Recreation & Parks Commission

RUSSELLVILLE RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION Minutes from Monthly Meeting August 14, 2012 Present: Marvin Collier, Andy Hatley, Theresa Herrick, Mack Hollis, J.W. Stratton Absent: Mike Johnston, Chloe Lieblong, Mark Tripp Person Recording: Kelli Nealy Guests: David Brown-RV Leader, Cae Cordell, Christie Graham-Russellville A & P, Gary Knudsen The meeting was called to order at noon. Marvin Collier made a motion to accept the minutes from the May meeting. J.W. Stratton seconded the motion, and the motion passed. Old Business A. Splash Pad-The city allocated $22,000 for the development of a Splash Pad at City Park, and Junior Auxiliary has raised $14,500 for the project. Plans and specifications were submitted to the Arkansas Health Department for review and approval. The health department has requested additional information and changes to the plans. The Splash Pad must have a self latching gate and a dedicated waterline. Originally the Splash Pad was to be located by the parking lot; however a decision was made to move it near the pavilion and tot lot for safety reasons. The plans have been re- submitted; however the project is currently on hold pending approval from the health department. New Business A. Hughes Center Fees 2013-The Hughes Center rental fee schedule is reviewed annually by the parks commission to determine if changes are needed. The current fee schedule was distributed to the commission, as well as a list of fees from various rental facilities in the area. Parks department fees are normally kept in line with other rental facilities in Russellville. The commissioners will present their comments and/or suggestions at the next meeting. B. Red Cross Disaster Shelter Agreement-In 2003, the City of Russellville entered into an agreement with the American Red Cross which stated that the Hughes Center would be made available for use as a disaster relief shelter in the event of an emergency. Red Cross has requested that the agreement be renewed for a two year period. J.W. Stratton made a motion in favor of renewing the agreement. Andy Hatley seconded the motion, and the motion passed. C. Dedicated Park for Individuals with Disabilities-Cae Cordell addressed the commission about the need for additional playground equipment and park amenities that are designed for individuals with disabilities. Some of the equipment mentioned was an enclosed merry-go-round equipped with a ramp for wheelchair access, wheelchair swings, raised sandboxes, and lower basketball goals. Ms. Cordell was not aware that the picnic tables and barbeque grills in all of the city parks are handicap accessible. She was also made aware that all parks developed in the city meet, as well as, exceed ADA requirements. Ms. Cordell was invited to the September meeting to present some design ideas. D. Request to Waive Fees for a Fundraiser-This item was removed from the agenda. E. Vick Field-Recent park inspections revealed that Vick Field is in need of extensive repairs and renovations. The park is used by Boys & Girls Club, RYBA, and the Peewee Tackle Football Program. The commissioners were in favor of budgeting funds for the repairs and renovations. Updates A. Winter Wonderland-Russellville Advertising and Promotion Executive Director, Christie Graham, addressed the commission about Winter Wonderland. Changes for the 2012 event include reversing the traffic flow thru the park, concessions provided by Kiwanis, Santa Claus in attendance every Saturday, and a possible ice skating rink. She explained that the goal was to make the event more than a five minute experience. Winter Wonderland will open on weekends beginning November 30 and will be open December 19 thru December 25. B. New Aquatics Facility-The city hired ETC from Little Rock to aid in the development of an aquatic center in Russellville. Determining the facility location is the first priority. C. Arkansas Recreational Trails Program Grant-The department recently submitted an application for the Arkansas Recreational Trails Program Grant. It is an 80/20 grant, and funds will be used to construct a multi-purpose trail from the end of Orbit Lane, to the Flying Field, around the lake, and will tie in to the ski area. Total project cost is $53,000. Grants will be awarded in January. D. Entergy Community Grant, D.A.R.T.-D.A.R.T. has applied for the Entergy Community Grant. Funds will be used to purchase a double vault toilet at the Russellville Ski Area and the Disc Golf Course. E. Wildlife Observation Trail Grant for Illinois Bayou Park-Clearing is complete on the main trail at Illinois Bayou Park. Clearing on the five pull-off trails is in process. All culverts have been installed. The project is 50% completed. F. Capital Project 22-Trails at the Ski Area-The trail at the Russellville Ski Area is 60% complete. Culverts have been installed, gravel is down, and rip rap is in place under the bridge. G. Dwight Mission Park-Dwight Mission was added to the Lake Dardanelle lease with the Corps of Engineers effective August 1. H. Monthly Report-The commissioners received a copy of the department’s monthly report. I. Upcoming Events-A schedule of upcoming events was given to the commissioners. The meeting adjourned at 12.55pm.