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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-09-12 PRC MINUTESEnglewood Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of September 12, 1996 The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order at 5:36pm by Commissioner Armstrong at the Malley Senior Center. Members present:Armstrong, Gerlick, Christie , Black, ex officio Members absent: Also present: Gomes , Neyer, Waggoner, Markwood Joe Sack, Facility Supervisor, Malley Senior Center Ford Frick, BBC John Norris , Norris and Dullea Darnen Holland, Norris and Dullea Dave Hamill , BBC The approval of the minutes of July 10, 1996 and August 14, 1996 will be deferred to the next meeting due to a quorum not being met. Director Black introduced Joe Sack, Facility Supervisor of the Malley Senior Center. Black introduced Ford Frick of BBC , Research and Consulting group. Black explained to Commission that tonight's presentation was to0 inform Commission whe re the study is at, and that no final decisions have been made. Commission was also urged to give any suggestions or comments related to the study. Frick distributed information related to the study and explained the Feasibility Study included the Englewood Recreation Center, Malley Senior Center, Belleview Park, Centennial Park and Sinclair Pool. Commission was apprised of the study, reporting the areas to be concentrated on are 1) opportunities , 2) issues and 3) serving the citizens of Englewood . Frick then introduced John Norris of Norris and Dullea, whose emphasis is on the parks . Norris started with Centennial Park, familiarizing Commission with existing conditions including the lake , ballfield , playground and restrooms. Norris noted there were improvements made to the lake edge recently . Opportunities for recreation at Centennial include a softball complex , fishing, paddle boats, roller hockey and a trail connection with the Platte River Trail. Norris explained that the land acquisition to the east would allow for more opportunities and better accessibility for Centennial Park; without the acquisition, opportunities are limited . It was also suggested that additional opportunities could be created by filling in portions of the lake. Norris added that the playground would be updated to meet ADA standards, and the entrance to the park would be cleaned up . Armstrong asked where the Centennial Master Plan came into the feasibility study. Norris explained the Master Plan has not been forgotten, but the current emphasis is on the whole park. Armstrong inquired as to whether the existing power lines in that area would remain above ground . Norris responded yes. Black responded that if the Commission recalled, the power lines at the golf course were buried due to their being a different type and to the availability of franchise fees . It was asked why the nature area east of the lake was not used for a skateboard park, especially with the trail leading to the area. Norris explained it was due to the lack of security . Discussion then was directed to Belleview Park. Belleview Park was described as the "gem of park systems". Norris explained existing conditions at Belleview Park include the Belleview Children's Farm, Lion's Club Miniature Train , shelters, etc. Norris pointed out that a small parking facility currently exists at Belleview Park. Norris proposes leaving the farm where it is, but expanding it with running water, toilets, etc.; and upgrading the restrooms to meet ADA standards . Opportunities for Belleview Park include a leisure pool facility and the development of the nature area. First choice for location for the pool facility would be the existing ballfield site, with the alternative choice being the Home Lumber property . Blac_k updated Commission as to the latest developments of the Kewitt and Home Lumber properties. Black was not aware of the status of the Kewitt property. As to the Home Lumber property, Black stated it was premature to discuss but that the City had first right of refusal. Ford Frick asked how important the nature area was to the public. Armstrong responded that Englewood was land locked, and there was not another nature area in Englewood. Christie commented that the area is used constantly. Armstrong asked if the ballfield is used on a continuous basis. Black replied it is, and if removed from its existing location, would need to be replaced elsewhere. Norris reiterated if the Kewitt property was acquired, a ballfield complex could be built at Centennial Park. It was asked if the Home Lumber property was flat enough to develop fields. Commissioner Gerlick commented on the lack of parking at the ballfields. Norris remarked that parking expansion is required. Armstrong inquired about numbers of visitors to the Belleview Children's Farm. Frick remarked it is substantial. Joe Sack reported he is in the process of calculating those figures, but it looked as if 1996 had one of the highest attendance . Norris then discussed the issues related to Sinclair Pool, stating Sinclair Pool was an older outdoor pool well used for lessons by the neighborhood and day care centers. Black remarked that a change in location is suggested due to the age of Sinclair Pool and the cost of restoration . Norris reported Englewood lacked a pool with leisure features (slide, climbing apparatus, etc.) as well as a pool with lap capabilities; and felt Sinclair Middle School and the neighborhood may not be receptive to such a facility. Norris suggested if another outdoor pool was built elsewhere, the available land at Sinclair could be used for such facilities as additional soccer fields, etc. Christie asked if the attendance was down at Sinclair Pool. Black replied the numbers would not be figured until year-end. Dave Hamill of BBC was then introduced. Hamill stated BBC was coordinating the feasibility of the Malley Senior Center and the Englewood Recreation Center. Beginning with the Malley Senior Center, Hamill pointed out the problems with the existing building included 1) usage incompatibility for Multi- Purpose Room (including temperature control), 2) lack of storage and office area, and 3) availability of meeting rooms. Hamill also suggested a small crafts consignment shop to help generate revenue for the arts programs, adding several of these shops already exist at metro senior centers. Hamill discussed the alternatives of expanding.the Malley Senior Center to the north , east and/or west. Hamill indicated expansion to the north was the most feasible due to the cost of moving sewer and utility lines. Discussion followed in regards to the addition of a mini/full sized gymnasium, fitness room , restroom/locker room facilities, etc . In regards to a pool at the Malley Center, Hamill reported the focus group was not overwhelmed by the idea of a pool at the Senior Center. The seniors felt the Englewood Recreation Center pool worked well for them. Geriick asked if it made sense to have an over-flow pool at the Malley Center when the Engle.wood Recreation Center pool was not over-used. Black responded the Englewood Recreation Center pool is used p_rimarily by the seniors during the hours of 6:30-1 lam, which is not normally a high peak time for pools . Hamill added a pool at Malley would be utilizing necessary space. In regards to adding a mini or full-sized gymnasium, Armstrong commented that if the Department is going to the expense of building another gymnasium, it would be most effective to go with a full-size gymnasium since there is such a high demand for gym space; and it would possibly alleviate pressure off other gymnasiums . Gerlick asked if there had been a request from theater groups for an auditorium setting. Joe Sack responded there has not been a lot of demand. Discussion ensued regarding the possibilities of a stage/auditorium setting and Multi-Purpose Room options . Hamill then introduced the issues related to the Englewood Recreation Center. Issues include additional gymnasium, family locker room, larger weight rooms, etc . Hamill explained racquetball usage has declined, and discussed the options relating to the utilization of that space . Other suggestions included moving fitness room due to acoustic problem next to gymnasium, updating locker rooms and adding a water slide. Discussion ensued. Black reminded Commission members that the presentation by BBC was a broad overview of all options, and more formalized ideas will be presented to the Commission for recommendation at a later date. Black thanked Ford Frick and BBC for the presentation to the Parks and Recreation Commission. In regards to the Cultural Arts Commission, Black informed Commission members that the Cultural Arts Commission has requested a liaison for City boards and Commission, including the Parks and Recreation Commission . Black noted that these liaisons would not be voting members . It was recommended that John Gerlick be the liaison to the Cultural Arts Commission due to his involvement with Theater Englewood and the arts. Black reported that Amy VanDyken would be the Grand Marshall for the 1996 Holiday Parade. The City of Englewood would be acknowledging VanDyken the week of the parade with a proclamation and a key to the City . Black asked Commission members if there would be any objections to presenting VanDyken with a lifetime membership to the Englewood Recreation Center. Black explained this would be the first lifetime membership to the Englewood Recreation Center. Commission members agreed Armstrong entered a recommendation in presenting Amy VanDyken a lifetime membership to the Englewood Recreation Center. Gerlick seconded the motion. Due to a quorum not being met, a telephone poll will be taken. The Commission was briefed on the storm drainage status at the Golf Course. Black stated the storm drainage was installed along Oxford for Santa Fe . It was explained that a landfill cap was broken by CDOT (Colorado Department of Transportation). Black indicated the State of Colorado was aware of the break , and did nothing to alleviate the problem. The City recently received a letter from the State of Colorado extraditing the danger. The State has contended to install 4-12 foot vent pipes in manh o les along the front of the golf course. Black indicated the Golf Course spent a large amount of money on landscaping to ha\le pipes such as those installed . The City of Sheridan is in agreement. City officials were able to halt the project temporarily until other options are discussed. Gerlick questioned bike path access along Oxford . It was reported that a corner at Oxford and Windermere does not allow access on to the sidewalk. Gerlick also pointed out there was a large amount of mud on the Dartmouth bike path. Black replied the mud is due to the heavy rains this past summer. Park crews are continually working on clean-up, which can take up to two weeks. Black will check into the situation. In regards to recent discussion of a free medical clinic being offered at Englewood High School , Christie stated she is open to any input commission members may have. Christie added a survey of 8th through 12th grade parents is also being conducted. Armstrong asked what the role of the Commission is with respect to the feasibility study. It was felt if the Commission was provided with more background information , the Commission members would have a better understanding of where the study is at. Discussion followed in regards to the focus groups . Black explained the focus groups included facility users, members and staff from the Malley Senior Center, Malley Trust Fund , and the Englewood Recreation Center. It was asked if the City has looked at what other properties may be available in the community . Black responded there were only 2-3 such properties. Black informed Commission that the study was not originally based on parks , but on facilities. The study was eventually changed to include parks due to the fit with the study . Black suggested another study in the future may be necessary to research available properties, and how to fund for them . Armstrong asked if there were any Youth Commission members appointed to the Parks and Recreation Commission . Black replied there were not. Discussion followed regarding advertising for youth members. Armstrong announced Colorado Parks and Recreation Association is considering setting up a signature scholarship in Packy Roman 's name. Armstrong explained Romans was active with CPRA. In regards to honoring Packy, Black explained he has been in touch with Edith Romans , Packy 's wife . Black told Commission that Edith has mentioned she would like the money from the memorial fund to go towards improvements to Romans Park. Black indicated Edith was not yet ready to discuss the memorial fund . Black reported he was contacted by Steve Neyer with a suggestion to honor Packy Romans. Black thought Neyer would bring it up at the next Commission meeting . Black added he was open to any thoughts or suggestions . Armstrong announced Gomes and Neyer were awarded the Citation Award through Colorado Parks and Recreation Association. The Citation Award recognizes individuals/organizations who have made an outstanding contribution to parks and recreation at a local, state or regional level, and is the most prestigious award presented to an individual/agency. Gomes and Neyer were nominated by Armstrong for their dedicated service and leadership to the Parks and Recreation Commission , and for their community involvement. Gomes and Neyer will be presented the award at a banquet on Thursday, September 19th at the CPRA Conference in Estes Park. Congratulations to both. It was announced that Armstrong was elected as president-elect for Colorado Parks and Recreation . Congratulations to Carolyn. The meeting was adjourned at 8:04pm. Deborah A. Severa, Recording Secretary