak is committed to maintaining clean, safe, and enjoyable parks for all residents. This policy aims to discourage the donation and repurposing of used toys and playhouses in city parks to ensure the health, safety, and overall enjoyment of our park facilities. The City of Royal Oak appreciates the community's desire to contribute positively to our parks but must prioritize safety and cleanliness. By adhering to this policy, we can work together to keep our public spaces enjoyable for all. The following guidelines have been identified: 1. Safety Concerns: Used toys and playhouses may pose safety hazards, including risk of injury, contamination, or pest infestation. The city prioritizes the safety of all park visitors, especially children. 2. Maintenance and Liability: The city lacks the resources to inspect, maintain, or ensure the cleanliness of donated items. Unregulated donations can lead to increased liability for the city if injuries or accidents occur. 3. Aesthetic Integrity: Unsolicited donations can disrupt the natural beauty and cleanliness of parks. The city strives to provide attractive, well-maintained spaces for recreation. 4. Regulated Contributions: Residents are encouraged to support city parks through approved channels through park clean-up days or financial contributions to existing park programs. For those wishing to donate toys, the city suggests residents connect with local charities suitable for such contributions. 5. Enforcement: Park personnel are authorized to remove any unauthorized toys and playhouses and will work to educate residents about this policy. 6. Feedback and Concerns: Residents are encouraged to provide feedback about this policy or submit concerns to the Parks and Recreation Department. RECOMMENDED POLICY STATEMENT To safeguard the well-being of park users and maintain the aesthetic integrity of city parks, the City of Royal Oak discourages residents from donating or placing used toys, playhouses, or similar items in any city park. Any attempts to do so will be respectfully declined, and items may be removed. Suggested motion language: Motion to approve proposed policy as presented. Page 6 of 9  Page 2 of 4 VFW Park Cody Cody Park Page 7 of 9  Page 3 of 4 Bassett Park Marks Park Page 8 of 9  Page 4 of 4 VFW Park VFW Park Page 9 of 9