City of Lawrence

Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

April 11, 2017 minutes

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Chair, Allen Humphrey, Vice Chair, LaRisa Chambers, Mandy Enfield, Sue Hack

MEMBERS ABSENT:

John Blazek

STAFF PRESENT:

Tim Laurent, Ernie Shaw, Roger Steinbrock, Brandy Shoemaker, Andrea Woody

PUBLIC PRESENT:

Alan Cordes

 

I.               Meeting called to order by Chair Humphrey

 

II.       Approval of March 14, 2017 minutes by Hack, and seconded by Enfield.  Motion carried 4-0.

 

II.             Highlights/Concerns

Chambers inquired about whether the Burroughs/Rail Trail will connect to 31st/10 Hwy in the future.  Shaw responded that Public Works has the 29th street connection to Haskell in a grant budget to be completed this year.  Humphrey relayed that Robert Kinder with Disk Golf was very appreciative about being contacted by Shaw and opening up the dialog between his organization and Parks and Recreation.

 

III.           Andrea Woody Prairie Park Nature Center

Woody gave a brief summary of the different types of events and displays offered at Prairie Park Nature Center, as well as introduced Moonshine a barred owl who came from Tennessee to live at the nature center due to an injured wing it sustained from being hit by a car.        

 

V.        P & R Master Plan and Sponsorship Policy approved by commission at its meeting March 21

Shaw reported the Master Plan has been completed and approved. 

 

VI.            Midwest Regional Conference April 23 -25 Double Tree

The deadline for early registration is Friday, April 14.  There are several events scheduled.  Coach Self will be kicking off the opening on Sunday followed by a band that evening.  There will be several various sessions/tours being offered as well throughout the conference.  The Midwest Conference brings together parks and recreation professionals from a six-state region including, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska and Kansas.

 

VII.          CIP presentation to commission at work session April 11

Shaw reported Bryan Kidney, Finance Director will be presenting to the commission an overall presentation of all the departments’ Capital Improvement Plans and Budgets for the next 5 years. 

 

IX.       Staff reports

 

i.                Recreation/ Expenses-Revenue/2017 Financial Updates –

Shaw reported the recreation division is doing well.  The numbers are a little low compared to last year but nothing to be concerned about. 

          

ii.               Parks/Golf Course/Projects Report/2017 financial updates –

The Golf Course is doing very well considering the month of March was extremely wet.  Rounds are up compared to last year.  Staff is working diligently getting parks, restrooms prepped for opening on April 15.                 

       

iii.        Marketing Report

Steinbrock reported there are several events scheduled for Easter.  Enrollments for the month are up slightly.  There will be several new classes and camps offered in the Summer/Fall activity guide that will be released on Sunday, April 23. 

 

X.        Other – April 18, 2017 work session for commission will be presented the renovation plan for Eagle Bend Golf Course. 

         

 

Meeting adjourned.  Next Advisory Board meeting scheduled for noon, Tuesday, May 9, 2017.