HomeMy Public PortalAbout2020-07-22 minutesPark Resources & Planning Committee Meeting
July 22, 2020
Community Park, 725 Marshall St
Committee members present: Celeste Koon, Gene Bushmann, Mark Leesman
and Karl Staub - Commissioners present: Stu Murphy and Chris Duren
Park staff present: JJ Gates and Rena Barron
Call to Order
Commissioner Co-Chair Stu Murphy called the third quarterly meeting to order at
12:17 p.m. He thanked those in attendance for coming to Community Park.
Introductions of Attendees
McKay Lake – Boating Policy
McKay Lake boating policy, since park construction in the mid 1980’s, has been “no
boats on the lake”. Hough Park Lake has hand-launched boats only. The popularity
of hand-launched water sporting equipment has increased along with public interest
to change the policy at McKay Lake. After discussion, the committee was in
agreement to move the issue of extending the hand-launched boating policy to
McKay Park, to the Commission for final approval.
COVID-19 Update
JJ Gates advised that Memorial and Ellis Porter pools are open. Temperatu res are
being taken at camps. Sign in & sign out is being done via phones. The Linc is back
to normal operation. Basketball, softball and baseball tournaments are being held.
Assistant Director of Programs, Aaron Grefrath, keeps in communication with the
Cole County Health Department Director, Kristi Campbell for information about
COVID-19.
McClung Park and Ellis Porter-Riverside Park Final Design/Construction Update
and Timeline
McClung Park is approximately 50% complete. The contract is through the midd le of
September 2020. There were some delays getting supplies during COVID -19, and
there some water penetration occurred inside the building . A drain was installed
inside the building to solve the water issue. JJ Gates encouraged the committee to
visit the park to see the progress.
Work is being done at Ellis Porter-Riverside Park. Most of the fixed seating concrete
has been placed. The original amphitheater seating is gone, and the new stage for
the bandshell is set. A few planter beds are being built. The contract is due in the
spring of 2021. Staff is working on how to approach securing of events and renting
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options. Restrooms are being plumbed for future enhancement of the Park. The
improvements at the Optimist Sports Complex have been mostly completed. A firm
out of St Louis has been contracted to begin work on the Botanical Gardens project.
Some of the Bill Quigg area will remain, but gain improvements. A walkway from
McCarty to the park is under design by the city. Positive comments were received
from the committee.
Park Operations and Improvements Update
Landscape work is still in the process at Community Park, but the shelter and the
play equipment is in place. A community reception and a ribbon -cutting ceremony
are scheduled to take place. Positive feedback has been heard from the community.
63 Diamonds work has been mostly completed and several ball tournaments have
been held. Committee member, Carl Staub, made comment reference the unsafe
entrance/exit for 63 Diamonds and hopes future changes will be made for the sa fety
of patrons.
What is being seen/heard in the community
Great feedback has been heard about Community Park. Some confusion was
discussed about the splash pad which the Cultural Arts Committee held a fundraiser
to obtain for the park. Cost had to be reduced in some areas to be able to keep the
project within budget.
Other Business
Committee member, Gene Bushmann, inquired about the status of the Bicentennial
Bridge/Riverfront Park project. JJ Gates advised the project has been bid and
awarded with a 2021 fall deadline. Park plans are put together and park personnel
are closely monitoring how we can use the contractor on -site to assist with the park
plans.
Committee member, Celeste Koon, mentioned the National Interscholastic Cycling
Association (NICA) coming to Jefferson City for mountain bike racing. They will be
practicing at Binder Park on Saturday, October 24, with the race be ing held on
Sunday, October 25. Nick Smith is the coach for the Jefferson City team.
Next Meeting
Wednesday, October 21, 2020, at Noon; location: McClung Park, 931 McClung Park
Dr.
Adjournment
Commissioner Murphy called the meeting adjourned at 1:04 p.m.