Lawrence Parks and Recreation

Advisory Board Meeting Minutes

March 11, 2014

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:  

Vice Chair; Kevin Loos; LaRisa Chambers-Lochner, Andy Clayton, Sue Hack, Joe Caldwell

 

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:  

 

 

 

STAFF PRESENT: 

Ernie Shaw; Mark Hecker, Roger Steinbrock, Tim Laurent, Jimmy Gibbs

GUESTS:

Chad Lawhorn, Jana Dawson, Chris Tilden

 

 

I.             Meeting called to order by Vice Chair Loos

 

II.           Approval of March 11, 2014 minutes by Chambers-Lochner, and seconded by Caldwell. 

 

III.         Concerns of Board – None at this time    

 

IV.         2-11 meeting concern progress--- Odor at the CB --- River Front Park – dogs of leash/signage.

Laurent reported there have been a few instances where kids have been detonating stink bombs.  There is still a slight odor in the vicinity of the restroom area, duct work is being replaced between the men’s restroom, exhaust fan and the storage facility to help eliminate the odor.

 

Hecker indicated additional signage has been added to the main signage at River Front Park to help delineate the off leash area. 

  

V.           Appreciation Banquet at the Cider Gallery for Board members 3-6-14

Shaw asked for comments regarding the banquet.  Board members were very appreciative and suggested the banquet continue not on a yearly basis, but every few years.

 

VI.         Rock Chalk Park/Recreation Center/Trail/Tennis  – Updates

Shaw shared photos of the progress of the recreation center.  By the end of March weather permitting the structure should be enclosed along with all of the steel and concrete work completed.

 

Hecker presented a diagram of the proposed trail.  There will be several routes to include a 5k route.  Tennis courts layout are currently being updated.   

  

VII.       Indoor Aquatic Center Crash area progress – Update

Gibbs indicated Hecker has contacted Andy Pitts with Treanor Architects who designed the Indoor Aquatics Center.  A time will be set up in the near future to discuss the possibility of locating approximately 3,000 to 4,000 sq. ft. area to expand the existing facility to accommodate swim meets and other activities at the aquatic center.

 

 

 

VIII.     Sandra Shaw Nature Park and Outside for Better Inside trail update(s).

Shaw presented a photo of the trail that is currently under construction.  Weather permitting this phase of the trail should be completed by April.  At which time, the city will make application for a Sunflower Grant to fund the next phase to include Constant and Burcham Trails.   

 

IX.          Playground East Lawrence Center/Edgewood Park –

Steinbrock reported the public meetings have concluded.  The public who attended the meetings were in favor of relocating the playground area closer to the East Lawrence Recreation Center.  There were two concept drawings that the Housing Authority presented to the children who were asked to vote for which playground they would like to see installed.  A special thank you to Leadership Lawrence graduates Lori Carson and Dustin Chase who facilitated the meetings.  

 

X.            Food vendor  Hy Vee – currently working on contract/menus/operation -Update

Laurent reported meetings are scheduled to review the menu and the type of equipment that will be needed at the facilities they will be utilizing.

 

XI.          Staff reports

                                     i.    Recreation/Golf Revenue/Expense Report – Shaw reported that revenue reports have been updated and compared to last year at this time the Indoor Aquatic Center is down by $10,000.  Possibility of the low revenue amount could stem from payments from swim clubs were not received in time to reflect in the February balance.      

  

                                    ii.    Parks/Projects Report – Hecker indicated this year the inventory of golf accessories have been fully stocked in the Pro shop.  Eagle Bend will be hosting the O' Eagle Bend Shamrock Scramble on St. Patrick’s Day.  It is a two-person, nine-hole scramble with tee times between 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.  Cost is $30 per person and includes green fees, cart rental and prize money fee. There will also be a $2 special on green beers and 25 percent off all merchandise in the pro shop for those wearing green.  Hecker said there will be a greater focus on providing more programming in relation to recreation instruction and youth development in the sport of golf.

 

Hecker reported an individual has contacted the department with interest of obtaining grant funding for master planning Hobbs Park and the Murphy Bromelsick House. He also said Green Meadows Park, located in the vicinity of Kasold and the curve will begin development this year which will include purchasing a few pieces of playground equipment.  The sustainability group is interested in prairie restoration at the Riverfront Park.  A meeting has been scheduled this afternoon with them to further discuss their interest.  Fruit Tree Growers of Lawrence are interested in expanding their current program located in Burroughs Creek Park.  South Park fitness area is on the agenda for this evening also.   DeVictor Park will be continuing the nature play area throughout the spring and summer months and extending the trails at the Lawrence Nature Park.  These are just a few of the projects we will be working on this season.     

   

                                   iii.    Marketing Report – The activity guide is currently under construction and due to be release in late April.           

 

 

 

Meeting adjourned.  Next Advisory Board meeting scheduled for 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 8th, 2014, Parks and Recreation Conference Room located at South Park Administration Office.