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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-13-2023 Parks & Recreation CommissionIowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Wednesday, September 13, 2023 5:00 P.M. Robert A. Lee Recreation Center — Meeting Room B CITY of IOWA CITY 220 S Gilbert Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 Public Comment for each item will be limited to 3 minutes for each person and a total for no more than 30 minutes per item. Written comments submitted to parksandrecreation@iowa-city.orq, prior to 5 p.m. on Monday, September 11, 2023, will be distributed to the Commission in advance of the meeting. Written Comments submitted at meeting will be included in following month's packet. AGENDA ITEM 1 CALL TO ORDER ITEM 2 APPROVAL OF AUGUST 09, 2023, MINUTES ITEM 3 PUBLIC COMMENT ON ANY ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA ITEM 4 2024-2028 PARKS & REC CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT REQUESTS - Parks and Recreation Director Juli Seydell Johnson ITEM 5 REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF a) Parks and Recreation Director —Juli Seydell Johnson b) Recreation Director — Brad Barker c) Parks & Forestry Superintendent —Tyler Baird ITEM 6 CHAIRS REPORT ITEM 7 COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ITEM 8 ADJOURN If you will need disability -related accommodations to participate in this program/event please contact Gabe Gotera, Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department of 319-356-5210 orggotero@iowo-city.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs. 1111'A t41 I WA 7I:l-WIFA XN17 DYN I COM411]uJu IMI c8W I MINUTES OF AUGUST 09, 2023 ROBERT A. LEE RECREATION CENTER — MEETING ROOM B Members Present: Rachel McPherson, Alex Stanton, Aaron Broege, Connie Moore, Missie Forbes, Alex Hachtman, Melissa Serenda, Brian Morelli Members Absent: None Staff Present: Juli Seydell Johnson, Tyler Baird, Gabe Gotera Others Present: Mitzi Read, Anne Stapleton, Jack Stapleton, Sue Protheroe, Carin Crain CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Hachtman called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council action): None OTHER FORMAL ACTION: Moved by Serenda, seconded be Nlorelli, to uppro%a the Juh 12, 2023, minutes. Motion passed 8-0. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA: Anne Stapleton welcomes Commissioner Stanton and thanks the Commission for the extended hours at the RAL Pool. Stapleton says that she wants to add additional context regarding 2 points made in her correspondence letter to the Commission about afternoon pool use and how the admission numbers provided by staff do not equate to the actual number of people in the pool at a time. Stapleton says that the barebones RAL schedule was instituted in January 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic after the pool had been closed for months and that the head of the World Health Organization did not declare an end to COVID-19 emergency until May 5, 2023. Stapleton says that when she learned that RAL Pool hours but not MPAC Pool hours had been drastically reduced, which Recreation Superintendent Brad Barker had told her was due to the low number of RAL pool users, she began to count bodies in the water. Stapleton refers to the appendix of her correspondence letter explaining that it numerically describes 23 different days in July when the pool total chart was 0 to 4 people, but the pool is actually closed or [Stapleton] counted 21 people in the same time period. Stapleton says that inaccurate pool use counts would not constitute an issue except when they're frequently cited as evidence of low pool use at RAL. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION July 12, 2023 Page 2 of 13 Stapleton explains that her second point has to do with afternoon hours at RAL pool. Stapleton states that the unprecedented and limited access to RAL pool for the past 19 months is erasing an important history of pool use, and that while she is delighted for the addition of the 9am-1 lam pool hours she will add a background about the use of RAL pool in prior years to explain why she would love to see afternoon and evening hours returned to the community. Stapleton says that the pool was typically active 5 days week in the afternoons and evenings as well as weekends, shared by children and adults engaged in very different water activities from swim lessons to deep water aquatics to lap swimming. Stapleton continues that cutting out these after- work/school hours prevents RAL pool the natural flux & flow that other Iowa City playing fields, gymnasiums, parks, and recreation facilities experience. Carin Crain welcomes Commissioner Stanton and thanks the Commission for the increase in RAL Pool hours. PARKS AS STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE — Parks Supt. Tyler Baird Supt. Baird presents the attached Parks as Stormwater Infrastructure PowerPoint. Baird explains how Stormwater Infrastructure is one of the major reasons that a park has open land without a visibly noticeable use. There are 3 types of Stormwater Parks: River & Creek Floodways, Retention/Detention Areas, and Wetlands. Rivers & Creek Floodways are floodable areas along streams and in some instances include flood buyout lots. Examples would include the Normandy Drive neighborhood, McPherson Park and the area surrounding Lower City Park that was heavily impacted in the 2008 flood. Baird recalls that during the 2008 flood, the water had almost reached the top of the tennis courts fence at City Park. Commissioner Morelli asks if there are active flood -buyouts slots in the Normandy area. Dir. Seydell Johnson responds that as long as owners are willing to sell, the city is available to talk. Seydell Johnson adds that there is no longer any Federal money to conduct flood buyouts in the Normandy area, but there are property purchases in the area as recent as a few months ago but on a case -by -case basis. Retention areas hold water for extended periods of time (i.e., ponds) while detention areas hold water for shorter periods following storm events. An example of a retention area is the back portion of Hunter's Run Park. An example of a detention area would include parts of Scott Park & Rita's Ranch Dog Park, which are partially underwater after a storm. Baird adds that these can create a lot of maintenance challenges to keep the parks looking nice over the years. Seydell Johnson explains that when the parks are federal flood buyout property, then the department is very limited on any structures that can be put in those spaces. Flat surfaces like parking, trails, and some open-air shelters are allowed but any kind of restroom facility or similar shaped structure could not be installed. Baird shows a picture example of both retention and detention areas near Highway 218 & Rohret Rd. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION July 12, 2023 Page 3 of 13 Commissioner Serenda asks if Retention and Detention areas are managed by parks or neighborhood Homeowner Associations. Baird responds that both groups have a hand in maintenance, that further in time they were more accepted as parks spaces, but now if the only use of a space is strictly stormwater management, the HOA will take care of it. Seydell Johnson adds that it is roughly a 50/50 split between the Parks Department and the homeowner associations. Serenda asks if there are rules or guidelines for this process. Seydell Johnson replies that there are but that is one of the tougher things for both the City and the Department to work with, as staff can guide the HOAs in the process, but that in some cases it is up to the subdivision to spend the money for maintaining and hiring specialists. Wetlands are areas that tend to have shallow water, often substantially covered with vegetation growing in the shallow pools, and typically not directly connected to streams. An example would be Whispering Meadows Wetland Park. Baird describes how when going back in aerial imagery over the years, one can see that the area has always been a wetland, even when it was farmland. Baird adds that none of the homes in the area of the park are unable to have basements and have to be at street level or higher, telling that the background water level is a bit higher than other areas in the city. Commissioner Serenda asks if there is a functionality to the circle design in Whispering Meadows Wetland Park. Baird responds that he is unsure if that design feature is for function or aesthetic but explains that those wetlands are deeper than it appears which allows the plant and animal life present to have more diversity. Baird states that at least half of the city parks have stormwater infrastructure present in the following number of parks, Rivers & Creeks: 27 Parks, Retention & Detention: 15 Parks, Wetlands: 6 Parks. Baird touches back on the maintenance challenges that stem from the stormwater infrastructure of which include, Dam Management, Mowing/Tree Removal, Access, Limited Uses, & Vegetation Establishment. Baird explains how the infrastructure in most instances function best without trees meaning that staff will sometimes have to remove the trees on recently obtained land. This can lead to a difficult public perception of "Why are Parks staff removing the trees", when the decision for which trees must be removed for functionality usually comes from Public Works/Water Management engineers outside of the department. Seydell Johnsons adds that this is a very common comment heard every year despite it being a required maintenance to allow the stormwater infrastructure to work as planned. Chairman Hachtman asks if there are plans to establish new retention/detention areas as new parks are established. Baird responds that staff try to improve anything that is already present, describing how some natural floodways near the City Park baseball diamonds were recently converted into a prairie. Baird follows up that as parks are expanded west of Highway 218, there are some possibilities for Wetlands or retention areas for the creek system. Seydell Johnson says that the area would likely end up as a large park area that will act as a water retention area like Tent' Trueblood. Seydell Johnson adds that typically, staff no longer take park land if it is only a retention area. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION July 12, 2023 Page 4 of 13 Commissioner Morelli asks if this presentation is strictly information of if there are any policy changes that need to receive input. Baird responds that this is information provided at the request of members of the Commission. Morelli comments that he was recently in City Park and remembered how the city tried to protect the area along the river in what seemed like a losing battle. Morelli thinks that it is great to see a return to a state of natural wildflowers. REVIEW FUTURE LOWER CITY PARK SHELTER RENOVATION PLAN — Parks Supt. Tyler Baird Dir. Seydell Johnson announces that the Capital Improvement budget process will begin soon, with one of the first projects being the Lower City Park Shelter/Restroom Renovation Draft plan. Seydell Johnson says that there will be outreach to the neighborhood and that this presentation is to get feedback from the Commission on if the direction is good before the budget requests are entered in the coming weeks. Supt. Baird continues the attached PowerPoint, displaying what shelters are being kept, which are being added, and which are being removed. Baird explains that some of these shelters have been around for 70 years and are really starting to show the wear and tear, with the only shelters not being touched Shelters # 6, #10, & the Riverside Shelter/Restroom. Baird says that Shelter #5 shows a lot of decay that is not visibly evident from the road. Baird states that if the project moves forward as presented, there will be fewer overall shelters but a much higher overall shelter quality. Commissioner Morelli asks what kind of shelter usage is seen in Lower City Park. Baird responds that in the heat of the summer & graduation season, all the shelters could be full on a weekend due to grad parties. Baird clarifies that when he says full, it might not be reserved for the entire allotment offered, as some patrons will reserve for an entire day while others reserve for a partial day. Baird states that Shelter #6 is the most popular due to it being the largest shelter and a relatively recent install, while use of Shelters #11, #12, & #13 have lowered since there is not a playground near those. Commissioner Forbes asks if the enclosed shelter would be replaced with another enclosed shelter. Seydell Johnson says that if City Park Pool is chosen to be replaced, then a bath house with an indoor shelter attached could be available in Upper City Park, replacing the functionality. Forbes says that there are a lot of gatherings, birthdays, and grad parties in that area and asks if it is expected to be harder to book a shelter in Upper City Park as opposed to lower City Park. Seydell Johnson replies that it is not expected to and that the indoor shelter could be reserved year-round as opposed to seasonal like the current enclosed shelter. Vice -Chairman Moore asks how often the enclosed shelter is reserved. Baird responds that there has not been as many rentals in recent years but there has been a spike in vandalism to the shelters in that area. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION July 12, 2023 Page 5 of 13 Baird shows the standard design used for Large & Small shelters, explaining that these would be much more uniform that what is planned to be replaced. Chairman Hachtman asks what the capacity is for both shelters. Baird responds that the shelters will have a bit of variety in the exact size/dimensions of the shelters installed, but that they would typically have 6 picnic tables, totaling to an approx. capacity of 36. The larger shelters could be in the range of 50 people without being crowded. Commissioner Broege asks if Shelter #9 is being removed and not replaced due to the Stormwater infrastructure. Baird confirms that and adds that it is also due to the shelter not meeting ADA guidelines, being difficult for patrons to reach the shelter. Commissioner Morelli asks if any shelters have been removed yet and what the net change of shelters would be. Baird responds that no shelters have been removed and says that he will go over the net change later in the presentation. Commissioner Serenda asks what the time frame is for the project. Baird and Seydell Johnson reply that the project is expected to take place 2026 but that it is not set in stone. Baird describes the changes to the shelters as, • The "Red Brick" restroom would be renovated to include 4 single stalls. • The "Gray Brick" restroom & nearby shed would be removed due to its proximity to its troublesome roof and proximity to the river. • Keep Shelters #6, #10, & Riverside Shelter/Restroom • Consolidate Shelters #12 & #13 into a large shelter. • Consolidate Shelters #7 & #8 into a small shelter. • Remove Shelter #9. • Replace Shelter #5 with a small shelter. • Replace Shelter #11 with a small shelter. Baird states that there would be a net total of -3 shelters, but that what remains would have a newer high quality, refreshing the shelter. Baird explains that these shelters at some point will have to come down, and that it is not a question of what can be saved, as there is rot and decay down to the foundation. Baird asks for questions, clarifying that nothing presented is set in stone and that staff are more so trying to get a handle on the budget requests for the project. Commissioner Morelli says that he is worried about the reduced number of shelters and how that will limit access. Seydell Johnson says that staff could look into the rental numbers and their use on record. Commissioner Serenda echoes concern on the number of shelters and how the demand for shelters will be negatively impacted. Commissioner McPherson says that the amenities at the shelter in James Alan McPherson Park are great and make it commonly reserved. McPherson asks if amenities such as electricity will be available at all the new shelters. Baird responds that ideally all the shelters in Lower City Park will have electricity added. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION July 12, 2023 Page 6 of 13 Commissioner Broege says he has noticed that a lot of the shelters have grills attached and asks if any grills removed during construction would be returned? Tyler confirms this, saying that the grills are a lot cheaper to install than the larger shelter infrastructure. Commissioner Morelli asks if there has been any consideration for fire pits around the shelters. Seydell Johnson says that this is always an opportunity offered to the neighborhood for a shelter renovation, citing Cardigan Park and Calder Park. Seydell Johnson adds that where installed, the fire pits have been very successful; but that most neighbors are still skittish/weary of the idea. Seydell Johnsons asks if it is an accurate summary that the Commission would rather see more than less shelters but are okay with consolidating some shelters if it determined that it is necessary. Vice -Chairman Moore says that she is fine with consolidating the shelters, as these things need to be updated and can all use more accessibility. Moore cites the beautiful shelter at McPherson Park as what could be possible. Chairman Hachtman says that he approves of the plan but would want to ensure that there is a variety in size/price of the shelters offered and a proximity to the restrooms. Baird replies that the Red Brick Bathroom should be within walking distance of any of the new shelters and can be used year-round. Commissioner Broege wants to make sure the shelters are used/rented after the renovations. Broege is welcoming for any increased accessibility that allows more patrons to use the shelters. Seydell Johnson takes the opportunity to answer a frequently asked question, "What has happened to all of the picnic tables in City Park". Seydell Johnson says that post-COVID, there was an increase of seasonal downtown use of those picnic tables which were on -loan to the downtown district, which has caused a lesser supply for the larger park system. Seydell Johnson explains that because the picnic tables have been loaned every year, staff have put in a proposal for the next budget that the picnic tables need to be replaced for either the Parks or the downtown district. Commissioner McPherson asks who painted the picnic tables. Seydell Johnson replies that they were commissioned by the downtown district. SCHEDULE OCTOBER COMMISSION MEETING — Dir. Juli Seydell Johnson Director Seydell Johnson explains that staff will be attending the National Recreation and Park Association Conference and will not be available for the October 11, 2023, Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. Seydell Johnson asks the Commission if their preference is to reschedule the meeting for the week before (Oct. 4) or the week after (Oct. 18). Commissioners either learned towards Oct. 4 or were indifferent towards either week, leading Seydell Johnson into deciding that the meeting would be rescheduled for Oct. 4. Seydell Johnson makes the clarification that if there is a lack of agenda items, the meeting would instead be canceled. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION July 12, 2023 Page 7 of 13 REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF Director of Parks & Recreation — Juli Seydell Johnson City Park Pool: Dir. Seydell Johnson says that the consultants for the City Park Pool review have been in and out of town over the last 2 months. The consultants are waiting on the test results of the cement core samples and have been asking the department lots of questions about when equipment was replaced. Seydell Johnson states that once the report & recommendation are complete, they will go directly to City Council on Tuesday, September 5. Seydell Johnson explains that the consultant team report would include the following, • What has been found in the current conditions of the pool. • Options for moving forward (Repair vs Replace) with cost estimates and expected lifespan-gain included. • The consultant's recommendation for moving forward based on 9 points/goals of review. (Accessibility, Welcoming, Shade Access, etc.) Seydell Johnsons says that if the pool chosen to be replaced, at this point a design is not known regarding layout or amenities. Seydell Johnson adds that City Council has agreed for any potential redesigns to stay within the fence line of the original pool. Seydell Johnson says that if City Council decides to repair the pool, then there will be no more public comment/input after that, the project will return to a staff level with the consultations to work out the needed construction documents. Seydell Johnson says that if the City Council decides to replace the pool, a full public comment process will begin, starting off with a big general meeting. Seydell Johnsons explain that this meeting will be large gathering where anyone is welcome to come but that specific details/dates have not yet been established. Seydell Johnsons says that recreation staff would like to try to couple the meeting with the big Halloween event at the end of October, or the indoor holiday market. This would capture a crowd of families and general users to capture input from two groups at once. After this, focus groups would begin. Seydell Johnson explains that the focus groups will be open to everyone to apply for via online form and asks the Commission to spread the word to those interested. Once signed up, their information will be added to a database and then sorted into groups based on attributes. As an example, if there is a group that deals with disabilities, the consultants would like everyone in that group to either have a disability or be a caregiver for someone with a disability. These attributes would be indicated through check boxes on the online form. The consultants will choose these groups randomly within the criteria of each focus groups trying to match the demographics of the overall City. Seydell Johnson clarifies that the focus groups participants would be assigned a particular number to remain anonymous and confidential during the study. Seydell Johnson says that there are a handful of groups that won't have random selection. Those groups being the Parks and Recreation Commission and a childcare group. Targeted invites will be sent out regarding the childcare group to ensure a mix of small childcare and also the larger before -&-after school programs. All the data from the public meetings and the focus groups would be taken by the consultant, who would determine three scenarios for what the pool could look like based on those criteria, two of which would be within the 10-million-dollar budget and the last would be up designed around a 15-million-dollar budget. Seydell Johnson says that if the decision is made to replace the pool, then there will be a statistically -valid -survey conducted based on the 3 design options, after which an open -survey will be released. The results from both surveys will come back to another public meeting, likely with the Parks and Recreation Commission and/or the City PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION July 12, 2023 Page 8 of 13 Council, at which point a final answer will be derived for how City Park Pool will design. Replace -dependent, the pool would close sometime around end of Summer 2024, remain closed through 2025, and reopen Summer of 2026. Repair -dependent, Seydell Johnson cannot give a timeframe as that would depend on the scope of the repairs being done. Commissioner Morelli asks, if repair is chosen, will the pool -house renovations and meeting room addition still be a part of that. Seydell Johnson replies that she does not have an exact answer for that, explaining that the choice is being posed as one or the other but that there is always gray in-between. The council will be proposed with a Yes/No prompt, but council members are welcome to pick anything in between in potential combination. Commissioner McPherson asks if senior citizens are being counted as one of the focus groups. Dir. Seydell Johnson responds that that is a demographic called "Older Adults" but that focus groups are not set in stone at the current time. Seydell Johnsons further explains that the consultant is waiting until the September 5 decision before starting on public outreach. McPherson asks about when City Council decided that the design would stay within the original fence line. Seydell explains that was derived from the input heard for the Recreation Program and Facility Master Plan, which made it clear that the atmosphere of the big tree line was integral. Commissioner Forbes asks if this process is a duplication of what Berry Dunn had conducted for the Facilities Masterplan or if it is strictly regarding City Park Pool. Dir. Seydell Johnson confirms that the Berry Dunn was regarding the delivery of recreation division programming and facilities, of which included two direct questions about City Park Pool. Seydell Johnson adds that the Berry Dunn statistically -valid -survey showed 71 % of residents wanted to see a new configuration of the pool which led down the current path. Seydell Johnson clarifies that the focus groups and new survey would pertain specifically to City Park Pool as opposed to general recreation programming & facilities. Commissioner McPherson asks what the big Halloween event is. Dir. Seydell Johnson says that the event is set for Friday, October 27 and is the big annual event generally held in the RAL Rec Center for families free -of -charge. This event usually sees several hundred attendees coming through the door, giving a great opportunity to get their input on the pool at the same time, in some shape or form. Seydell Johnson refers to the 2016 Parks Masterplan where the public input meeting was coupled to the holiday market that year. Commissioner McPherson asks about the afterschool childcare focus groups when the pool season is when school is not in session. Seydell Johnsons explains that there are many before and after school care programs that operate over the summer, which could be more accurately called a summer camp program. In short, any school age care group that comes in a bus and shows up at the pool wanting to swim together. Vice -Chairman Moore is glad to hear that there will be a focus groups for people with disabilities, as she has heard a parent say that they can't take their kid to the current City Park Pool because of the accessibility issues. Moore adds that she has heard multiple parents say that they must drive all the way to Coralville because the pool entrance is more accessible. Moore says that people with disabilities were marginalized and not considered when the pool was PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION July 12, 2023 Page 9 of 13 originally planned and is glad to see a pool that all people can use not based on their abilities but based on the desire to partake. Events: Seydell Johnson explains that summer events are still going on before listing the events for that week. • Tuesday, Aug 08: Teen Pool Party at City Park Pool • Wednesday, Aug 09: Dog Days of Summer event happening at Rita's Ranch Dog Park. • Wednesday, Aug 09: Back -to -School swim event at City Park Pool. • Thursday, Aug 10: Park in the Park at Chadek Green Park, showing off the gardens and the new playground. Seydell Johnson says that there have been over 50 free events through the system, praising the Recreation Division staff. FaUlWinter Programs: Seydell Johnson announces that a day prior, registration had begun for the Fall & Winter programming. Seydell Johnson details some new additions to the programs offered. • Hispanic Heritage Event • Indigenous People's Day • All Across the World, where visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the global fashion, foods, customs, and history. • Outdoor Rec Fest, on October 8 at City Park, will capitalize on teaching kids and their family outdoor recreation skills. Visitors will have the opportunity to go inside the historic cabins. Parks & Forestry Superintendent — Tyler Baird Forestry: Supt. Tyler Baird states that Forestry has had an uptick in after-hours call -ins, with 3 call -ins in the last 8 days. Baird adds that during the call -ins staff did not see much storm damage, but mostly random tree problems. Baird says that Forestry staff have gotten a smaller/narrower bucket truck, operating on a Dodge Ram 5500 chassis, allowing more maneuverability than the other larger equipment while maintaining a similar reach capacity. Baird explains that this allows the Forestry team to split into 2 separate crews as opposed to staying as a single unit, allowing for more efficient work. Baird says that the division is applying for grant in the fall through the DNR Community Forest grant program, which would go towards a tree planting at Hunter's Run Park. The tree planting would include 47 trees in the park and the nearby right-aways. Park Projects: Baird announces that the playground equipment for Happy Hollow will arrive this week. Staff would still have to wait for the contractor to complete work in the park before staff can install the play equipment. Baird says that the contractor has a deadline of this Fall. Baird announces that the Restroom/Shelter renovation at North Hickory Hill is expected to begin the following week, with the installation expected to be completed this Fall. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION July 12, 2023 Page 10 of 13 CHAIRS REPORT: I►,= COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Vice -Chairman Moore acknowledges the number of cool things/events happening in the department. Moore says that she has received concerns from community members that she will be relaying to the Commission. Moore describes a small vendor at the Farmers' Market wondering about the necessity of liability insurance which can amount to a quarter of the vendor's profit when they only attend the market 5-6 weeks of the season. Dir. Seydell Johnson explains that last year, the Farmers' Market began to require vendors to have liability insurance, but that the Iowa City Farmers' Market was one of the last markets in Iowa to require vendors to carry insurance. Seydell Johnson adds that the requirement was largely pushed by the City's Risk Management department and the City Attorney, which does not give much leeway in the matter. Moore says that the book statues in the Ped-Mall playground are dirty and act as a "sponge" for dirt and filth. Moore asks if the book statues can be cleaned or resurfaced. Seydell Johnson says that this can be looked at by staff and acknowledges that the department are in contact with the contractor regarding the playground surfacing. Moore asks how many outdoor basketball courts there are in the city and if there is a need for more in areas that teens congregate, giving a physical outlet. Seydell Johnson lists the outdoor courts at Wetherby Court, Court Hill Park, Oak Grove Park, College Green Park, North Market Square Park, Happy Hollow Park, and James Alan McPherson Park. Supt. Baird adds that City Park will soon have a new basketball and tennis court. Seydell Johnson announces that she will be meeting with Tony Branch of United Action for Youth (UAY), and a local group of kids to discuss the ideas and wants of the younger demographic. Seydell Johnson explains that the double court installed at Wetherby Park costed approximately $200,000. Moore refers to the July Commission Meeting in which there was discussion on the size differential between the pools and the numbers and wonders if staff are counting just the swimming of laps or looking at other methods as well. Moore says that at Mercer Park the ends of the pool on either side of the bulkhead are not generally used for laps making the actual number of lap lanes similar if not less than RAL Pool, making the attendance numbers overall comparable. Seydell Johnson says that it is not just a raw number of people inside of the pool but depends on the types of areas in the pool and how people are using them. Seydell Johnson says that in a time frame if there is a large increase of people it is specific to an area such as the diving well and leaving plenty of room left in the lap lanes. Seydell Johnsons adds that since it is being looked at from the perspectives of both the raw numbers and pool use for both facilities, it can be hard to land on a specific target number. Commissioner Forbes was going to comment on the Ped Mall playground flooring but was glad PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION July 12, 2023 Page 11 of 13 to hear Seydell Johnson address it. Forbes says that the Chadek Green play equipment looks awesome and asks if there are any future plans for a parking lot in the area. Seydell Johnson responds that there is not anything in the plan except for the accessible spots into the gardens. Seydell Johnson adds that this is in part because the neighborhood did not want a shelter due to parking concerns. Seydell Johnson finished by saying that the park like many others in the City are walk-in parks. Forbes refers to the summer recreation events and asks if there has been a lot of participation seen in the activities. Seydell Johnson says that until the night prior at Terry Trueblood Recreation Area, all the events that summer have seen good attendance. Seydell Johnson says that staff are monitoring the traditional programs to determine what can be improved, specifically that the Summer Playground drop -in program might see some changes to increase numbers. Seydell Johnson states that both the Party in the Park and the Farmers' Market are in the best state that they have been in a long time. Commissioner Forbes talks about a policy at City Park Pool regarding moving the deck chairs. Forbes refers to an email exchange with Program Supervisor, Kate Connell and says that she understands the explanation but that it doesn't feel like an inclusive or welcoming policy to have in her hometown park. Forbes describes the policy as she understands is that there are certain chairs that staff would want to stay in the shallower areas and the wading pool for caregivers. Forbes explains that there are different groups with different needs and that for chairs to be limited in how it can be moved/used, it can be frustrating. Especially when the policy is a handwritten sign, giving not much more of an impression than a whim. Forbes says that if someone has a physical disability and desires a particular chair, they should not have to disclose their information to a stranger, which can create an unwelcoming atmosphere. Seydell Johnsons responds that she does not have a full answer for this prompt but that she can investigate it and follow up. Commissioner Broege, referring to RABRAI, says that many bikers enjoyed the bike repair stations and asks if there are any plans for more in certain areas like Sycamore, Scott, or City Park. Baird responds that the repair stations are added in as the budget allows and that there is one in the REAP grant application for the Ashton House, as it is a very popular bike trail. Seydell Johnson explains that they cost roughly $5,000 and come out of the same budget category as grills, bike racks, and picnic tables. Baird adds that these stations are slightly more expensive that others on the market, but that cheaper/low-quality stations have little use -return before breaking down. Broege says that there is a lot of activity in Scott Park between Rita's Ranch, the playground, and the Ultimate Frisbee organization, but only port -a -potties that are often not in great shape. Broege asks if a permanent bathroom is possible or if this would be impacted by the stormwater management in the park. Baird responds that he unaware of how that installation would affect the stormwater management, but that he can say that there is nothing in the current capitol plan. Seydell Johnson says that this request has been heard before and can be looked at, but that it likely wouldn't be able to be budgeted for 5-6 years. Commissioner Morelli says he has notice that some water fountains in the parks have attached dog bowls but not on all water fountains. Morelli wonders if there is any rhyme or reason for determining what water fountains will have dog bowls. Seydell Johnson says that ideally, all water fountains in the parks would include a dog bowl and water bottle station, but that staff are restrained by supply & budget issues. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION July 12, 2023 Page 12 of 13 Commissioner McPherson asks about the status of the Happy Hollow Park construction project. Seydell Johnson says that the project bid went out last spring and a contractor has been found and contracted over the summer, to skin the fields and replace the playground, adding some new accessibility paths. Seydell Johnson and Baird say that it is still coming soon and should be completed this fall. McPherson asks if there is any news regarding the budget for trees in Oakland Cemetery, especially since so many trees have been lost. Baird confirms that there is work being done with the Heritage Tree Fund from years past, working with the original committee onsite, including foresters for the university and for the district. Baird says that trees could hopefully be seen in the coming spring. Commissioner Serenda reiterates her thoughts from last month, saying that the Pollinator Park Prowl has been incredibly fun and has taken her to new areas across the City. Commissioner Stanton says that he found a dead link on the Parks and Recreation department website, for the 2017 Gather Here Parks Master Plan. Administrative Coordinator Gotera says that is likely from the recent website overhaul and asks for Stanton to forward the location of the dead link. Commissioner Forbes mentions that the pool schedules are outdated in a particular location on the website. Chairman Hachtman expresses his gratitude towards the department staff, having taken part in some of the summer events & activities. Hachtman asks about the results of the July Sports Equipment Drive. Seydell Johnson says that staff would likely try the event again but did not get the response desired, receiving more random items like cross-country skis than sports balls. Seydell Johnson explains that staff will have to be more specific in promotion on what items they are looking for. Seydell Johnsons states that any items donated will be distributed on August 17 at the Wetherby Park Parry in the Park. Hachtman says that he has heard requests for more pickleball courts. Seydell Johnson explains that in 2 weeks, the bids will come in for the pickleball/tennis court project for Mercer and City Park, which could still happen this fall or early spring depending on how the bids come in. Seydell Johnson says that she knows that the Downtown District is looking to installing a temporary pickleball court in the Black Hawk minipark downtown, which while not permanent would still provide more space. Seydell Johnsons adds that the Recreation Facilities are open for open pickleball play most days of the week. Baird says that new courts will have an extra court painted at Mercer Park and an extra 3 courts painted at City Park. Seydell Johnson clarifies that the exact number will still depend on how the bids come but should hopefully be installed over the fall. ADJOURNMENT: Chairman Hachtman calls the meeting to adjourn at 6:34 p.m. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION July 12, 2023 Page 13 of 13 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION ATTENDANCE RECORD NAME N N N N M M M M M M M M O TERM N N N N a N N : N o0 N 0o N N N o N N N N a EXPIRES O rl ti � O O O O O O O O Aaron 12/31/24 * * * * * * * * X NM X X Broe e Missie 12/31/21 X X X NM X O/E LQ X X NM O/E X Forbes Alex 12/31/24 X X X NM X X LQ X X NM X X Hachtman Rachel 12/31/26 * * * * X X LQ X X NM X X McPherson Doloris 12/31/26 * * * * X X LQ X X NM Mixon Connie 12/31/25 X X X NM X X LQ X X NM O/E X Moore Brian 12/31/25 X X X NM X X LQ X X NM X X Morelli Melissa 12/31/23 X X X NM X X LQ X X NM X X Serenda Alex 12/31/23 * * * * * * * * * * * X Stanton KEY: X = Present O = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused NM = No meeting LQ = No meeting due to lack of quorum * = Not a member during this meeting a a a E 3 E E 3 s' E E s E 3 M u N E O N 3 vYi J � 3 J e IO - O� H N 7 y � O Y a � Y_ U 9 Q � d B a a R � 4 Y m z 3 3 3 3 3 N O O O C n a P O C O O O O E M 3 O N P O 1 3 �n O .. m m m o m m a a o m m o N o P N m N n N m O c o o o o P o O > a c on c n m o 3 v L O � N P L N Y 6 � a � m U O ,Y n o n L �Y O O O O U ^ v OC a N ~ J n Q a a a i ~ O1 ao n m N a a .. .. .. .. n .. m N .. o .. N .. N O 0 o e v v o v e m e Y f� 3 3 3 3 'sue E E E E E i f i E E E E z N N N N E E E � � H N N N N V V V O V 4 n N N O m d P � C E N M N O 3 o Y n $ n O o 4. C 'o 'o n e O O e O m O N m e e ~ Q x W 0 Ln L O a m m o o P d a d m m o a a � a d O P i � c � � m � U r i ry Y cr u1 q O a m O m m O d m m m n n m m N O� a Q iO O O O O P m e O O O m P O m d L E C O O V O erv'1 d O d P O o N E d . 'n' . m 'o. . a .. .. . eo 'd o �i < �'n �u r 'w' a o _ 3t - a - i' a � Iowa City Parks & Recreation Commission Packet September 2023 Upcoming Events • Farmers Market; May 6 — October 28 (Saturdays only); 7.30 am —Noon Chauncey Swan Parking Ramp • Open Skate (series) —Saturdays; 3-5 pm (Beginner level), 5:30-7.30 pm (all ages and abilities); RAL • Sensory Saturdays (series) — Saturdays; various afternoon times; Robert A. Lee Recreation Center • Hands -On -History Presents a History Focused Puppet Festival —Sunday, September 24, 1-4 pm; City Park Cabins • Get Outside! An Outdoor Rec Fest — October 8, 10 am —2 pm; Lower City Park • Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration — October 9,5-7.30PM; TTRALodge • Mental Health Celebration — October 14, 2-30-5:30 pm; Robert A. Lee Recreation Center • Halloween Events o Teen Tree House of Horrors Halloween Dance—October20, 5:30-7:30 pm; Scanlon Gym o Haunted Nature Walk— Odober20,,7.30-9pm,North HickoryHill o Floating Pumpkin Patch —October2l, 10-11 am, RobertA. Lee Recreation Center o Roller Skating Costume Party—October2l, 3-7.30 pm, RobertA. Lee Recreation Center o Campfire Creep Out—October2l, 8-10 pm; Ned Ashton House o Halloween Carnival—October27, 5:30-7:30 pm; RobertA. Lee Recreation Center o Halloween at the Market —October 18, 9 am —Noon; Chauncey Swan Parking Ramp o Tot Monster Mash —October31,9-30-11:30am;Mercer Park Aquatic Center Notable from Parks & Recreation Staff Parks: • Fall tree planting will begin this month in the neighborhood around Whispering Meadows and along a stretch of Friendship St. Neighbors were notified in the planning process and given the option to opt out of trees adjacent to their property. • Staff completed another Hwy 1/Hwy 6 mowing. This is a considerable undertaking completed 4 times a year and involves substantial litter cleanup prior to each mowing. • Construction on the Happy Hollow and Kiwanis Park improvement projects have begun. Staff will be installing the playground at Happy Hollow once the contractor finishes the concrete work. • The Willow Creek trail paving project is nearing completion. Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet I City of Iowa City • With the near completion of the American Legion Road project, Parks staff will be taking on substantial additional mowing of rights -or -way adjacent to properties in the County. Snow removal in these areas will be added this year as well. • A contracted project for woodland improvements in Hickory Hill Park has begun and is funded by last year's REAP grant award. • In collaboration with Cemetery staff and community members, tree planting is being planned for next year in Oakland Cemetery to replace trees lost in recent years from age and weather events. Recreation: • Staff are working on putting together a number of larger events this fall, including Halloween events and a new Get Outside! Rec Fest event. In collaboration with a number of outdoor recreation provider partners, The Get Outside! event will take place at lower City Park and will feature a variety of recreation opportunities where visitors can experience hands-on learning. There will also be live music and food trucks. Facilities: • Debra Rundlett has accepted the full-time evening custodial position at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center with Facilities. Debra will start on September 5`n • We reached out to the Climate Action and Outreach Office to calculate the demonstrable energy and cost savings after a full year of operation with Mercer Aquatic Center natatorium's new dehumidification system. They compared fiscal years 2023 to 2019 (pre -pandemic operations) utility use and cost, and we find that we get o huge savings. We save 49,158 kWh and 60,303 Therms annually, and moreover the cost savings between the two comparative years was $22,426. This is a straight up dollar to dollar comparison, if we also accounted for the increase in utility rates since 2019, the real dollar cost savings would be greater. Not only does this project save a million gallons annually by recirculating the condensate water, we are also bringing the building into air quality compliance with appropriate air exchanges and aligning the facility with the current building code —and in doing so, we are saving energy and money. Cemetery: • Staff completed the stump removal and repair of the ground in August. • Cemetery staff and Tyler from Parks met with a group from Heritage Trees and are working on a plan to plant approx. 30 trees in Oakland Cemetery in the Spring of 2024. This will be funded through Heritage Trees. Top Staff Issues Parks • Drought conditions are stressing many of the plants around town, even those that are well established. This is considered the worst drought in the last decade and one of the worst on record for Iowa. Recreation Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet I City of Iowa City • Extreme heat cancelled, postponed or relocated a number of outdoor recreation programs and events • Program Supervisor staff is replacing many hourly staff that have moved on after graduation and hiring new staff for fall programming. Facilities • The downtown ped mall Weatherdance Fountain is proving to be a challenge for the Aquatics Maintenance staff this summer, the temporary paving stone and anemometer are repaired, and staff have replaced the pump/motor, vfd and fan and are still finding that the fountain system is not running with full pressure. Staff are working with both the original designer/installer of the current recirculation system, the City Park Pool consultants and the City's Engineering division to trouble shoot the issues. The system is presently operational. • The week of extreme heat in mid -August was a challenge for maintenance staff as they navigated HVAC systems and keeping the buildings operational and staff and patrons comfortable. • Aquatics Maintenance staff are preparing for the end of season winterizing and closures of the splash pads and the City Park pool. Cemetery: • Mowing and trimming is slowing due to dry conditions. • Staff has been busy with watering sod, flowers and trees due to the dry conditions. • Staff will be planting 3 new trees this fall. All 3 trees were donated. Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet I City of Iowa City Oakland Cemetery FY 24 Revenue Report ** shaded areas represent previous Syr average Revenue from Lot Sales Lot Sale Syr Average # of Interments Interments 5yravg. Revenue from Interments 5-year Avg. on Interments Total Revenue Syr Avg. on total revenue July $6,750.00 $4,550.00 3 6.6 $2,642.50 $3,504.00 $9,392.50 $8,054.00 August $7,875.00 $7,039.00 7 7.0 $2,672.50 $4,321.50 $10,547.50 $11,360.50 Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb March April May June Totals $14,625.00 $11,589.00 10 13.6 $5,315.00 $7,825.50 $19,940.00 $19,414.50 Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet I City of Iowa City Report presented at September 5, 2023 Iowa city City council meeting. w w w w z O Q 0 z w O w w ui 0 O CL N z O Q 0 m O z O V) V z O �✓ I _ t a� y aN• Y ° +� w I w W z LU L LL < u Ir n i Z U. u cn Lu = (n 6 66 u l0Q — Q J U •y d F Q Fn o u O u O L.L O u N N O U '^COO U 025 U o a D 0 W JU JI u u 0 U a � � .o � � c a c 7 r') O >T i +-' �v� N CD � m YW CLL cn = o 7 0 0 •� � ssi � C Q Q 67�'n j u Fj \� \ - \ a CL - s = \ ( \ 0 j \ \ Q) u r » {) \ § 0 \ _ ƒ O I \ \ \ /{ \\ ® C �\ \ } # 9 ' \ eG - $/ ' \ § 2 -Fa \ ( � \ ( E } ° { / 7 ! @2 D ) \ _ \ § \ \ } p � & o ° -- ~ ) , 7 / } » f m ) ! , © \ \ \ \ ) / \ 2 ƒ 2 3 ƒ E/ E§ > oo (- t ` \ k \ \ \ / 0 ® 0 � { u = \ \ \ CL \ \ Q) , \ u \ \ \ \ "Q) ( _ = z2J} 2e j i• . \\ / /\ J ,O V G W O w 0- 0 @ = O a Q C C N O C U E @ ' _U @ E E N 3 O` � a N N N Y a E a) C a)O E 7 L N c 7 m `o ° Y 0 c O s Q @ 3 m � N y. 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L C — Y c L -0 > >, C C (O ' y- +�+ U y 3 m Y m o p Q- L N U E O_ c 3 `-' a u Q Q o 0 0 o a VT co O 0 c c O C N N (A N i N> U— L 'y N N N N N C .M... N U N }' C C U U Cl U � C N N `} (� (� N O i N C crro u O C C \ /�/ ~ N V)i N cp C O —>_ —>_ O O >, N C � > > N N U) y O_ O N N C O , 0C .c O-� V .. o O O O O _ 3 U o p J m _v • CL a 4 / \\ e .\ \ 2 ) E / � ` \ 2U .§ +O j » \\ (\ \ \ /{\\y/ ® ± / G % 2 % \/ 3 ! 5 E (D : \E / % o E § ; =\ u a /E ILe E\ % ) = ) S z r n H NOIS1:)3a 11:)Nno:) W 2 zi w � F- a w Q 15 tA w LO & \ / Lo m � ® t CN \ w \ \ \ \ / \ ? .} [ % / a % e © _ \ 2 / \ \ k k \ / / } t I } \ / � uCL ƒ £ ° � 2 7 \ m CL � k d d u psi LL O • T" The following documents were handed out during the meeting. 2024-2028 PARKS & RECREATION CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN September 13, 2023 Parks & Recreation Commission Juli Seydell Johnson, Director of Parks & Recreation WHAT IS THE CIP PLAN? Five-year planning tool for large scale construction and renovation projects. • Based upon long term Strategic Plans and Community Needs • Parks Master Plan • Natural Areas Plan • Bicycle Master Plan • Recreation Facilities and Program Master Plan • Development Opportunities • Adjusted annually • Changing conditions which reprioritize project priority • Changing funding sources. • Project funding re -allocated throughout departments to priority projects. CIP PROCESS City Department Heads submit projects based on planning efforts and conditions of current facilities. • Staff Budget Team compiles. Department Heads meet to refine priorities considering proposals from all Department. • Finance Director and City Manager further refine prioritization. Funding availability is known at this point which shifts projects. • Parks & Recreation Commission reviews proposal and timeline. • City Council review CIP Budget Proposal at work session in January. • City Council approves CIP Budget in early spring. CIP VS. OPERATING BUDGET Capital Improvement Budget $8.3 million to 12.9 million. $32.5 million over 5 years. Project design, bidding and construction costs. No staff costs. Generally, not Annual Maintenance Items (i.e. painting an office) • Operating Budget — $11.0 million each year • One year time frame — Submitted and approved by City Council each year. • Daily operations. • Repairs under $10,000 per occurrence • Staffing for operations. OP ANNUAL PROJECTS -- $610,000/YEAR • R41 30 Park Annual Improvements $90,000/year • R41 32 Park Annual ADA Accessibility Improvements $30,000/year • R4194 Climate Action Facility Improvements $250,000/year • RA206 Intra-City Bike Trails and Trail Bridges $40,000/year • RA330 Annual Recreation Center Improvements $50,000/year • RA380 Annual Contracted Tree Planting $100,000/year 2023 OP PROJECTS - $8,350,000 RA22A Hickory Hill Park Ecological Restoration RA359 Kiwanis Playground Renovations RA365 Hickory Hill Park North Shelter & Restroom Replacement RA371 Happy Hollow Playground and Ballfield Replacement RA37A Mercer Baseball Field Renovations RA391 Pickleball/Tennis Court Renovations RA375 Hunter's Run Playground Renovations 2023 OP PROJECTS - CONTINUED RA381 Event Facility Improvements— Riverside Festival Stage RA387 Willow Creek Trail Replacement R4399 Sturgis Ferry Boat Ramp Improvements RAA03 Carson Lake Park Planning 2024 OP PROJECTS R4346 Palisades Development Park (On Hold— Land not yet dedicated) RA351 Mercer/Scanlon Roof Replacement RA358 Lower City Park Shelter & Restroom Renovations RA395 Calder Park Connection and ADA Trails RA372 Terrel Mill Skate Park/Pump Track RA38A Brookland Park Playground Replacement RA385 College Green Park Playground Replacement 2025 OP PROJECTS RA229 City Park Pool Replacement RA363 Upper City Park Restroom and Shelter Renovations RA388 ADA Elevator Improvements — City Hall RA392 Carson Lake Land Acquisition 2026 CIP PROJECTS - • R4227 Highway 6 Trail Broadway to Fairmeadows • R4346 Stone Bridge Park Development • R4362 Napoleon Softball Fields 5-8 Renovations • R4389 North Market Square Park Playground Replacement • R4390 Reno Street Park Renovations • R4384 Benton Hill Playground Renovations • R4403 Carson Lake Park Retention Basin 2027 OP PROJECTS • RA398 Thornberry and Rita's Ranch Improvements • R4400 Mercer Park Shelter Replacement • RAA01 Park Maintenance Storage Barn — • R4404 Iowa River Trail — Gateway Segment - • Oak Grove Park Improvements - NEW PROJECT REQUESTS- EMERGING NEEDS Trail Re -builds Beach Sheet, Willow Creek -West High, Napoleon, Sycamore Greenway, Peninsula, Hunter's Run Park, Waterworks Prairie Park, South Hickory Hill Park. $5,000,000 Parking Lot Re -builds Scott Park (28,000 sf), Thornberry (30,000 sf), Mercer Athletic. $1,000,000 Shelter Replacements Mercer Park, South Hickory Hill Park, Crandic Park. $450,000 CIP UNFUNDED LIST - MORE THAN 1 YEAR Fairmeadows Park Trail Loop- $125,000 Southgate Avenue— Iowa River Trail Connection-$400,000 Napoleon to RFX Park Trail Replacement- $720,000 Whispering Meadows Park Trail/Boardwalk Improvements- $250,000 Riverfront Crossing Park, Phase 4- $1,353,000 Riverfront Crossing Park, 211 Restroom and Pedestrian Bridge - $1 Million Ashton House, 2"1 Parking Lot - $300,000 Lower City Park Master Plan - $23 Million East Side Sports Complex - $14 Million City Park Pool - Back to the Future - A Vision Introduction A growing group of dedicated City Park Pool (CPP) enthusiasts has organized to ensure the future aquatic capabilities and communities served by a repaired or renovated outdoor pool at City Park matches what is fully accomplished by the current pool design. We are calling ourselves CPP— Back to the Future, because over 70 years ago, the City of Iowa City and community came together, designed, and built a pool that continues to be relevant and inclusive of all Iowa City community members. We would like to accomplish the same for future generations of our community. CPP — Back to the Future Vision When planning for the future of CPP, we consider the following pool capabilities and communities served to be of proven historical and likely future importance: • 50-meter lap swimming opportunities at various depths for fitness, competition/club swimming, swim lessons, and lifeguard training (The current nine lanes are heavily and increasingly utilized today.) • availability of 25-yard lap swimming opportunities for fitness, swim lessons, water aerobics/walking/jogging (There are strong preferences for both 50-meter and 25-yard capabilities.) • shallow water exploration for emerging swimmers, families, splashers, and day campers • medium depth area for water walking, aerobics, families, splashers, and day campers • deep water area for users to become more confident swimmers, divers; water polo practice and competition • suitability to host athletic competitions The current CPP design checks all those boxes. It's not surprising that CPP has been so loved, admired, and utilized for over 70 years. Note that the group's primary focus is the pool itself. We understand and welcome that renovation to the CPP area will include improvements to the deck and supporting buildings. Join us: he11o@CPP-B2F.ora June 2023 Comments to Parks & Rec Commission Evaluation Summary of Parks & gee Indoor Swimming Pool Reports forJuly 2023 The following comments and images comprise the tenth month of community -led analysis regarding Iowa City aquatics. To clarify pool size and lap lane space, figures and measurements are provided for both the Robert A. Lee (RAL) and Mercer Park Aquatic Center (Mercer) pools, in addition to evaluations of the July 2023 Parks & gee (Department) pool count reports. Members of this community continue to believe that everyone who uses our public pool facilities deserves to be counted, and only when the Department's reports begin to provide comprehensive, accurate, and transparent information will they constitute an appropriate source for fact -based decision making regarding the future of Iowa City aquatics facilities and services. Pool Size and Lap Lane Space: As page 2 illustrates, RAL has room for six 25-yard lap lanes whereas Mercer has room for sixteen 27.3-yard (25-meter) lap lanes. The overlay of the two pools also confirms RAL is 37%the size of Mercer. These images further demonstrate why attendance at a pool the size of Mercer is not a reasonable benchmark for setting the expectations for attendance at a pool the size of RAL, regardless of swimmer distribution. RAL Pool Counts: After analyzing the RAL pool count report for July 2023, community volunteers documented 141 omissions that represent unreported pool use during the evaluated portions of the pool's open hours. Detailed findings are provided on pages 3 and 4. The segments of RAL's July pool use verified via security video revealed an overall omission rate of 22.5% (out of 333 verified pool users, 75 were not reported). In other words, for every 100 pool users confirmed by video at least 22 of them were not included in the RAL pool count report for July 2023. The review also established that the 51 pool pass scans intentionally omitted from RAL's July report included "punch passes" (prepaid digital punch cards that when scanned, result in an automatic fee deduction). The fact that these scans were confirmed by the Pass Usage Report yet did not appear in the RAL pool count report, suggests they either represent valid scans of pool users unjustifiably excluded, or pool access fees wrongly charged to customers who did not use the pool. if the Department would agree to include all RAL pool pass scans in the monthly pool count reports, as it does for Mercer, this discrepancy would be minimized. Mercer Pool Counts: The Mercer pool count report contains two calculations supposedly adjusted for RAL open hours: "Total using Robert A. Lee Pool Open Hours' and "Average using Robert A. Lee Pool Open Hours." Unfortunately, the formulas used to calculate these values in the July report included 14 hours of Mercer admissions recorded during hours RAL was closed. These errors alone overcalculate the Mercer 'total using RAL hours' by 124 admissions, which in turn, inflates the 'average using RAL hours' by 4 admissions per day. Mercer pool pass scans were also overreported by including scans that did not appear in the Pass Usage Report. These errors are detailed on page 5. it is notable that net errors in monthly pool count reports consistently result in underreported admissions for RAL and overreported admissions for Mercer. In summary, each month of community -led analysis adds to the hundreds of proven omissions and errors previously identified in the monthly pool count reports, that remain uncorrected and continue to occur at an unacceptably high rate. We again ask the Department to take steps to improve their data collection and to correct omissions and errors in past and ongoing monthly pool count reports. Only when decisions rely on accurate, comprehensive, and transparent data will this process align with our shared values of equity, inclusion, and fairness for all. Comparison of Pool Size and Lap Lane Space The figure below illustrates the size difference and comparison of lap lane space between RAL and Mercer. • RAL has room for SIXX 25- and lap lanes. • Mercer has room for SIXTEEN 27.3-yard (25-meter) lap lanes. • Overall, RAL is 37%the size of Mercer. RAL Pool Mercer Pool cl I Ii Individual pool information obtained from the City of Iowa City. Mercer also includes a spa (not shown) of approximately 120 square feet. 66' 2 COMMUNITY EVALUATION OF PARRS as REC REPORTED DATA -DULY 2023 A minimum of 141 omissions were identified in the Robert A. Lee monthly pool report. Identified omissions represent only a fraction of unreported pool use. Data verification occursfor a portion of days/hours and is limited by volunteer availability to conduct direct observations and ability to obtain/afford relevant data through public information requests (e.g., security video, pass scan reports, attendance/training rosters). Robert A Lee Recreation Center- Indoor 5wimmtng PoW Totals July 2023 a xal x l x La: na�m�g ominea(as) vIDFOvedped =28 firs. Sep ($a Swlm) (+E) VIDEO VerlMd=201rom lie -Sp +2 VIDEOVMged=9from I-Sp(+T) (RAL an due to CPP dmure) 39 WYiI be as I ad4ed=31 VIDFO Vea ham 9-so ($25w1m) pY) 17 aul CNxencome=llham 11-11:59a (+3) 31 1 a 34 to so em a P•eeawl .sav ears VIDEO Verified 949 from 1-Fp (+15) za VIDEO Ve4flad = 63 ft.5-Bp ($2 Swlm) (+NJ Must Count 20 ham 11-11:59a I+3)zz wsiven u's, Is- mw .a e a s v 2 az vx 9xswim VIDEO Vulffled =29"in 5-8p I$2 Swim)(+3) ❑dxen Count=Sat6:50g Ms NDEOVGrfled•29from11a-1 W vaino I VIDEO V.dealt =35 ham 110- +g Vim Verified =29 ban lla-Is +5 e i x«sr 31411 s s zs x se vo VIDEO Veri_f ed=l3 hO. Se ($25w1m +1 1.s-1 vza qss Usage Report Tobl=BII(+511 ♦m.e. ns vas ass xxe xoei a.a sx x ar g RRFARDOYVIS DmmEOOMISSIONS: Q Poo use emission vedva pby ubcrecocwmor Pod Pau Seam 'bUndlim ToblC •EveMYUurrt° minlmum dOl participants Padp.tlonob.inezinverged6,mdsoutlazt Underteportea by 51 scans tlntleneported by minlmumd49 partltlpanb Underreported Training o Pod pass scan Omission verged by inlormatlon (d Sailmdo not = t /Training sta toham use that que woupool and donut ,staon-durysbff or norvpool users. 3 POOl was dozed. Reported values are misleadln& StaHtrainln Is lndutletl ds essential pool use that woultl repuire poobpare elsawM1ere if PAL was nm availaEle. Pop sys, publicported reOoea. Identi0ed anwionsrepresentindividualsc as Example of Video -Confirmed Omissions in Reported Pool Attendance at RAL - July 2023 Analysis of the 3-hour $2 Swim event at PAL from 5-8pm on Sunday, 07/16/2023, showed: • An omission rate of 36.5% )23 omissions out of 63 verified pool users). • Average hourly omissions of 7.66 unreported pool users per hour (23 omissions in 3 open pool hours). 63 confirmed pool users. Parks & Rec reports 40. 23 of these verified pool users were sorted for the 3-hour event. I_ 3 Pit At vir M -_ - 45 59 L=�1 `- _ t 63 Images from RAL security video of unique individuals confirmed to have entered the pool; obscured to respect privacy. 4 Identified omissions do not include on -duty staff or non -pool users. COMMUNITY EVALUATION OF PARKS & REC REPORTED DATA —DULY Zo23 Mercer admissions calculated in the "Total using Robert A. Lee Pool Open Hours' and "Average using Robert A. Lee Pool Open Hours' were overreported by at least 124 because they included 14 hours of Mercer admissions recorded during hours the Robert A. Lee (RAL) pool was closed. Errors were identified through review of documents obtained via public information requests (e.g., Excel spreadsheets of monthly pool reports, pass scan reports, etc.). Pass Usage Repuft Total ]y011.19)-110 EF-i Calculations of totals and averages sing RAL pool open hours' include 14 hours of Mercer admissions when RAL was closed. to 11.101) KEY: DATA REVIEW NOTES: OHours when RALwasclosed, yet Mercer admissions recorded during these times were incorredv Included In calculations of total and average using PAL pool open hours. Identified instances of inflated admissions at Mercer are just as concerning as omissions at M Mercer admissions comedy Included in calculations described above? RAL and are further evidence of a pervasive and continuing pattern of signifiesrd errors in f overreached pool pass scans verified by information obtained via public records requew pool count reporting.