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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2023-04-25 minutesPark Resources & Planning Committee Meeting April 25, 2023 Green Berry Acres 1915 Green Berry Rd, Jefferson City, MO Commissioners present: Mary Schantz, Stu Murphy, Roger Schwartze Committee members present: Tina Casagrand, Karen Siegel (Griffin), Celeste Koon, Chris Yarnell Park staff present: Director Todd Spalding, Assistant Director, Bryan Braun, Rena Barron, Stacy Landwehr Visitor: Jack Deeken, Cameron Gerber- News Tribune Call to Order Commissioner Stu Murphy called the meeting to order at 12:03 p.m. Introductions Attendees introduced themselves. Assistant Director, Spalding introduced the new Assistant Director, Bryan Braun, to the committee. Capital Improvements Projects Updates Director, Todd Spalding presented the following park updates: Ellis-Porter Riverside Park Caretaker’s Residence Rehabilitation The second floor renovation of the manor is complete along with the box office for the amphitheater. Hickory Adams Park Hickory Adams Park is 25+ years old. A total replacement was done on the park. The park hosts half basketball court and new playground equipment. A tower feature, barbecue pits and benches will be added to the park. Botanical Gardens This project is located behind the Riverside Manor in Ellis-Porter Park and plans are being drawn up and will be going out for bid in July 2023. Debra Cooper Park Electrical services have been worked out with Ameren Missouri and posts will be set up soon. A sculpture will be installed on the island, which was created by a local artist and remnants of the capital building will be in the sculpture. The Park Foundation will be funding the sculpture. Pickleball Courts Pickleball courts will be put in Washington Park. Eight courts will be put out for bid in June. Parking is there for patrons. 2 Amphitheater Restrooms Permanent restrooms are in the works for the amphitheater along with pathways to the storage shed. Washington Park Repairs were made to the ramps at the skate park. Some dilapidated ramps were removed, and some new ramps will be added in May. A bike park is also being created within the Washington Park grounds. Park Operations Update Director Spalding advised park resource supervisors stepped up to help and take on more responsivities while the Assistant Director position was vacant. The budget is good and on target. Concerns about pesticide spraying on Adrian’s Island and the gate entrance was questioned. Water drainage issues at Memorial Park will be addressed. A new landscape bed will be created in McClung Park. What are you hearing/seeing in the community? Committee members raved about Hickory Adams Park and have been hearing wonderful things about it from the community. Community Park is also still being enjoyed. Binder Park is receiving a lot of out-of-town visitors. Trails are being kept up and are in great shape. First Ward Councilman Deeken spoke about campground development for patrons of the Katy Trail in Jefferson City. A new park sign is being put in at Riverside Park. Verslues Construction is doing the concrete work. Other Business Director Spalding shared a citizen’s concern over priority park spending. Open communication is welcomed whether it be positive or negative. Porchfest will be held on Fairmont Blvd., Sunday, May 7th. Next Meeting Tuesday, July 25, 2023, Noon; location: TBD Adjournment Commissioner Murphy called the meeting adjourned at 12:47 p.m.