HomeMy Public PortalAbout2021-10-19 minutesPark Resources & Planning Committee Meeting
October 19, 2021
63 Diamonds, 12143 Renz-Farm Road, Holts Summit, MO
Committee members present: Mark Kaiser, Celeste Koon, Karen Griffin, Mark
Leesman, Taylor McNail, and Tina Casagrand, Gene Bushmann, Brandy
Bergthold - Commissioners present: Stu Murphy and Mary Schantz
Visitors –Michael Shine, News Tribune
Park staff present: Director Todd Spalding, JJ Gates, Aaron Griffin, Stacy
Landwehr and Rena Barron
Call to Order
Commissioner Stu Murphy called the meeting to order at 12:05 p.m.
Introductions of Attendees
Attendees introduced themselves. A quorum was present for the meeting.
Attendees left off the minutes for the July 27, 2021 meeting were noted: Brandy
Bergthold, Karen Griffin, and Delora Skaggs.
63 Diamonds Sports Complex
Assistant Director, Gates, introduced Parks Assistant Director, Aaron Grefrath, to
provide information on the 63 Diamonds complex and the other athletic field
complexes operated by Parks.
63 Diamonds was purchased in February 2019 for competitive baseball, softball and
flag football. The fields shed water well and give an opportunity for tournament play
by having three fields within the complex. 63 Diamonds held nine (9) tournaments in
2021. More were scheduled, but weather played a role in the cancelations. There
were approximately 219 field preps which includes all outdoor sports complexes
operated by Parks. It is projected that the games had a 1.4-million-dollar economic
impact for Jefferson City. A cost analysis study will be done next year to see what
can be done to increase revenue.
Assistant Director, JJ Gates, noted the importance of placing equipment up higher to
be more helpful during times of possible flooding.
Capital Improvements Projects Updates
Botanical Gardens
Assistant Director, Gates advised that negotiations are in the works with Arbolope
Studios for a more comprehensive thorough masterplan. Conifers are scheduled to
move from North Jefferson recreation area to the garden this fall. The MOU with the
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Master Gardeners has been adopted by the Parks and Recreation Commission to
define responsibilities as the gardens are built and maintained.
Washington Park
A contract has been negotiated with BSB Designs, out of Kansas City, to begin the
next level of design and planning at Washington Park. The improvements will be
budgeted.
Ice Arena Feasibility Study
Director, Todd Spalding, advised that Firland Management was chosen to do the
feasibility study. The Missouri State Penitentiary site was picked to be an ideal area.
The study laid out a 1 year monthly + 5-year annual profit and loss plan showing that
a new ice arena could sustain itself, especially with having relations and
opportunities with the National Hockey League, Lincoln University, and other
sporting clubs. Financing options would have to be evaluated. An approximate 1.5-
million-dollar repair is in store for the Washington Park Ice Arena due to the
equipment in the last years of its lifetime.
The City Council has agreed to a deadline at the end of 2021 for a decision on the
MSP masterplan.
Ellis-Porter Riverside Park Caretaker’s Residence Rehabilitation
The windows have been installed at the caretaker’s residence. Construction work is
continuing with access being gained to the basement level from the outside. Utilities
have been roughed in and restoration of a restroom is underway.
Debra Cooper Riverside Park on Adrian’s Island Progress
Assistant Director, JJ Gates, advised the bridge is now connected to the Capitol side
of the river. Park development is underway with trails, restroom sites, and tree
clearing. Elements for a prefabricated restroom and outdoor shelter are out for bid. A
soft opening of the park could happen as early as late November / early December.
Official opening is scheduled for late spring 2022.
Park Operations Update
Assistant Director, Gates, spoke that it is business as usual in addition to the major
park projects that have been occurring. Sculptures are being added to Community
Park as planned.
What are you hearing/seeing in the community?
Committee member, Celeste Koon, made mention that if there is any person or
organization who is interested in helping with the Botanical Garden to contact the
Master Gardeners or Stacy Landwehr.
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The NICA bike race would be occurring at Binder Park on October 30-31st.
The pickleball group is still asking for adequate pickleball courts.
Criminal activity is going on in the parks but with the addition of camera’s, violators
are being found and prosecuted.
Other Business
N/A
Next Meeting
Tuesday, January 25, 2022, Noon; location: TBD
Adjournment
Commissioner Murphy called the meeting adjourned at 12:55 PM. A tour of 63
Diamonds was then given to those interested in the facility.