HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-08-14 PRC MINUTESEnglewood Parks and Recreation Commission
Minutes of August 14, 1997
The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Parks and Recreation Commission was called to
order at 5:30pm by Ch airman Gomes at Belleview Park.
Members present:
Members absent:
Also present:
Gomes, Neyer, Armstrong, Christie
Waggoner, Gerlick, Markwood, Black, ex officio
Gary Hultberg, Manager of Recreation
Dave Lee, Manager of Open Space
Chairman Gomes asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of July 10, 1997.
There were none. A motion was made and seconded that the minutes be approved as presented. The
motion passed unanimously .
There were no scheduled visitors or unscheduled visitors.
Dave Lee, Manager of Open Space , informed Commission members of the fatal auto-bike accident
that occurred on Belleview Avenue on Friday , August 1'1
• The accident occurred when an 11 year old boy,
along with his 10 year old friend , were attempting to cross Belleview A venue when they were struck by a
car. The 11 year old child died . The other child was treated and released. There has been concern th at the
boys were unable to use the bike path that goes under Belleview A venue because it was blocked from
flooding. Lee reported that the City of Littleton is responsible for the opening, closing and cleaning of the
tunnel. A memorial tree planting for the child would take place on Friday, August 8th at Belleview Park.
Gary Hultberg, Manager of Recreation, discussed the Clayton Soccer Field. Hultberg explained
that the City of Englewood is partnering with Englewood School District to build a multi-use field at
Clayton Elementary. An intergovernmental agreement has been developed, with the intent to apply for
GOCO funds this year. Due to a number of reasons , a decision has been made to hold off on applying for
funds until later. Hultberg explained that one of the reasons in delaying the application was that an
application for GOCO funds had also been submitted for the Home Lumber property acquisition , and that it
would not be a good idea to compete against ourselves. It was also thought a community meeting of the
surrounding neighbors of the school needed to be held. Hultberg opined that the grant application would
be much stronger with more support. Neighborhood meetings will be scheduled starting this fall.
Commission member Neyer asked what the time schedule was . Hultberg replied that the development
could start as early as the Fall of 1998 and play beginn ing the Spring of 1999 .
Commission member Christie responded to the issue of matching of funds from the Englewood
School District. Christie explained that the item was placed on the agenda for the first time when the Board
was asked to make a decision. Christie added that it was not the intent of the School Board to hold up the
grant application.
In regards to the plans for the field , Hultberg explained that the field would not be a full-sized
soccer field, but the size for 14 years and under. Hultberg added that parki ng should not be an issue .
Christie asked if a tall screen , such as the one at Jason Park, would be placed at the field . It was felt it was
not needed.
Lee informed Commission members that a goal for City Council is to meet with each board and
commission from the City of Englewood. Lee asked Commission members if they would like to extend an
invitation to City Council prior to the end of the year. Commission members discussed a location and date.
It was proposed to meet with City Council on October 9th at the Englewood Golf Course Clubhouse, if
available .
Hultberg distributed the new Recreation Activities Guides for the Englewood Recreation Center
and the Malley Senior Recreation Center. Hultberg stated that the new marketing/public relations position
is now responsible for the publications. Commission members were pleased with the changes .
Lee distributed a report regarding tennis court lighting per request of a City Council member. The
' report gave a brief history of tennis court lighting and the reasons for turning off the lights in 199311994.
The lights were turned off for the following reasons: complaints from neighbors surrounding the courts,
vandalism and budget reductions. Currently, no lighting for tennis courts is provided for in Englewood
parks. Lee reminded Commission members that Chuck Esterly and Chris Korba had addressed this issue
with the Parks and Recreation Commission in the past. Lee reported that the options for the tennis court
lights are : 1) continue to provide no lighting for the courts , 2) provide lighting at selected locations, or 3)
restore lighting to all courts which are capable of being lighted . Lee added that the tennis courts are
underutilized . Presently, 1-2 inquiries are received per year regarding lights at the tennis courts. Lee felt
that lighted tennis courts would not get any great usage . Commission members concurred.
A motion was made by Commission member Neyer, and seconded by Commission member
Armstrong, that Engl e wood City Council accept the recommendation from staff to leave the tennis court
lights off and continue to monitor the calls that are received on the tennis courts. The motion passed
unanimously .
Lee reported that the he had received a proposal from the Englewood Housing Authority regarding
the donation of a piece of property (30' x 125 yds.) next to Girard and Sherman Street, across from Orchard
Place. Lee explained the donated property would be adjacent to a proposed multi-unit housing area. Lee
also reported that there would be a landscaped grand entry to the housing unit which would be maintained
by a contractor. The property would be considered an open space since it is too small to accommodate a
playground . It was asked why the contractor for the entrance would not also maintain the open space.
Gomes commented that the City of Englewood already maintains the Simon Center and Orchard
Place open space. Lee understood that was from a trade out for parking with the Malley Senior Center.
After review of the landscape plans for the Sherman Street and Girard property , it was concluded
that it would not be beneficial for the City of Englewood, Parks Division, to have and maintain such a small
parcel of land.
Armstrong commented on the summer production of "South Pacific" and thought the play went
well, and was well received.
Neyer asked if the Art in the Plaza program was done. Hultberg replied yes, but the boards would
be displayed at the Englewood Recreation Center for another week. Neyer responded that it was a good
program. Hultberg thanked Neyer for his input, and that he hopes to see the program grow in the following
years.
Neyer commented on a recent article in the Highlands Ranch Herald concerning their youth sports
program being caught in between two community groups . Neyer opined that it is nice to not have those
problems in the City of Englewood.
Neyer asked on about the issue of South Suburban granting resident rates to Englewood residents
at Cornerstone Park. Hultberg reported a meeting has been set between Englewood City Council and the
South Suburban Board of Directors. Neyer requested to be kept apprised of the situation.
Gomes asked if there was any progress or report on Belleview Park and the ball players . Hultberg
responded that there was a recent incident involving loud music and some verbal altercation between a
friend of a player and a neighbor. Council Member Wiggins had requested a short-term response regarding
the issue . Neyer asked if the issues have been taken care of regarding the enforcement of curfew. Hultberg
reported that information had been sent to team managers. The information stated that no new inning would
start after 10 :45pm.
Gomes asked in regards to the grass replacement at Belleview Park. Lee reported that some of the
new sod has taken well, but that some may need to be replaced . A walk through has been scheduled. It
was added that the rain has helped . Christie asked if the grass will be replaced on the west side. Lee was
not sure, that he had heard of possibly some xeriscape in the nature area .
Gomes inquired as to the Windermere parking lot. Lee reported that the original concern was with
handicap accessibility and was therefore raised somewhat.
Christie extended her appreciation to Hultberg for his response to community needs. Christie
noted that Englewood Public Schools would be starting next week and that elections for Englewood School
Board are beginning with Dounay and Holmes running again.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:46pm.
Deborah A . Severa, Recording Secretary