HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-04-08 PRC MINUTESEnglewood Park s and Recreation Commission
Minutes of April 8, 1993
The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Parks and Recreation Commission
was called to order at 5:32 p.m. by Chairman Neyer at the Malley Senior Recreation
Center.
Members present: Armstrong, Bannick, Christie, Gulley, Neyer, Waggoner
Members absent: Gerlick, Gomes, Sortland, Black, ex officio
Also present: LuAnne Mickelson, Recreation Services Manager
Jim Kavinsky, Operations Manager
Chris Korba, Parks Administrator
Jim Keiffer, Englewood Soccer Association
Clare Harris, Baker Park Survey Respondent
Chairman Neyer referred to the note listed on the agenda regarding the
Commission's food budget and asked that Commission members honor the request to
notify Secretary Wilks when unable to attend meetings so that food is not ordered
for them.
Chairman Neyer asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes
of March 11, 1993. There were none. A motion was made and seconded that the
minutes be approved as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bannick entered the meeting at 5:38 p.m.
Clare Harris, 2237 w. Wesley Ave., was in attendance to respond to the citizen
survey mailed to neighbors of Baker Par~ regarding park expansion. Ms. Harris
stressed the need for basketball facilities in that area to accommodate the
neighborhood youth, and advised that the only facilities available are at private
homes and at Lincoln High School some distance away.
Parks Administrator Korba stated that a survey card, asking whether or not a
soccer field should be installed at Baker Park, was mailed to 101 neighbors of Baker
Park. Of the 18 responses received, 11 are in favor and 7 are opposed to
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installation of a soccer field; and 4 of the 7 opposed indicated the need for a
basketball court. Korba advised that in order to install a soccer field, it would
be necessary to greatly reduce or eliminate the playground area. Further discussion
included City costs for installing the soccer field, sod and sprinkler system;
perhaps redesigning the playground area; and consideration of other park sites for
soccer field construction. Operations Manager Kavinsky stated that the City's cost
to construct a soccer field at Cushing Park would be approximately $7,000 vs.
$41,500 to develop Baker Park and the high school and Mossbarger properties.
Commissioner Waggoner made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Armstro~g, to pursue
an agreement with Englewood Schools to develop a portion of their playground
property for open space grass area, leaving the backstop; and developing the
Mossbarger property with grass and a basketball facility; and leaving the playground
area in its current layout. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Bannick
then made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Christie, to pursue soccer field
development at Cushing Park. Discussion ensued concerning the necessity to remove a
number of trees to accommodate installation of the field. Commissioner Waggoner
requested a sketch of the facility showing the proposed field layout, trees
designated for removal, size of the trees to be removed and possible location for
replacement trees. On a call for the vote, the motion passed unanimously. Kavinsky
asked the minimum size field that would be acceptable to Englewood Soccer
Association and was advised by Associat~on representative Jim Keiffer that the Jason
Park field size would be the minimum.
The Commission discussed advising the Baker Park neighbors regarding
Commission's recommendation for Baker Park development, and determined that Parks
Administrator Korba will notify Tom Munds from the Englewood Herald, at the
appropriate time, for a news release.
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The Commission agreed that Parks Administrator Korba will pursue development
of the Alternative High School property with the School Board, and the Commission
will make a recommendation to City Council upon finalization of development plans.
Recreation Services Manager Mickelson reviewed some program changes being made
regarding evening scheduling of the Recreation Center gymnasium, and stated that the
necessity arose as a result of a change in gym patronage which seems to be keeping
Englewood citizens from utilizing the facility. Mickelson advised that it has been
necessary at times to call for police control of certain activity from this group of
individuals, ranging in age from approximately 25-30 years old, and stated that the
group seems to be coming from the north and east Denver areas. Mickelson stated
that notice has been posted at the Recreation Center that :Lt will be required that a
photo ID be left at the front desk by drop-in Center users 14 years and older on
weekday evenings and weekends, which will be returned when leaving the Center.
Mickelson stated that, to better serve the Englewood community, staff is considering
many program changes to alter drop-in gym time, including adding high school
volleyball and basketball leagues, and expanding the children's gymnastics program,
among others. It was suggested that court space is needed for younger age groups,
between 10 and 14 years of age.
There was some discussion regarding adding additional pool staff when groups
from Fort Logan and other special groups utilize the facility, and also during open
swim times to accommodate the large crowds being drawn to the facility by the new
pool toy dog, "Howsie".
Mickelson advised that to attract additional users to the Center,
implementation of several new activities is being considered, including pool
basketball activities, water polo, and par T golf (computerized golf) which would
utilize a racquetball court.
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There was a brief review regarding the carnival being planned for June 16-20
by Win Win, Inc . at Cushing Park and the northwest parking lot of Cinderella City.
Recreation Services Manager Mickelson advised that the shelter at Cushing Park had
already been reserved on that weekend and it was necessary for staff to contact the
group and advise them of the carnival activity and offer them the opportunity to
change locations or dates for their function. The group elected to move to the
following weekend and an apology and a full refund was issued to them for their
inconvenience.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
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