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Home My WebLink About05-08-2019 Parks and Recreation CommissionIowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Wednesday, May 8, 2019 w•. T 5 P.M. Robert A. Lee Community Recreation Center — Meeting Room B AGENDA ITEM CALL TO ORDER ITEM 2 APPROVAL OF APRIL 10, 2019 MINUTES ITEM 3 PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA ITEM 4 LANDSCAPE DESIGN BASICS PRESENTATION —TYLER BAIRD ITEM 5 ROBERT A. LEE REMODEL UPDATE — KUMI MORRIS ITEM 6 PARKS DOG WASTE, GARBAGE & RECYCLING DISCUSSION —ZAC HALL ITEM 7 ATHLETIC FIELD UPDATE — BRAD BARKER ITEM 8 REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF a) Parks & Recreation Director —Jul! Seydell Johnson b) Recreation Division Superintendent— Brad Barker c) Parks Division Superintendent—Zac Hall ITEM 9 CHAIRS REPORT—JOE YOUNKER ITEM 30 COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ITEM 11 ADJOURN If you will need disability -related accommodations in order to participate in this program/event, please contact Tammy Neumann, Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department at 3191356-5210 or tommy- neumann@iowa-city.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs. IOWA CITY PARKS & RECREATION COMMI MINUTES APRIL 10, 2019 RECREATION CENTER — MEETING ROOM B Members Present: Steve Bird, Luke Foelsch, Cara Hamann, Ben Russell, Angie Smith, Brianna Wills, Joe Younker Members Absent: Suzanne Bentler, Jamie Venzon Staff Present: Brad Barker, Zac Hall, Juli Seydell Johnson Others Present: None CALL TO ORDER Chairman Younker called the meeting to order at 5 p.m. RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council action): None OTHER FORMAL ACTION: Moved by Russel seconded by Bird, to aourove the March 13, 2019 minutes as written. Passed 7-0 (Gentler & Venzon absent). PUBLIC DISCUSSION None RECREEATION PROGRAM UPDATES — RECREATION STAFF Brad Barker, Recreation Superintendent and Lyndsey Kent, Communications and Special Events Program Supervisor, provided updates as follows. Kent informed the Commission about the Riverfront Crossings Grand Opening Celebration scheduled for Saturday, July 20, 2019. She also shared the Party in the Park schedule with the Commission. Kent was excited to announce that staff will add some new parks to the schedule this season. Those will include Ryerson's Woods, Thornbeny Off -Leash Dog Park, and Scott Park/Rita's Ranch Dog Park. She also announced that there will be a special day -time Party in the Park on the 4's of July at Upper City Park in conjunction with the City Park Pool's 701 Birthday Celebration. Kent also informed the commission of a couple of new events that the department will be helping with. These include the Great Iowa River Race on Saturday, June 8 and the Iowa City Monarch Festival on Sunday, August 28. Wills asked if the Blues Fest at Big Grove was in Conjunction with the Great Iowa River Race. It is not. Barker provided the following updates to the Commission. Adult Sports: Jeff Sears, Program Supervisor for Adult Sports, will be working closely with Corridor Games throughout the summer. He hopes to find adult sports that may work for future ICPR recreation programs. Examples of activities included in the Corridor Games include bowling, bocce (two bocce tournaments will be hosted by the department this summer), sand volleyball, mud volleyball, spike ball and dodgeball along with ultimate Frisbee. According to https://spikeball.com/blocs/the-crop-circle/what-is-si)ikeball. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION April 10,2019 Page 2 of 5 Spike ball is a new sport that's sweeping the nation. It's commonly referred to as the love child between volleyball and four -square. It is played 2 vs 2, with a taut hula hoop sized Spike ball net placed between the teams. A player starts a point by serving the ball down on the net so it ricochets up at his opponents. They have up to three hits between them (just like Volleyball) to control the ball and bounce it back off the net. • Youth Sports: Matt Eidahl, Program Supervisor for Youth Sports, will be offering a Lacrosse program. Barker explained the First Sticks Lacrosse Grant that the department received and the ensuing program and clinic. Barker asked for input from the commission. Wills expressed her disappointment that the ages didn't include 14-year old's. Younker proposed that programming for young teens be put on a future agenda for further discussion. At the request of many parents, Eidahl will also offer a summer skills basketball program. This program focuses on offensive skills. The annual Youth Triathlon will take place on July 1 at Mercer Park Aquatic Center. Seydell Johnson mentioned that Eidahl is always looking for volunteers for the triathlon to help keep kids on course and during the transition from one activity to another. • Arts/Socialization: Barker noted that Joyce Carroll, Program Supervisor for Arts and Socialization, has already been hard at work on the 2019 Summer Camp Program. Carroll will be offering two themes for each week of summer camp as well as a sports camp. Themes will include STEAM programming, enrichment, theatre, and film to name a few. Carroll is also providing environmental education opportunities this summer in conjunction with Green Iowa AmeriCorps. Green Iowa has four full-time and four part-time staff members. Carroll's new programs include Eco Film Festival, Endangered Species classes, Nature Photography and the Science of Fermentation. Backyard Abundance will also offer programs. Kayaking and fishing programs with Johnson County Conservation will be offered as well as half - day art and STEAM camps. ■ Seydell Johnson also noted that programming is underway for Special Populations Involvement and Special Olympic programs as well as aquatics. REPORT ON HEMS FROM CITY STAFF Parks & Recreation Director — Juli Seydell Johnson: Staffing: Seydell Johnson announced that Matthew Eckhardt has left his position as Program Supervisor for Aquatics to start his own business. Interviews are complete for his position and staff hopes to make an announcement soon. IPRA Conference: Staff attended the annual Iowa Park and Recreation Association Spring Conference in March. Tyler Baird, Assistant Parks Superintendent, offered a session on landscape design sharing the basics in planting and landscaping. Seydell Johnson also noted that staff took a leadership role in the planning process for the conference Kate Connell, Assistant Aquatics Supervisor, presented "60 New Programs in 60 Minutes". Seydell Johnson presented three sessions. Younker suggested that Baird present to commission in the future. Cardigan Park Update: Seydell Johnson noted that three different groups used the fire ring over the weekend and all were well behaved. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION April 10, 2019 Page 3 of 5 • Creekside Park Update: Although staff received some construction noise complaints on Monday morning, progress is continuing. • Riverfront Crossings Park Update: The park signs have been installed. The restrooms are not yet open. The Snelson sculpture will not be complete in time for the grand opening but will be in place later this fall. • Willow Creek Park Update: The contract for this project has been awarded to All American Concrete. • Lower City Park Update: The bidding for this project will begin at the end of April and will close in mid -May. Some residents have contacted Seydell Johnson regarding accessibility of the new play area. The park will be all inclusive and ADA compliant. • Cabins: The cabins in Upper City Park are near completion other than a bit of concrete work. • College Green Park: Seydell Johnson noted that there has been some interest from donors in adding bocce courts to the park as well as permanent bag boards on one side of the park. • Recreation Center Nonprofit Space: Staff received two proposals for the space that currently holds the racquetball court and game room. The Bike Library and Public Space One submitted proposals. Seydell Johnson will recommend to Council that the Bike Library move forward with their plan to occupy this space. The bike library proposal will be included in the April 11, 2019 Council Packet. Younker and Wills asked if more support was needed. Seydell Johnson will follow up after the April 23 Council Meeting. Recreation Division Superintendent — Brad Barker: • Garden Plots: Garden plot registration opened on April 1 with many returning gardeners. There are currently 29 plots still available at Wetherby Park, otherwise all other locations (Chadek Green, Reno Street, & Kiwanis Parks) are sold out. • Doe Park Registration: The dog tag registrations have picked up tremendously with the recent warmer weather. • Bike Month: Barker announced that May is Bike Month. The department is partnering with Bicyclists of Iowa City and the Iowa City Area Development Group to host the TTRA 100, a Mother's Day family bike ride at Terry Trueblood Recreation Area. No registration or fee is required. Barker will also be attending a Bike Safety Rodeo later this month at Alexander Elementary School. • Aquatics: An underwater Easter Egg Hunt will be held on Saturday, April 20 and is sold out. • Scanlon Gvm: Scanlon Gymnasium turns 20 on May 22. • Passport to Pools: Barker introduced the Passport to Pools partnership with Coralville and North Liberty Parks and Recreation Departments encouraging the public to visit local pools and splash pads. Wills suggested having passports available at the Library along with their Reading Passports program. • Affiliate Groups: Staff is working with sports affiliate groups to review their agreements. Staff will also be looking at policies and procedures internally. Parks Division Superintendent — Zac Hall • Spring/Summer Prep: Hall noted that park shelter and ball field reservations are now in full swing. Park staff is transitioning from winter by debriefing about the winter snow removal to spring and summer activities. Hall has met with the mowing contractor and will be adding additional sites to their schedule. Hall is working on creating an RFP for auto -lock restroom facilities. Edible Planters/Landscapes: Hall announced that the edible landscape planters in downtown and at City Hall will transition to a "Tea Time" theme. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION April 10, 2019 Page 4 of 5 Staffine: Hall is still working on filling temporary positions for the season. He also announced that full-time staff member, Nate Steele, is transitioning from a Forestry to the Horticulture position. The selection process to fill the Forestry position left vacant by Steele is underway. Projects: Hall has been meeting with new engineering staff on park projects that include the following: o ADA projects at both Bmokland and Hunters Run Parks are being planned o Benton Hill and Miller Ave. Trail connection from the south where co -housing extended sidewalk to the north. Parks will be converting 25 acres of turf grass to native grass areas. o Hall noted that there is a lot of work going on at Hickory Hill Park including construction of trail bridges, installation of signs and tree clearing. CHAIRS REPORT Younker expressed interest in reviving the Parks & Recreation Foundation, noting that the last major fundraising project was for the Terry Trueblood Recreation Area. Younker requested a 2-3-member subcommittee be established. Wills, Bird and Younker will be meeting with Seydell Johnson soon regarding future plans for the Foundation. COMMISSION TIME: Smith asked how fees for the garden plots were established suggesting that perhaps the department consider raising those rates. Seydell Johnson noted that garden plots are seen more as a community service and is a move to provide local food sourcing which is a goal of the strategic plan. Foelsch asked how the Parks and Recreation Activities Guides are distributed. Kent reported that the department is tracking where folks are coming through equity mapping. Foelsch expressed his concern as to whether some groups are being priced out and wondered if there are populations that we are missing. Wills expressed her desire to discuss the Eastside Sports Complex proposal and where that stands, especially with the new Hoover Elementary feeling there may be momentum in the neighborhood to fund such a project. Seydell Johnson will share the Eastside Sports Complex master plan with commission for future discussion. ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Hamann, seconded by Smith, to adjourn the meetine at 6:09 p.m. Motion passed 7-0 Gentler and Venzon absent). PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION April 10, 2019 Page 5 of 5 PARKS AND RECREATION ATTENDANCE RECORD NAME w w w a a a ti 4 ti D\ M M O TERM EXPIRES Suzanne 12/31/20 NM X X X X X X X X NM X O/E Bender Steve Bird 12/31/21 NM X X X X X X X X NM X X Wayne Fett 12/31/18 NM X O/E X X O/E X X Lucas 12/31/22 * * * * * * * * x NM X X Foelsch Cara 12/31/19 NM X X O/E X O/E X O/E X NM X X Hamann Lucie 12/31/18 NM X O/E O/E X X X O/E Laurian Ben Russell 12/31/21 NM X X X X X X X X NM X X Angie Smith 12/31/21 NM X X O/E X X X X X NM X X Jamie 12/31/20 NM X X X X X O/E X X NM X O/E Venzon Brianna 12/31/22 * * * * * * * * O/E NM X X Wills Joe Younker 12/31/19 NM X X X X X X X X NM X X KEY: X = Present O = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused NM = No meeting LQ = No meeting due to lack of quorum * = Not a member now TO: Juli Seydell Johnson, Director of Parks & Recreation FROM: Brad Barker, Recreation Superintendent DATE: May 2, 2019 RE: Athletic Field Utilization Update CITY OF IOWA CITY At the April 10, 2019 Parks Commission Meeting, an update on the status of the proposed East Side Sports Complex and a current athletic field utilization report was requested. A closer examination of field use at Kickers Soccer Complex, Mercer Park, City Park, Napoleon Park, and Happy Hollow Park along with current trends are outlined in this memo. In an effort to provide the clearest picture of utilization, field use is expressed as hours reserved in a particular calendar year. Rainouts are not included in these figures. A. Kickers Soccer Complex There are 25 athletic fields at Kickers Soccer Complex. 23 of these are soccer fields of various sizes. The other 2 fields were ball diamonds that were removed at the end of the 2018 season to make way for additional soccer fields. Those soccer fields are anticipated to be completed by Fall 2019. Field Number Field Size (max) 2015 Hours 2016 Hours 2017 Hours 2018 Hours Field 01 Large 310'x230' 322 254 144 205 Field 02 Large 310'x210' 299 255 272 289 Field 03 Large 300'x210' 270 293 149 348 Field 04 Large 360'x240' 229 350 279 538 Field 05 Large 360'x240' 258 360 356 438 Field 06 Medium 220'x140' 167 192 153 148 Field 07 Medium 220'x140' 146 174 177 137 Field 08 Medium 220'x140' 191 160 211 171 Field 09 Medium 220'x14O' 152 153 127 121 Field 10 Medium 220'x140' 118 150 74 210 Field 11 Medium 220'x140' 115 150 67 195 Field 12 Mini 110'x67.5' 100 121 96 99 Field 13 Mini 110'x67.5' 83 81 84 79 Field 14 Mini 90'x55' 154 143 118 110 Field 15 Mini 90'x55' 127 105 84 86 Field 16 Small 140'x90' 123 109 92 84 Field 17 Small 140'x90' 85 74 76 69 Field 18 Large 360'x240' 202 141 210 291 Field 19 In rotation 124 93 110 In rotation Field 20 Medium 220'x140' 216 200 233 245 Field 21 In rotation 121 26 50 In rotation Field 22 Under renovation 2019 215 17 85 199 Field 23 Under renovation 2019 209 22 55 192 TOTALS 4020 3652 3353 4254 B. Baseball/Softball Fields PR = Pitching Rubber BL = Base Length Mercer Park Fields Field Number Field Size (max) 2015 Hours 2016 Hours 2017 Hours 201_8 Hours Field 01 60'6" w/mound PR; 90' BL 558 552 532 529 Field 02 60'6" w/mound PR; 90' BL 659 550 394 395 Field 03 Portable PR; 70',80' 90' BL 379 367 313 327 Field 04 50' & Portable PR; 65'70'80' BL 212 236 286 254 TOTALS 1808 1705 1525 1505 City Park Fields Field Number Field Size (max) 2015 Hours 2016 Hours 2017 Hours 2018 Hours Field 01 Portable PR; 60', 65', WY BL 401 379 346 357 Field 02 Portable PR; 60', 65', 70' BL 384 340 349 355 Field 03 Portable PR; 60', 65', 70' BL 306 243 221 251 Field 04 Portable PR; 60', 65' BL 393 333 264 265 Field 05 Portable PR; 60', 65' BL 387 334 301 341 Field 06 Portable PR; 60', 65' BL 353 346 313 306 Field 07 Portable PR; 60', 65', 70' BL 204 226 120 246 Field 08 40', 46' PR; 60' BL 142 135 85 159 TOTALS 2570 2336 1999 2280 Napoleon Park Fields Field Number Field Size (max) 2015 Hours 2016 Hours 2017 Hours 2018 Hours Field 01 35', MY, 43' PR; 60' BL 389 388 368 274 Field 02 35', MY, 43' PR; 60' BL 275 369 354 277 Field 03 35', W, 43' PR; 55', 60' BL 366 293 324 249 Field 04 35', 40', 43' PR; 55', 60' BL 336 255 306 223 Field 05 35', 40', 43', Portable PR; 60', 65' BL 199 200 242 186 Field 06 35, 40', 43', Portable PR; 60', 65' BL 207 206 215 184 Field 07 35', 40', 43' PR; 60' BL 149 98 105 100 Field 08 35', 40', 43', Portable PR; 60', 65' BL 119 83 131 125 TOTALS 1 2040 1892 2045 1618 Happy Hollow Park Field Field Number Field Size (max) 2015 Hours 2016 Hours 2017 Hours 2018 Hours Field 01 40, 46' PR; 60' BL 128 132 118 102 TOTALS 1 128 132 118 102 C. Summary Since the inception of the conceptual plans for the East Side Sports Complex in 2015, data demonstrates that hours of use for ballfields have remained steady if not declining slightly. Use of the Kickers Soccer Complex fields decreased over the last several years while finding a resurgence in 2018. Weather patterns may account for some of the variability in hourly rentals while other external factors such as participation numbers in local leagues and weekend tournament options at new sports complexes nearby may also be of influence. While there is certainly downtime on all ICPRD athletic fields, this is highly preferable scenario to fields that never receive a break. Maintaining several options for the same types and sizes of fields is important in maintaining the longevity of the turf and minimizing maintenance costs. Brad Barker Recreation Superintendent Iowa City Parks & Recreation Commission Packet May 2019 Upcoming Events • May 1, Farmers Market beginsl Chauncey Swan Parking Lot, Wednesdays & Saturdays • May 5, Strider Bike Race (Ages 3-6), Kiwanis Park, 1 PM • May 12, Mother's Day Trueblood 100 (Family Bike Event), TTRA,1-6 PM • May 25, City Park Pool opens for the summer (70 years!) • May 27, Memorial Day Program at Oakland Cemetery, 9:30am • 1 une 1, Corridor Corporate Games beginsl, Various Locations; June & July • June 6, Party in the Park begins! Various Parks, Thursday evenings Notable from Parks & Recreation Staff Parks: • Nate Steele has been promoted from Maintenance Worker I - Forestry to Maintenance Worker II - Horticulture. • The City celebrated its 39 year as a National Arbor Day Foundation Tree City USA. • Parks, Horticulture and Forestry celebrated Earth Week and Arbor Day with multiple events partnering with Green Iowa Americorps, Iowa DNR, Trees Forever and ICCSD. 250 trees were planted at TTRA and 400 tree seedlings were given out to community members. Recreation: ■ Summer registration has begun (April 25) and has gone smoothly so far. Programs are starting to see more registrations as the weather is warming and the community begins to think about summer activities. • Kate Connell has accepted the Recreation Program Supervisor — Aquatics position • City Park Pool preparation is in full swing so that it can open to the public on Memorial Day weekend • Recreation Division staff is currently immersed in summer hiring and training operations Cemetery: • Seasonal staffing is nearly complete. Seasonal staff now includes two 40/hour employees and one 25/hour employee. Still searching for an additional 25/hour hire. Facilities: • Aquatics staff and Recreation maintenance staff are•continuing to work on prepping City Park pool, getting it ready for the season. The rainy spring has delayed pool shell repairs and painting. Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet I City of Iowa City • Staff are helping getting ground ready for plantings, by turning on exterior water sources and installing canopies and tarps, power washing exterior hardscape entrances. Too Staff Issues Parks • A rainy start to Spring has delayed project work for Parks Maintenance, has slowed the start of tree plantings for Forestry, has slowed the planting of perennials/annuals for Horticulture, and has cancelled events for Athletic Facilities. • Temporary and seasonal staffing has been up and down with Parks Maintenance still needing some employees to be fully staffed for the season. Recreation • Staff is working on summer program planning and reviewing facility needs. Staff has been reviewing applications and have been hiring for Summer positions. • Athletic fields are now open but inconsistent weather has made field conditions challenging • Continued planning for the Riverfront Crossings Park Grand Opening Celebration on July 20 • Policies pertaining to facility rentals and agreements are being reviewed and modified as needed. Cemetery • Staff has started mowing and trimming between rain showers. • Mulching/planting flower beds and laying sod on all the winter graves are two large projects that will need to be completed as soon as the rainy weather subsides. Facilities: • Public Works Facility- the precast panels are going up around the exterior of the structure and interior masonry walls are nearly complete. • The Bicycle Library, has been selected by City Council as the organization the City will participate in a Partnership Agreement for the use of the former Racquetball and game rooms spaces of the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center. We will be meeting to start discussions with the Bike Library on May 31. • The City Hall Bell is at the Powder Shop to be sandblasted and painted. • The artist, Tim Adams, has installed the artwork in the lobby of City Hall, an electrician has run electricity to the art work for the LED lights. There is still on -site work to complete, including adjusting panels. • Shive Hattery is working with the Engineering Division on lighting plans for the exterior of Mercer/Scanlon. Minor sidewalk repairs at the entrance and lighting replacement will be bid out prior to the planting work by Parks. Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet I City of Iowa City Project Timeline Status Villa Park Playground Summer/Fall 2018 Construction spring of 2019 Creekside Park Redevelopment Summer 2018 Construction has started. City Park Cabin Restoration Construction Fall 2017 Project nearly complete. Happy Hollow Shelter & Restroom Upgrades Construction Fall 2017 Project complete. Riverfront Crossing Park, Phase 1 Fall 2017—Spring 2018 (Phase 1 and Nature Play) Project nearly complete. Chauncey Swan Park TBD — Park rebuild at end of building project. Park construction 2018. Hickory Hill Trails, Signs & Bridges Construction Spring 2019 Construction spring of 2019. Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet I City of Iowa City Oakland Cemetery FY 19 Revenue Report **shaded areas represent previous Syr average Revenue from Lot Sales Lot Sale Syr Average # of Interments linterments Syr avg. Revenue from Interments 5 year Avg. on Interments Total Revenue Syr Avg. on total revenue July $11,050.00 $4,510.00 9 6.4 $4,630.00 $3,315.00 $15,680.00 $7,825.00 August $3,712.50 $6,540.00 6 8.8 $3,747.50 $4,383.00 $7,460.00 $10,923.00• Sept $5,568.75 $7,580.00 30 7.8 $7,192.50 $3,887.00 $12,761.25 $11,467.00` Oct $825.00 $9,890.00 6 6.4 $3,390.00 $3,572.26 $4,215.00 $13,462.26 Nov $0 $5,400.00 7 6.6 $3,627.50 $2,977.50 $3,627.50 $8,377.50 Dec $4,505.00 $2,580.0 6 6 $3,185.00 $3,046.00 $7,690.00 $5,626.00 Jan $2,475.00 $3,680.00 4 3 $2,115.00 $2,040.00 $4,590.00 $5,720.00 Feb $825.00 $4,480.00 4 3 $2,568.44 $1,617.00 $3,393.44 $6,097.00 March $10,755.00 $4,600.00 6 5.4 $3,760.00 $3,750.00 $14,515.00 $8,350.00 April $0.00 $5,910.00 6 6.8 $4,502.50 1 $3,876.00 1$4,502.50 1 9,786.00 May June Totals 1 $39,716.25 $.55,17D.00 64 60.2 $38,718.44 1 $32,463.76 1$78,434.691 $87,633.76 Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet I City of Iowa City