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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. 2 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 3 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.