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.
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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.