HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-04-13 PRC MINUTESEnglewood Parks and Recreation Commission
Minutes of April 13, 1995
The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Parks and Recreation Commission was called to
order at 5:31 p.m. by Acting Chairman Armstrong at the Englewood Servicenter Training Room.
Members present:
Members absent:
Also present:
Armstrong, Christie, Dreiling, Markwood, Waggoner
Gerlick, Gomes, Neyer, Black, ex officio
Chuck Esterly, Director of Public Works
Bob Burgener, Recreation Services Manager/Golf Course
Scott Simpson, Riverside Miniature Golf/Go-Karts Proprietor
Brian Fliedner, Manager, Riverside Miniature Golf/Go-Karts
Mike Roberts, AAA Bikes of Englewood
Acting Chairman Armstrong asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of
March 9, 1995. There were none. A motion was made and seconded that the minutes be approved as
presented. The motion passed unanimously.
Scott Simpson, proprietor of Riverside Miniature Golf/Go-Kart, and Brian Fliedner, manager of the
Riverside facility, were introduced to the Commission. Mr. Simpson distributed copies of, and discussed,
his proposal to expand the Riverside facility. Simpson also made available, for Commission's perusal, a
memo from South Suburban Parks and Recreation District to the Arapahoe County Board of County
Commissioners, stating that the bid they had negotiated to construct a miniature golf course at Regional
Park was withdrawn, and therefore, South Suburban proposes to construct and manage the facility. Simpson
feels that the Regional Park facility would be in direct competition with Riverside, and thus feels offering
additional attractions at Riverside would provide a competitive edge.
Mr. Simpson reviewed the three new attractions listed in his proposal: 1) two-seat mountain bike
rental operation; 2) miniature drag strips; and, 3) bumper boats facility. Simpson noted that the close
proximity of Riverside to the Platte River bike trail offers many biking opportunities. Simpson stated that
the initial bike rental operation will provide 2 two-seat bikes, and expansion will be considered with
demand. The bikes are being provided by AAA Bikes of Englewood, which will also provide bike repair
services for trail users from his mobile bike repair facility, one or two times per month, from the Riverside
facility. Acting Chairman Armstrong suggested signage on the Platte River trail would be advantageous in
promoting the bike rental operation. Armstrong also suggested providing a "bike repair pole " with tools
attached for riders to make repairs to their bikes . Simpson noted that his proposal stipulates the Riverside
agreement with AAA Bikes would be effective, initially, for one season, and then consideration would be
given to extend or dissolve the operation.
Simpson presented a video denoting aspects of drag strip racing facilities. Simpson discussed safety
construction of the courses and layout of the proposed completed Riverside expansion project. Simpson
explained that he intends to run two junior dragsters which have been rebuilt to accommodate adults .
Simpson added that a Compulink System will be installed to provide a computer printout for participants
showing the results of their driving experience. Drivers would be required to be licensed and to sign an
injury release waiver. One instructed run down the drag strip would be given so that each driver is aware of
driving procedures. Brief discussion ensued regarding liability and the "assumption of risk" factor.
Simpson stated that construction of the bumper boats facility is planned for the 1996-97 season and
would be located in the southwest comer of the property, where the water fall is currently located. Simpson
stated that required configuration of the drag strip will dictate whether or not space will be available for the
bumper boats facility.
Noise considerations were discussed with regard to the drag strip, bumper boats, and the existing
go-karts. Simpson stated he is required by the Tri-County Health Department to comply with the County's
noise level regulations.
Commissioner Markwood made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Christie, to approve and
recommend City Council approval of Scott Simpson's proposal for expansion of the Riverside Miniature
Golf/Go-Kart facility to include a two-seat mountain bike rental operation, a miniature drag strip facility,
and a bumper boats facility. Commissioner Waggoner inquired about the likelihood of other entities, when
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observing AAA Bikes advertising at Riverside, requesting the same opportunity for advertising on the
premises. Simpson affirmed that should a problem arise, AAA Bikes advertising at Riverside would be
eliminated. Acting Chairman Armstrong suggested including a statement in the proposal explaining that no
loss of revenue to the City is expected when the new attractions are added even though one of the three 18-
hole miniature courses will be eliminated to accommodate the expansion. Brian Fliedner, Manager of the
Riverside facility , expressed his agreement with Simpson's philosophy for creating a central location to
provide a variety of recreational family activities for all ages in conjunction with the golfing activities at
Englewood Golf Course . There being no further discussion, Acting Chairman Armstrong called for the
question. The motion passed unanimously.
The Commission reviewed information contained in the packets regarding advertising rates for the
recreation program brochures. Acting Chairman Armstrong inquired why an increase in advertising rates is
being considered when only two companies regularly purchase ads in the brochures. Recreation Services
Manager Burgener advised that staff plans to intensify their efforts to increase ad sales. The Commission
suggested including verbage in the list of policies for advertising acceptance that would prohibit advertising
that may cause a "conflict of interest"; and adding language to item no. 2 stipulating no sexually explicit
products.
Recreation Services Manager Burgener reported on the progress of construction at the Golf Course
clubhouse. Burgener expects to move into the pro shop by May 15 and hopes that the clubhouse expansion
will be complete by the first week of June. Burgener stated that the north end of the 9-hole course, seeded
early in the Fall, is maturing; however, the south end, seeded three weeks later, will require reseeding. Staff
will request that reseeding take place soon so that maturity will be reached in time for the Labor Day grand
opening. Burgener invited anyone who would like a tour of the facility to contact him.
Youth Commission Member Dreiling advised that she is soliciting applications to fill the Youth
Member vacancies and requested that application forms be sent to her.
Youth Member Dreiling left the meeting at 6:46 p.m.
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Director Esterly advised that an agreement has been signed with the Englewood Art Club to proceed
with their mural painting program at specific locations in Englewood.
There was some discussion regarding an off-track betting sports bar planned to open at the location
previously occupied by the PACE Warehouse at Santa Fe Drive and Oxford Avenue.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
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