Lawrence Parks and Recreation

Advisory Board Meeting Minutes

February 10, 2015

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:  

Chair LaRisa Chambers, Kevin Loos, Joe Caldwell and Andy Clayton

 

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:  

Vice Chair, Sue Hack

 

 

STAFF PRESENT: 

Tim Laurent, Jimmy Gibbs, Mark Hecker, Roger Steinbrock, Marty Birrell

GUESTS:

Chad Lawhorn

 

 

I.             Meeting called to order by Chair Chambers

 

II.           Approval of January 13th, 2015, minutes by Loos, and seconded by Caldwell. 

 

III.         Concerns of Board – Loos inquired and suggested when scheduling youth Hoopster basketball games that they be scheduled earlier in the evening so that they do not end late on school nights.  Laurent indicated that he would contact Lee Ice and review his suggestion.  Chambers notified staff of the locked port-a-potty located along Riverfront Trail.            

 

IV.         Prairie Park --Westar Solar Grant Project and Educational Display- Marty Birrell Prairie Park Nature Center had been selected as one of 15 organizations across Kansas to receive funds from Westar Energy’s Solar Photovoltaic Project. Solar panels were installed and have been integrated into the center’s programming for children and adults. A kiosk and monitor have also been installed to display real-time output of the solar panels and help educate people to how much energy it takes to run common household items. The project will also provide a model for residential home owners who are considering the use of solar power.  The grant covered the cost of installation and 25 years of maintenance.  Currently the annual electricity usage is 72,000 kilowatt hours and the cost is approximately $7750 a year to operate the facility.  A 10 kilowatt residential display will provide about 1/4 – 1/3 amount of energy the facility will use depending on how much energy is generated over the year.    

 

V.           Burcham/Constant and RCP trail projects updates

Hecker reported the Burcham Park River Trail project that would connect Burcham Park with Constant Park along the Kansas River will be on the City Commission agenda this evening (Feb. 10) requesting approval to set a bid date of March 3, 2015.  This trail would also connect the Sandra Shaw Trail. The Baldwin Creek Trail will also be on the agenda this evening requesting approval to accept quotes from engineering firms to design the Baldwin Creek Trail Project.  A Federal Recreational Trails Program grant application was submitted to assist in funding a .7-mile limestone trail which will start on Queens Road and head southwest along the Baldwin Creek until it meets the trails in Rock Chalk Park.

 

 

 

         I.      Oregon Park

Shaw indicated Oregon Park is located in the vicinity of Rock Chalk Park and George Williams Way.  It is approximately an acre and a half and contains a holding pond that will hold 8 to 9 feet of water.  Discussions on stocking the pond with fish, small shelter, playground and benches to be installed. 

 

VI.         Rock Chalk Park/ Sports Pavilion Lawrence – Operations report

Laurent reported the attendance numbers have increased in January to 80,144 visits.  Key cards that have been issued is 16,000 have been issued.  Projected number of tournaments is 36 for 2015.

 

VII.       Library Plaza Skate Rink Updates – Opened Nov. 28.

Gibbs reported as part of the closing celebration, family friendly games will be played on Saturday, Feb. 14, on the hour from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Games will also be played on the hour from 3 p.m. to 5p.m.  Games such as the limbo, weaving through cones, four corners elimination and a couples skate will be played.  There have been 8400 skaters, creating the total revenue of $25,000 for the season. 

 

VIII.     Downtown lights and Skate Rink will come down the week of the Feb. 16.

Shaw reported lights and the skate rink will be removed starting next week.

 

IX.          Staff reports

                                     i.    Recreation/Golf Revenue/Expense Report – Hecker reported the recreational budget reflects $377,438 for the total at the end of January, $53,574  is the effect of Sports Pavilion Lawrence with tournaments, youth soccer and volleyball revenue.  Eagle Bend off to a good start.  Revenue for January is $21,970 compared to $12,271 for January in 2014.  Keep in mind we still need to compensate for the loss at the end of 2014.  The revenue did not come in as projected due to increment weather.

  

                                    ii.    Parks/Projects Report – Hecker reported getting ready to gear up for spring. 

 

                                   iii.    Marketing Report – Steinbrock reported enrollment is up 46% compared to last January.  February enrollment so far is also ahead by 47% compared to last February.   Currently working on the most cost effective delivery of the activity guide, printing cost, lower quantity and distributing at the recreation facilities.

 

X.       Other – None at this time.

          

 

Meeting adjourned.  Next Advisory Board meeting scheduled for noon, Tuesday, March 10th, 2015, Parks and Recreation Conference Room located at South Park Administration Office.