HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-07-14 PRC MINUTESEnglewood Parks and Recreation Commission
Minutes of July 14, 1994
The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Parks and Recreation Commission was called to
order at 5:30 p .m. by Chairman Gomes at the Sinclair Pool facility .
Members present:
Members absent:
Also present:
Christie, Gerlick , Gomes , Markwood, Neyer, Waggoner, Black, ex officio
Armstrong
Chuck Esterly, Director of Public Works
Chairman Gomes asked ifthere were any additions or corrections to the minutes of June 9, 1994.
Commissioner Gerlick stated that on page 3, paragraph 6, it should read, ... "to purchase the Riverside
Miniature Golf Course clubhouse buildin~ at a cost of $39 ,000." A motion was made and seconded that the
minutes be approved as corrected . The motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Markwood entered the meeting at 5:31 p.m.
Commissioner Neyer inquired about the progress of development of the land adjacent to Baker Park,
which was recently purchased by the City. Director Esterly advised that the City has paved the all-purpose
court at the Alternative High School, with School's approval , and basketball hoops have been installed.
Esterly stated that some funds are currently available to start grading the land and install a portion of the
required turf and irrigation . Esterly stated that a request for funds is being submitted to the Conservation
Trust Fund so that construction at the Park can continue in 1995. There was brief discussion regarding the
possibility of constructing sand volleyball courts at this location. Esterly responded that the neighborhood
survey indicated a desire for basketball facilities at the Park . As a side note, Esterly stated he has not heard
further from the volleyball organization that expressed interest several months ago in using City land at
Cushing or Centennial Park to construct volleyball courts for their leagues.
Director Esterly advised that he is in receipt of a grant application from Great Outdoors Colorado
for 80/20 participation in planning of land acquisition or actual acquisition of land. Esterly stated that
agencies applying for the grant funds are being encouraged to increase their match to strengthen their
chance of receiving funds. Esterly stated he intends to apply for grant funds to acquire the Kiewit property
east of Centennial Park. Commissioner Markwood suggested that another possible choice is the property
west of the old sewage plant west of Santa Fe on Belleview Avenue, to which Esterly clarified that that
property is in the City of Littleton. The Commission discussed various soccer field layout strategies, and
the possibility of developing the property adjacent to Centennial Park into soccer fields.
Director Black entered the meeting at 5:40 p.m.
Director Black discussed the Summer of Safety Program, which is sponsored by the Arapahoe
County Sheriffs Department, Barry Fey Concerts and MCA Records in conjunction with area recreation
centers, including the Englewood Recreation Center. Black reported that the City has received grants to
fund the program, to date, totaling $23,000 --$13,000 from Arapahoe County, and $10,000 from Barry Fey
Concerts and MCA Records. Black stated that program attendance is increasing weekly with a wide age
range of youth from 12 to 17 years. Black stated that, thus far, no youth in violation of the curfew have
utilized the program. Chairman Gomes inquired about police officers signing up to police the Recreation
Center during the hours designated for this program, stating that he understands some areas of Denver are
not getting an adequate response from their officers. Black stated that Englewood officers have been very
cooperative in staffing Englewood's program.
Director Black advised that, at the request of St. Louis School administration, he and members of
the Recreation staff, with Council approval, are organizing a Before and After School Program for the
students of St. Louis School. Black stated that details are being worked out for the program to begin in the
Fall of 1994. Black also advised that because of the lack of space at Maddox Elementary School, it is not
possible to offer a Before and After School Program at that location. Black explained that it would be
necessary to remove the youth sports programs currently offered through the Recreation Department at
Maddox in order to provide a Before and After School Program .
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Commissioner Gerlick reported that tickets are now on sale for the summer Recreation drama
production of "Hello Dolly".
Commissioner Christie discussed comments and concerns from citizens with regarCl to the City
eliminating lighting on Englewood 's tennis courts . Director Esterly reiterated that the lighting was
eliminated as a result of budget cuts. Esterly stated he will provide information regarding the costs of
lighting the courts for Commission's information. The feasibility of installing timers was discussed.
With regard to the fireworks display, held at Centennial Park, Chairman Gomes reported that
attendance was high and the parking facilities filled to capacity, bringing in $2,291 in parking fees to offset
expenses of the event. Gomes stated he felt Centennial Park is a great location for the fireworks event, but
added that additional parking areas are needed.
Commissioners Christie and Neyer inquired as to why the sale of3-D glasses for the fireworks
display, discussed previously by Commission, was not carried out. Director Black stated he will contact the
e event organizer for a response to this inquiry. There was brief discussion regarding the food concessions for
the event.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:06 p.m.
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