HomeMy Public PortalAbout2021-04-20 minutesPark Resources & Planning Committee Meeting
April 20, 2021
McClung Park, 931 McClung Park Dr
Committee members virtually present: Celeste Koon, Eugene Bushmann, Taylor
McNail, Karen Griffin, Tina Casagrand, Brandy Bergthold - Commissioners
present: Chris Leuckel and Stu Murphy
Visitor – News Tribune
Park staff present: Director Todd Spalding, JJ Gates, Leigh Ann Porrello and
Rena Barron
Call to Order
Commissioner Stu Murphy called the meeting to order at 12:01 p.m. He thanked
those in attendance for their participation in the meeting.
Introductions of Attendees
All committee members introduced themselves. Many new committee members
have volunteered to be on the board.
Capital Improvements Projects Update
Assistant Director, Gates distributed the Jefferson City Botanical Garden
Masterplan. He briefed the plan and the funding for the projects.
The Riverside Amphitheater will hold the first concert on Saturday, May 22. The line -
up, Clay Walker and Tracy Lawrence, has bee n sold out. Director Spalding reported
that approximately 30 events are scheduled for the season. A big economic impact
is expected to be had for Jefferson City with the holding of these events. Director
Spalding reported staff is currently seeking a single naming rights sponsor for the
amphitheater. In addition, there are other sponsorship opportunities, for example;
the plaza.
Phase One is beginning for the Botanical Gardens. The partnership with Central
Missouri Master Gardeners is essential to making this happen. Funding is being
sought to move the conifer garden from North Jeff. Arbolope Studio Landscape
Architects in collaboration with Architect’s Alliance is instrumental in documenting
and planning this area which includes the Caretaker’s House and land directly
around the house. Planting will begin in the fall.
Capital improvement funds will be used for the development of the riverfront park
portion of the Bi-Centennial Bridge project. This project has been years in the
making and great care has been taken to not disturb natural habitats.
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The McClung Park parking lot design is being re-adjusted to add stormwater
improvement elements.
Park Operations Update
Pools will open in May. Softball and baseball games have started. Competitive and
little league games have also begun for the 2021 season. The annual ice show is
being held at the Washington Park Ice Arena, Friday, April 23 – Sunday, April 25.
Discussion was held on pickleball courts. It is a growing sport and play equipment is
needed. An assessment for this will be made with priorities being taken into
consideration.
Spring aerification has taken place at Oak Hills Golf Course.
What is being seen / heard in the community
Trail condition signage has been placed in Binder Park and Frog Hollow which helps
caretakers and users monitor the trails and keep the trails in good condition.
Committee Member, Celeste Coon advised the signs are working and people are
using them.
Lights are up and operating in Washington Park. The cost is low, and the bridge
lights are a visual appealing asset to the park.
JC Parks staff member, Alexis Kerman, received the 2021 MPRA, Region 2 award
for ‘Outstanding New Professional’.
JC Parks usage of the Capital Sales Improvement Tax is to invest in the present and
future of the Jefferson City parks. The committee agreed that the Commission and
staff work hard to use the funds for the betterment of the community.
Ground maintenance of Memorial Park was addressed reference winter ground
creeper that is invading the park.
Other Business
JC Parks staff, Cultural Arts Specialist, Leigh Ann Porrello, spoke about the
community trash clean-up program that is occurring in city parks every Thursday in
April, “Team Up Clean Up!”. This will coincide with the Central Missouri Community
Action, Earth Day celebration. Volunteers are provided trash pickers and bags .
Contests are held which inspires team building, along with bringing awareness to the
trash issue. JC parks staff collects the trash the following day.
A mural project has been under consideration for nearly a year at Capital Avenue
and Lafayette St. The artist recently started the painting. A section of the mural has
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history facts in it, called ‘Sole Searching’. Hidden shoes are in this section to
represents all the shoe factories that were at this location. A sculpture series project
is being put in Community Park. The first sculpture will be presented for the
Juneteenth celebration.
There is interest for a potential disc golf course at McClung Park. This is a low-cost
growing sport, possible donation of equipment.
Next Meeting
Tuesday, July 20, 2021, Noon; location: Riverside Amphitheater
Adjournment
Commissioner Murphy called the meeting adjourned at 12:54 PM.