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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-02-14 PRC MINUTESCity of Englewood PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Minutes of February 14, 2008 .I. CALL TO ORDER • • The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order at 5:30pm by Chairperson Gomes at the Malley Senior Recreation Center, 3380 S. Lincoln Street. Present: Austin Gomes , Chairperson Mitch Waldman, Vice Chairperson Carolyn Armstrong, Commission Member Douglas Garrett , Commission Member Jim Woodward, Commission Member Bob Mccaslin, City Council Liaison Karen Miller, Englewood Schools Liaison Rebecca Laughlin , Youth Commission Member Jerrell Black, ex officio Absent: Janet Moore, Cultural Arts Commission Liaison Krista Niederjohn, Youth Commission Member Also Present: Dave Lee, Open Space Manager Bob Spada, Golf Course Manager Gary Hultberg, Recreation Manager Jeff Sanchez , Commander, Patrol Division, Safety Services (left at 6 :33pm) Bob Leonard , Recreation Program Facility Supervisor (left at 6:33pm) Dave Parks , Recreation Program Administrator, Youth Sports (left at 6:33pm) II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairperson Gomes asked if there were any changes or corrections to the minutes of January 10, 2008. There were none. The minutes were approved as presented. III. SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENT There was no one present for scheduled comment. IV . UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENT v. There was no one present for unscheduled comment. CUSHING SKATE PARK Recreation Manager Gary Hultberg began discussion on the Cushing Skate Park report that commission members had been provided . Hultberg explained that the report is more of a factual document and does not include a recommendation from staff in regard to the future of the skate park. Hultberg explained that Safety Services Commander Jeff Sanchez is here tonight to discuss the information in the report regarding police calls for service at the skate park. Hultberg also introduced Facility Program Supervisor Bob Leonard and Recreation Program Administrator Dave Parks, who administered the Cushing Park User survey. Hultberg turned discussion over to Mr. Sanchez and the Police Calls for Service report . Sanchez explained that the report is a comparative anal ysis between Cushing Park and Cornerstone Park since both ha v e a skate park . Sanchez noted that staff reviewed all reported incidents from January 2006 through October 2007 . In regard to Cushing Park , Sanchez reported that there were 13 • incidents out of a total of 71 incidents that could be tied to the skate park, accounting for 18 %. Sanchez explained that of the 13 incidents, 85 % were criminal in nature that included assault , felony menacing , robbery, theft , an illegal weapon and graffiti. The remaining 58 incidents were either not related to the skate park or were unknown if related . In comparison , Sanchez reported that Cornerstone Park had a total of 66 incidents of which 14 were related to the skate park, accounting for 21 %. Sanchez stated that of the 14 incidents , nine (64 %) of the incidents were criminal in nature that included robbery , assault , disorderly conduct , theft , loitering, graffiti , a liquor law violation, a runaway sighting, and the distribution of schedule IV narcotics to juveniles. Sanchez reported that the remaining 52 incidents had no relation to the skate park. Mccaslin commented that based on Safety Services information , if the skate park was to be relocated , the City would probably have the same type of incidences. Sanchez replied that it is difficult to say if there is a direct correlation to skate park since Safety Services also sees the same type of calls that w ere taken at the skate park at other places throughout the City. Sanchez noted that there are not an excessive number of calls at the Cushing Skate Park. Hultberg added that it is not a high number of incidents based on staff's estimate that 12 ,000 skaters use the facility per year. Commission Member Annstrong spoke in regard to a neighbor of Cushing Park telling the Commission about an incident in front of their house involving a skate park user who was making threats. Armstrong noted that although in this incident the resident had told the Commission that he did not report the incident out of fear of retaliation , Armstrong asked if there could be other incidents that were reported that could be filed under the address or street and not the park. Sanchez explained that the officer who researched the incidents for Cushing Park also read through the reports from the neighborhood surrounding Cushing Park to assure that all incidents were accounted for . In regard to Cornerstone Park, Commission Member Woodward stated that South Suburban has their own security guard and asked if there was the possibility that it would have their own record of incident reports . Sanchez explained that the calls are referred to the City of Englewood . Discussion turned back to Hultberg who briefed the Commission on the history of the Cushing Skate Park and trends in skate parks including costs . Hultberg told the Commission that according to the 2006 Parks Master Plan , skate parks are pro vided on an average of one per 33,000 population. Hultberg went on to say that by including Cornerstone Skate Park and Sheridan Skate Park that are either in Englewood City limits or in close proximity, Englewood is well served in skate park facilities. Commission members were told that the Parks Master Plan recommends that the Cushing Skate Park be located more internally into the park which would help to alleviate some of the problems with the neighbors . Hultberg explained that the Plan is strictly a conceptual plan and before anything would be done with Cushing Park, the City would hold community meetings . Due to noise level being one of the main complaints from the Cushing Park neighbors , Hultberg informed the Commission that he has researched replacing all of the steel obstacles with concrete and found that it would cost $130 ,000. In regard to the Cushing Park User Survey, Hultberg stated that the survey showed almost seventy percent of the users being Englewood residents with the remaining users coming from Denver • • • • • (18.5%), Littleton (4.7 %), Sheridan (2 .3%), Thornton (2.3%) and the rest unknown. Hultberg went on to say that the survey showed that 34.5% of skaters walk, skate or bike to the skate park with 28% being dropped off, 11.5% driving and only 15% using the light rail. Vice Chairperson Waldman asked staff in regard to how many people use the skate park. Hultberg replied that although staff has not taken a count, they estimate that approximately fifty people use the skate park on a daily basis , accounting for 12 ,000 per year. Armstrong commented that stafrs estimate would exceed the number of people who use the shelters or fields at Cushing Park; adding that if a shelter or field were to be removed , the public would speak up. Armstrong noted that 12,000 users is a substantial number for a facility that is being considered for closure. Discussion followed regarding the demographics that utilize the skate park and it being a difficult group to reach. Commission members agreed that the skate park is one way to accomplish that. City Council Liaison Bob Mccaslin asked if Safety Services had conversation with the neighbors . Hultberg replied yes. McCaslin asked if the neighbors were okay if the skate park got moved further into the park or if they absolutely do not want the skate park at Cushing Park. Hultberg explained that the neighbors recommended the skate park be moved to Miller Field ; stating that he does not know if the skate park being moved further into the park was brought up to them. Englewood Schools Liaison Karen Miller commented in regard to the number of kids who use the skate park and there only being thirteen recorded incidents over a two-year period . Discussion followed. Armstrong asked if staff had talked to any other Parks and Recreation agencies. Hultberg stated that it is quite common for agencies to have the same problems that Englewood is experiencing, especially those with skate parks in close proximity to residential areas. Annstrong brought up the suggestion of a self-formed group to police the facility and help educate the users. Armstrong asked staff if other Parks and Recreation agencies have tried anything like that. Hultberg discussed the skate culture and it being his fear that the opposite behavior would happen. Dave Parks , Recreation Program Administrator, told the Commission that when conducting the survey and speaking to the skaters, some of the skaters agreed that the location was not great and that it was only a handful of users that were making it difficult for the others users. Parks agreed with Hultberg that the kids are a little bit rebellious and that they could react by doing the opposite of what is being asked. Sanchez discussed the skate park being a positive outlet for that group of kids; noting that the same problems exist at other locations throughout the City and not just at the skate park. Woodward asked in regard to offering tournaments or organized activity at the skate park. Parks explained that the Department had offered skateboarding and inline lessons but after initial success, not enough kids signed up to make it viable to continue. In regard to a competition , Parks noted that it has been successful but that the majority of the kids who attended the tournaments were not from Englewood. Parks noted that skating is a very independent activity where kids want to skate on their own and find their own challenges. Armstrong asked Black what action the Commission needed to take tonight. Black explained that the Commission had told the Cushing Park neighbors that they would look into their concerns and then get back with them in regard to whatever decision it feels is appropriate. Black noted that the neighbors had also spoken to City Council regarding the Skate Park. Armstrong asked when the Parks Master Plan is slated to take place . Black explained that when funding becomes available which could be three to five years unless a grant could be a found. Lee noted that it was his belief that the cost proposal for the Parks Master Plan Cushing Park renovation was $3,000,000 . Armstrong asked if there is money budgeted for park improvements that would include noise abatement. Black replied no , noting that the only money budgeted is for the standard repair and maintenance. Armstrong asked if the Board could report to the neighbors that the Department will be looking for funding for noise abatement. Black responded yes, adding that the Board could also include that staff would be looking at additional signage. A motion was made by Commission Member Armstrong and seconded by • Commission Member Miller recommending that a letter be sent from the Parks and Recreation Commission to the Cushing Park neighbors notifying them that the Board has reviewed the information presented to it and based on the information presented, the Parks and Recreation Commission feels that there is not enough complaints and/or incidents to warrant closing the facility. The Commission feels that the Cushing Skate Park is a positive outlet for a difficult to reach population and closing the Cushing Skate Park would be a disservice to its 12,000 users. The Parks and Recreation Commission recommends the following to be done: 1. Neighbors to the skate park report all incidents to the City of Englewood, Department of Safety Services, 2. The City of Englewood, Department of Parks and Recreation actively seek a solution, including funding, for noise abatement in all types of forms, and 3. More recognizable signage be posted at the Skate Park that: a) encourages skaters to take ownership of the facility, and b) notifies the public to report all incidents to the City of Englewood, Department of Safety Services. In addition the Parks and Recreation Commission would like the following to be noted in the letter to the Cushing Park neighbors: • Cushing Park is scheduled for a Parks Master Plan review in the next 3 to 4 years. • • The Cushing Park neighbors are provided with a copy of the Cushing Skate Park report. • The Parks and Recreation Commission has discussed the Cushing Skate Park at length at three separate meetings. Ayes: Gomes, \Valdman, Armstrong, Garrett, Miller, \Voodward, Laughlin, Mccaslin Nayes: None The motion passed. McCaslin spoke in regard to his meeting with the Cushing Park neighbors and their discussion pertaining to reporting incidents to Safety Services and their fear of retaliation. Mccaslin noted that the neighbors want to see the skate park taken out of their neighborhood. Commission members agreed that there are not enough facts or information to justify closing the skate park . Garrett stated that if the Cushing Skate Park were to be closed , the skaters would move over to City Center. In regard to the comment that Cushing Park is scheduled for a Parks Master Plan review in the next three to four years, McCaslin commented that three to four years will not suffice the neighbors. Armstrong reported that Safety Services is more aware of the concerns surrounding the skate park and staff will be looking at noise abatement. Commission members discussed if it would be beneficial to replace the metal obstacles with concrete if there is the chance the skate park would be moved further inside the park. Leonard and • • • • Parks told the Commission that the largest metal piece that probably makes the most noise was located closest to the neighbors . Garrett asked if the obstacles could be switched around. Armstrong noted that the letter will say that staff is actively seeking solutions to noise control which would include the option of changing around the obstacles. McCaslin commented that the skate park was built in 1992 and asked what has changed to cause the neighbors to now complain. Armstrong commented that kids have changed. Discussion followed. The Board requested that it be provided with a draft of the letter for discussion at the March meeting. Black thanked Sanchez , Hultberg, Leonard and Parks for their many hours in researching and gathering information for the report . VI. McGETRICK GOLF ACAD EMY VII. VII. Spada informed the Commission that he had an addition to the agenda related to the Indoor Training Center at the golf course. Spada told commission members that the golf course has moved into negotiations with McGetrick Golf Academy, one of the top five golf academies in the country. Spada reported that McGetrick has committed to offering resident discounts and free instruction for the Junior Golf program . FIELD AND DROUGHT UPDATE Lee gave his annual field and drought update for City parks and fields. Lee reported that snow pack in the mountains has been phenomenal which means that there will probably be plenty of water for the summer but noted that the drought started in 2001 and that there is always the potential for it to continue. Lee recommended that the Board continue monitoring it on an annual basis. Waldman asked if the City has been able to accommodate all of the teams in their requests for field usage. Lee explained that the City is able to accommodate all of the Englewood based teams , noting that the Department has not allowed any new use on the fields. Black stated that the Department has been cautious in allowing new teams on the fields with the fear that it could be put into a very difficult position if the metro area is faced with another drought. Discussion followed regarding field usage at the various parks. Commission members concurred that the Department continue with the exi sting usage for Englewood parks that includes not allowing any new usage on the parks' fields . SHERIDAN REDEVELOPMENT UPDATE Lee reported th at the golf course is looking to restore some of its existing monitoring wells ; noting that three were not able to be saved during the golf course redevelopment. Lee stated that the wells will be reinstalled as part of the obligation since some were lost during the relocation of the course. Lee told the Commission that the wells will be placed in as close proximity of where they originally were . Waldman asked if there is any chance that the dri v ing range will open before the course is ready. Black replied yes , if possible, but that the probability is slim. Spada informed the Commission that due to weather, the golf course has only been open two days for play since the beginning of the year. VIII. CULTURAL ARTS C OMMISSI O N Black reported that at the February Cultural Arts Commission meeting, Liaison Janet Moore announced that she is no longer able to attend the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting due to her new gallery hours . Black told the Commission that Moore has discussed with the Cultural Arts Commission finding a replacement. Black spoke in regard to what a positive addition Moore has been in keeping members updated. Armstrong asked if the Parks and Recreation Commission will be recognizing Moore. Black noted that there will be recognition for Moore at the April meeting. IX. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE Black discussed with the Commission a meeting with City Council , stating that it would be beneficial for the new City Council members to meet the Board members and to hear what issues the Parks and Recreation Commission has been working on. Black asked the Commission if it would like him to schedule a time on City Council's agenda. Commission members agreed with Black and requested that he schedule a time for them to meet with City Council. X. COMMISSION MEMBER'S CHOICE Miller reported that with Dr. McCabe's resignation , Englewood Schools is in the process of searching for a new superintendent. Miller told commission members that Englewood Schools is looking for community members who are interested in serv ing on the interview board; noting that applications can be downloaded from the School's website. Miller reported that there were twenty-four applications which have now been narrowed down to four. Commission members were invited to an Open House for the candidates on Saturday, March 1 st at 6pm. Waldman commented that he had recently been by Canine Corral and that he could understand where there have been concerns with drainage due to two thirds of the park being under water. Waldman noted that even with the bad conditions there were still 30 to 40 people using the dog • park. Waldman asked if there has been any relief or a solution to the problem. Lee told Waldman • that when he had met with Englewood Unleashed representatives at the end of January , he did not hear of any complaints in regard to the drainage problem but that staff is aware that there is a drainage problem and has been working on improving it. Lee reported that there have been two emergency clean-ups at the dog park and that the parks division has tried to do a crusher fine trail but that the dog park users did not like it so the y are now using hay. Woodward announced that City Council has selected two youth members to attend the National League of Cities conference in Washington D .C. Lee reported that there have been a couple bald eagle sightings at the golf course , adding that the eagles visits have been sporadic and there is no nesting. XI. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:05pm. lUL~(l ~ Deborah A. Severa , Recording Secretary •