City of Lawrence

Parks & Recreation Advisory Board               

May 9, 2006

 

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Chair, Bill Penny, Vice Chair, Chris Schumm, Tom Bracciano and Sharon Spratt

 

MEMBERS ABSENT

Kelly Barth

 

STAFF PRESENT:

Fred DeVictor, Mark Hecker, Ernie Shaw, Roger Steinbrock and Annette Deghand

 

GUESTS

Clark Coan and Eric Struckoff

 

 

          Meeting was brought to order by Chair Penny.  Minutes of the April 11th meeting were approved on motion by Bracciano, 2nd by Spratt.

 

          Annette Deghand, LPRD Special Populations Supervisor, was congratulated on her receiving the first Cottonwood “Community Partner” award at a ceremony on April 24th.

 

          DeVictor distributed a letter from K-DOT and noted to the Board that the proposal for the Burrough’s Creek Rail Trail did not get funded for FY07 and the City was not encouraged to reapply for 2008 until K-DOT learns how approved projects go with increased energy and construction costs.

 

          DeVictor thanked Chair Penny for helping to present the proposal for LPRD using the Carnegie Building.  The City Commission approved LPRD’s proposal to utilize the Carnegie Community Center for classes and providing public meeting space to the community.  The building renovation wouldn’t be complete until late 2007 or probably sometime in 2008.

 

          Eric Struckoff, Chair of the Lawrence Bike Advisory Committee, and Clark Coan, a board member of the Kanza Rail-Trails Conservancy were introduced.  They presented a concept for a “Capital to University” trail to connect Topeka to Lawrence through Clinton Lake to the SLT trails.  There was much discussion as to what entities would develop and maintain such a trail and it was suggested to contact KDWP and the Corp of Engineers if it would be placed on Clinton Lake property.  On a motion by Bracciano, 2nd by Spratt the Board approved the concept of a future trail connection between Lawrence and Topeka.

 

          DeVictor requested Eric Struckoff ask the Bike Advisory Board to assist LPRD in reprinting the bicycle and trail brochure, which need updated and reprinted.

 

          DeVictor reported three of the four entities have approved the RFP and agreement for the Partners for Lawrence Athletics and Youth (PLAY).  The school board is expected to act on it next Monday.

 

          Chair Bill Penny was thanked for attending the opening of the ponds for fishing in the Pat Dawson Billings Nature Area on April 29th.  KDWP stocks the ponds and they are now open emphasizing fishing for children and following KDWP rules and regulations.

 

          Steinbrock reported on the dog/disc golf contest that was held at Art in the Park.  He reported that on-line enrollment was at a high level since the summer brochure came out

April 2nd.

 

          Shaw reported that revenue was up and he anticipated high enrollment in classes and activities with more folks staying closer to home due to higher energy costs.

 

          Hecker reported on projects including bidding for a replacement elevator at the Community Building, repainting the indoor pool during a shut down and maintenance time in August and he was working with FEMA representatives for the storm damage in April.

 

                    Meeting adjourned at 1:15P.M.   Next meeting June 13th, 2006.