Parks & Recreation

Advisory Board Minutes

March 9, 2010             

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:  

Vice Chair Joe Caldwell, Kelly Barth and Kevin Loos

 

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:  

Chair Jana Dobbs and Andy Clayton

 

 

STAFF PRESENT: 

Ernie Shaw, Mark Hecker and Lee Ice

 

 

GUESTS:

 

 

 

I.              Meeting called to order by Vice Chair Joe Caldwell.

 

II.            Approval of February 9, 2010 minutes -- Motion to approve by Kelly, seconded by Kevin.  Motion approved.

 

III.           Concerns of the Board – Kelly has been approached about the levy on the east side, tree’s being removed and tire ruts by vehicles.  East of the bridge but not to the 8th Street boat ramp. 

Kevin spoke about an article in the Kansas City Star regarding youth sports and their                                       facilities and that he sent the link to the board members.  He feels it would be a good idea to share this with the City Manager and Commissioners and the issue of a new facility in the forefront.

 

IV.          Promotions 2010 – Roger reported that he is in the process of getting information mailed out.  He looked at other cities to see what they are doing and not many are doing sponsorships.  Most reported that there is a lot of time involved in terms of what they get in return.  Kansas City sells their banner space for $1,000.  The school district here has banners on the field during baseball/softball season and will be competing in the market place for a limited number of resources.  We are looking at a year round sponsorship for our fields at the exact same price as those at the schools.  There will also be advertising at the South Park Wading Pool.  Vinyl banners cost $140.00 and they can be used year after year.  Discounts will be given if sponsor should choose to advertise on more than one field. 

 

V.            Burroughs Creek Park/Trail – Mark reported having a meeting with the neighborhood association.  Discussed the Boy Scout landscape planting and having to move it back to May 8th.  Also discussed the naming of the park, discussing a possible change to Parnell Park, making it part of Burroughs Creek Park.  Ultimately naming the playground area Parnell Plaza, double checking covenants.  Will probably be a future commission agenda item.

 

VI.          Burroughs Creek Art Project – Mark also discussed with the group about how to incorporate art in to this park.  Want to work with local artists or kids that live in that area.  Possibly do a mural on one of the buildings there on 15th street. 

 

VII.         Recreation Center report – Ernie reported that revamping the original conceptual format that was completed by architectural students is being updated with Gould-Evans.   Hope to have a finished project by the first of April. 

 

VIII.        Cemetery Web based mapping project – Mark said staff has been working on this for about a year.  Once this is launched, anyone can get on to do genealogy searches and find out where family is buried.  It will flag you to a particular gravesite.  Memorial Park is basically done and ready to be up and running in the next few weeks.  This will be a good service to people.

 

 

IX.          Staff reports

 

a.    Recreation/Golf Revenue/Expense Report – Recreation side is pushing their limits on revenues this year.   They are behind a little right now, some due to adult sports restructuring.  Golf revenue is down compared to this time last year.  Golf and aquatics is all weather dependent.

b.    Parks/Projects – Carnegie Building construction will be starting up any day now, weather permitting.  Construction is expected to take up to 8 months.  LPRD will maintain the building and the plan is to use the top floor for exhibits, classes and receptions with the Lawrence Convention and Visitors Bureau using the bottom floor as their offices.  Ball diamonds are being prepared for use for the spring/summer season.  Centennial Skate Park surface has been hit real hard this winter, cracked everywhere and up to two inches wide.  Decisions are being made on how to make repairs and looking at possible renovations in the future.

c.    Marketing Report – Roger reported that we are in the final stages of production of the Summer/Fall Activity Guide which comes out April 11th.  It should be up on the web for viewing by April 1st.  We’re doing a little highlight on the City Band.  We’re working with Marty to do the “Adopt an Animal” project on the web, to help offset expenses for animal care.

Kevin inquired about enrollment and Roger said that we’re down just a bit.  Adult Softball is down but that’s probably due to people holding on to their money until the last minute and some with the restructure.  Youth sports are going well, enrollment has already started for recreational baseball.

 

 

Meeting adjourned.  Next Advisory Board meeting scheduled for Noon, Tuesday, April 13th, 2010, Parks and Recreation Conference Room.