City of Lawrence

Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

November 14, 2017 minutes

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Chair, Allen Humphrey, John Blazek, Amanda Enfield

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Vice Chair, LaRisa Chambers, Sue Hack

STAFF PRESENT:

Derek Rogers, Mark Hecker, Roger Steinbrock, Lee Ice

PUBLIC PRESENT:

Alan Cowler, John Blazek, Chris Tilden

 

I.               Meeting called to order by Humphrey

 

II.       Approval of October 10, 2017, minutes by Blazek, and seconded by Enfield. 

 

III.           Highlights/Concerns

Enfield shared information about meditative labyrinths.  Walking labyrinths is a peaceful meditation made of several elements such as concrete, mosaic, pea gravel paths.  Rogers reported he spoke to a citizen who has concerns about Oak Hill Cemetery and dog owners allowing dogs to run loose also, in one of the cul-de-sac section there has been some alcohol consumption, empty containers are being strewed around.  Rogers indicated he was requesting assistance from the Chief of Police to conduct patrols.  Rogers also reported he will be meeting with a group to discuss ADA accessible trails.  Discussion will center on abilities for all people, signage indicating the difficulty of the trails.  

 

IV.              By-laws review status

Steinbrock reported a draft of the by-laws is currently being developed.  It will be presented at the next scheduled meeting to be reviewed.     

 

V.                Grants; Historical grant application Mausoleum; LiveWell Community Wellness

Steinbrock indicated several grants have been submitted. LiveWell Community Grant will be awarded at the end of November if awarded it will be used for signage along the trails.  Walk USA grant consist of destination signage along the trails.  The Kansas State Historical Society Grant was also submitted to assist with repairs to the mausoleum roof.   

 

VI.          New Assistant Recreation Director: Lee Ice

Ice introduced himself to the board.  Ice has been with Parks and Recreation for the past 28 years working as Youth Sports Supervisor.  He is looking forward to his new position.

 

VII.       Staff reports

 

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

Hecker presented the October report.  Eagle Bend Golf Course is currently at a negative number, it is not a concern at this time.  Total 2016 revenue versus the total revenue for 2017 is up 29%.  Recreation is doing extremely well. 

           

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

Hecker reported the hanging of holiday lights is almost complete.   Preparation for the Friday after Thanksgiving holiday lightening event is in full force.

               

                    iii.       Marketing Report

Steinbrock reported the Holiday Bazaar will be on Sunday, November 19 located at the Community Building.  The Holiday Extravaganza will take place on December 2, at the Sports Pavilion Lawrence.  Winter/Spring Activity Guide will be available on Sunday, Nov. 26.  Month of Giving is going on right now.  Give a nonperishable item and receive a discounted rate at the Indoor Aquatics Center.  A toy drive involving all of our facilities for the Month of Sharing will take place after Thanksgiving through the 18 of December.  In the past we partnered with 9th Street Missionary Baptist Church, who has a program in coordination with the county jail.  Incarcerated inmates share a toy with their children.  They also team up with the Foster Care program. 

 

             

VIII.    Other –  Tilden shared information about the LiveWell Community Wellness Grant offered by Douglas County Community Foundation will be hosting a celebration honoring the achievements of the coalition during the year and the winners of the grants will be announced on December 1st at 7:30a.m. Lied Center Pavilion.  Open to the public.  Cowles inquired of the possibility of installing a bridge on the West side of DeVictor Park located at the creek leading to April Rain Street.  Hecker indicated staff would look into it.  Rogers shared an article he seen in USA Today Lawrence was ranked as the 53rd most livable community in in the country.  It says a lot about our community and it reflects on our Parks and Recreation department.    

         

 

Meeting adjourned.  Next Advisory Board meeting scheduled for noon, Tuesday, December 12, 2017.