Parks & Recreation

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL BE PERMITTED TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEETING by teleconference by calling 1-301-715-8592 and entering Meeting ID number: 848 6453 4496 Passcode: 485150 or by visiting Join Zoom Meeting at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84864534496?pwd=alcwWFhrK1l0ODJ0ZWcvVEVmUGxOdz0 9 Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting Committee Conference Room, Smyrna Town Hall 27 S. Market Street Plaza, Smyrna, Delaware May 17, 2022 – 5:00 PM Agenda 1. Call to order – 5:10 p.m. With Chairwoman Tabi Gott, Vice-chairman Gerald Brown, Mike Pearson, and Larry Scott. Staff liaison Danielle Pope also in attendance. 2. Minutes – approval of February 15’s minutes motioned by Vice-chairman, Gerald Brown, seconded by Mike Pearson. 3. Recognition of visitors – Frederick Schaber IV, Leelai Browne, presenting, and Jaz Williams, presenting. Jaz Williams is hosting a community event at the park on Saturday 6/4. Would probably be 40- 60 people. He was asked if he has advertised; yes. The Committee’s concern is that since he’s advertised, how can he be sure that only 60 people will show. He understands and explained that his 2021 community event went smoothly and had help from Smyrna Police. Jaz was made aware prior to the meeting that 6/4 is also graduation and if he needs additional parking, it’s to be at the north lot or he needs to talk with someone at the School District to see if he can use N. Elementary’s parking. It was mentioned that this should be brought up at the next Mayor & Council meeting. Danielle Pope stated that Jaz’s event is the Saturday before the next Mayor & Council meeting. Vice-chairman Gerald Brown motioned for this to be approved to the next process. Mike Pearson seconded. Danielle Pope is to follow up with Chief James to make him aware of the event and if he does or does not foresee an issue. She is also to follow up with the Town Manager and Town Municipal Clerk on how to proceed since this event cannot be brought to Mayor & Council Leelai Brown, activist, would like to expand her outreach. Prior to the meeting, she provided Danielle Pope with some information, who forwarded it on to the committee members. Leelai has been working with various communities to help the woman and babies of her home country Liberia. She started the project Blanko’s Basket shortly after she gave birth and learned that her cousin’s wife also gave birth, but under less than welcoming conditions and without the necessities new mothers and infants need. Vice-chairman Gerald Brown asked if she’s reached out to local churches. Yes, but has only  received 1 response so far. Her goal is to work with towns and cities to gather women’s and baby clothing, shoes, diapers, blankets, and other much needed items. Chairwoman Tabi Gott said this could be something we add to our website, maybe to the Community page. So people are aware of what’s going on and who is out there. Vice-chairman Gerald Brown mentioned that this should be presented at a Mayor & Council meeting. Chairwoman Tabi Gott said that she has breakfast with several pastors each month and believes that they could also probably help Leelai. This could also be part of The Red Sand Project that Tabi would like to have a day for, maybe in the Fall. Larry Scott motioned that Leelai should present to Mayor & Council so that they can help her with possible connections/avenues to further her outreach. Mike Pearson seconded. The next Mayor & Council meeting is June 6th at 7 p.m. Danielle Pope confirmed that she has direction to get approval for Leelai to present. Chairwoman Tabi Gott let Leelai know that our Mayor & Council will listen to what she brings to the table. Also mentioned about potentially having a table at our Smyrna at Night event and/or even a First Friday concert. Chairwoman Tabi Gott and Vice-chairman Gerald Brown discussed various churches who could help her, like Centennial United Methodist Church. Larry Scott understood that her reason for joining our meeting tonight was to start somewhere with the Town. 4. 2023 Goals – Chairwoman Tabi Gott mentioned that there seems like a racial divide recently and she would like to have a Festival of Nations where all people come together, maybe include a parade, vendor tables, food trucks, storytellers, etc. Maybe in the Spring or Fall so the weather isn’t hot or cold. Frederick Schaber asked if this was similar to The Longest Table event. Chairwoman Tabi Gott said that the two are separate. The Longest Table is breaking barriers within a small section of town; like in a community. The Festival of Nations would require everyone’s involvement. Frederick Schaber said that a fall festival or cultural event and getting everyone together does sound nice. Vice-chairman Gerald Brown advised that 2022’s goals need to be addressed and accomplished first; i.e. the dog park on Artisan Drive. Chairwoman Tabi Gott said that she has reached out to Duck Creek Animal Hospital, who seemed interested, the Fence company, and several pet companies, but has gotten no responses. Vice-chairman Gerald Brown brought up the paint event with the Boy Scouts trailer. Chairwoman Tabi Gott said that it was happening at the end of June. Chairwoman Tabi Gott mentioned that we have to think of the safety of the community when wanting to have stuff at the parks. She said that there have been some issues at Sunnyside. Vice-Chairman Gerald Brown said that we can put signs up and more cameras. Chairwoman Tabi Gott said that signs are up and that Chief James has put up camera, but this goes back to needing to think about what is being added to the parks for community safety. Larry Brown spoke up and said that he has some ideas about year round basketball plays for community get together. Vice-chairman Gerald Brown suggested we connect with the Boys and Girls Clubs and the School District also. Chairwoman Tabi Gott said we have a School District contact but that the Boys and Girls Clubs have already said they do not want to partner  with the Committee. There is a program group that runs a basketball program at one of the schools on Tuesdays, but they are looking to get a rec-center. The Committee could work with them but we have our own ideas to consider. Councilwoman Tabi Gott said that for 2022 we can add a Family Fun Day. 8/23 is Community Day Out, so we could combine it. She also said that a pine tree is being put on the hill around Lake Como and Mill St, so that during the holidays it can be lit up and enjoyed. She would like to get different organizations together and have them provide information on what they offer. Vice-chairman Gerald Brown said we need to use our own resources. Chairwoman Tabi Gott asked about having movies at the park. Vice-chairman Gerald Brown said we used to do that. Chairwoman Tabi Gott asked Danielle to look into how to start that up again. Chairwoman Tabi Gott brought up the rededication of the Korean War Memorial. A new plaque is being created and she thanks Rep. Bill Carson and Pratt Insurance for the ability to get a new plaque, and thanked Public Works Director Jason McNatt and his team for moving the original plaque. Other ideas for next year include being more involved with Smyrna at Night, First Friday Concerts, parades and other events hosted by the Smyrna-Clayton July 4th Foundation, as well as getting ready for the Veteran’s Day Ceremony, planning Family Fun Day, and maybe having ice skating at the park. 5. Review Master Parks Plan – not discussed 6. First Fridays - Chairwoman Tabi Gott briefly laid out that the concerts are set for outside on S. Main, with the firehouse being a backup in case of bad weather; unless someone is renting it out that same evening. 7. Smyrna at Night – Chairwoman Tabi Gott said that at the next Smyrna at Night meeting we need to make sure that everything is planned and ready to go so that there is no last minute rushing. 8. Other committee business – Vice-chairman Gerald Brown suggested that the committee recommend to Mayor and Council expanding the committee to 9 to 11 members so there is a better chance of a consensus. He also said we need to set the day and time of our next meeting as well as listing our policies and goals. Next meeting will be on Tuesday June 21, at 5 p.m. at Town Hall, Committee Conference Room, and Zoom room. 9. Adjournment – 7:02 p.m. Posted 05/10/22 at 4:30 PM (#1) NOTE: This agenda as listed may not be considered in sequence. This agenda is subject to change to include additional items, including Executive Sessions, and/or deletion of items, including Executive Sessions that arise at time of meeting.