HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-10-2024 Parks and Recreation Commission Agenda PacketIf you will need disability-related accommodations to participate in this program/event, please contact
Gabe Gotera, Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department at 319-356-5210 or ggotera@iowa-city.org.
Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
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.org, prior to 5 p.m. on
Monday, July 08, 2024, will be distributed to the Commission in advance of the meeting.
AGENDA
ITEM 1 CALL TO ORDER
ITEM 2 APPROVAL OF APRIL 10, 2024, MINUTES
ITEM 3 PUBLIC COMMENT ON ANY ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
The Commission cannot engage in discussion or debate. However, once the
commenter has left the stand, the Commission may ask staff to respond to
a concern or question posed by the public, or to follow up with the speaker.
ITEM 4 PARK PROJECT REVIEW – Bolton & Menk; Ryan Anderson
a) College Green Park
b) Brookland Park
c) New Park near Shannon Drive
d) Trail Connection – Calder Park
ITEM 5 PARK NAMING: NEW PARK NEAR SHANNON DRIVE – Dir. Seydell Johnson
ITEM 5 REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF
a) Parks and Recreation Director – Juli Seydell Johnson
b) Parks & Forestry Superintendent – Tyler Baird
ITEM 6 CHAIRS REPORT
ITEM 7 COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
ITEM 8 ADJOURN
Iowa City
Parks and Recreation Commission
Wednesday, July 10, 2024
5:00 p.m.
Robert A. Lee Recreation Center – Meeting Room B
220 S Gilbert Street, Iowa City, IA 52240
IOWA CITY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY
MINUTES OF APRIL 10, 2024
MEETING ROOM B – ROBERT A. LEE RECREATION CENTER
Members Present: Alex Hachtman, Virginia Hayes, Rachel McPherson, Connie Moore, Brian
Morelli, Aaron Broege.
Members Absent: Alex Stanton, Caleb Recker, Missie Forbes.
Staff Present: Juli Seydell Johnson, Gabe Gotera, Tyler Baird.
Others Present: Jerry Protheroe, Sue Protheroe, Hal Ide, Mitzi Read, John Downer, Mary
Helen Stefaniak.
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 Broege, seconded by Moore, to approve the February 14, 2024, minutes. Motion
passed 5-0 (Stanton, Recker, Forbes, and McPherson absent).
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
Sue Protheroe introduces herself as the chairperson for City Park Pool: Back to the Future, and
tells the Commission that next month, when they meet with City Council, will be their last
opportunity to ask questions and voice concerns about the project. Protheroe asks the
commission to view the designs through the lens of safety, specifically for lap swimmers.
Protheroe describes the image of City Park Pool as disorderly, intimidating, and sometimes
unsafe. Protheroe explains that the current 9 lap lanes are being used by a variety of water
walkers, aqua joggers, and swimmers all trying to get individual exercise in a shared space with
no lane ropes. Protheroe says that the swimmers themselves are expected to instruct new
participants on how and why to circle swim. Protheroe says that if the lap lanes are reduced from
9 lanes to 6, there will be a time when only the strongest and fittest are able to use the lanes at
all. Protheroe says that is the opposite of the welcoming environment that City Park Pool: Back
to the Future wants the project to embrace. Protheroe says that the project's architects have said
that the cost of adding two additional lanes to any of the designs is a million dollars, which is
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
April 10, 2024
Page 2 of 6
money that needs to be spent. Protheroe says that 2-3 lap lanes being open all day is not enough
to offset the loss during high demand times, and that if the pool is being built for the next 50-70
years, then this cannot be ignored. Protheroe says that no matter the design chosen, lane dividers
must be purchased and used to keep people in the lane and avoid accidents. Protheroe explains
that the current lane dividers are only used by the Iowa City Eels, who add and remove them for
their morning practices. Protheroe says there is a need for lifeguards to be trained to
communicate with adults and actively be involved in educating people about circle swimming
and recommends placing one lifeguard on deck to help and instruct in the lap swim area.
Hal Ide says that whatever plan is selected needs to include 8-9 lap lanes. Ide says that the lanes
are very busy and usually have a line to use them. Ide fears that if there are only six lanes, then
only the most dedicated lap swimmers will be able to use them, where those learning how to
swim, or the elderly won’t feel welcome. Ide has long thought that circle swimming should be
mandatory but understands that it may not be the best for everyone, explaining that the early
swimmers or the elderly can’t exercise effectively, wondering if there is a speed demon coming
up behind them. Ide says that to be inclusive, there must be enough space for swimmers of all
capabilities. Ide recalls his first encounter at City Park Pool and says that he had to be brave. Ide
iterates the need for both 25-yard and 50-meter lap lanes if the City wants to be inclusive and
merge with the rest of the swimming world. Ide says not to build a pool that doesn't work for so
many people.
Dir. Juli Seydell Johnson comments that 25 yard/meter lap lanes will be included in the drawings
shown at the May 7 Joint Council-Commission work session. Seydell Johnson explains that
project consultants have been working on multiple versions of the 4 different design options to
see how the short course lanes could be added, with some options having the lanes attached to
the diving well, while others will see the lanes attached to the main pool. Seydell Johnson
clarifies that the price tag would be $1,000,000 per lane rather than $1,000,000 per 2 lanes.
STATUS UPDATE FOR PARK PROJECTS – Hitchcock Design; Eric Hornig
TERRELL MILL ROLLER PARK
Eric Hornig with Hitchcock Designs presents the attached PowerPoint presentation.
Commissioner Biran Morelli asks if a park design of this level could have skating
communities/events to draw in people to the area. Hornig says that this would be the goal to be
able to have such events if this park is constructed to the designed target level.
Chairman Hachtman asks about the accessibility of the park. Hornig responds that all of the
walkways and connectivity would be accessible with less than 2% slope. Hornig says that the
topography of the site matches the proposed site, allowing ease of access to the features of their
abilities.
Vice-Chairman Moore asks if the pump track would be wide enough for a person with a
wheelchair to use. Hornig confirms that a wheelchair can be used on the pump track
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
April 10, 2024
Page 3 of 6
Hachtman refers to the flow of the lines on the design and asks how well the different areas
transition to each other. Hachtman asks if there is any feedback received addressing this yet or if
it is too early in the process. Hornig says that it is still too early to have feedback on this specific
design but explains that the elevation change between areas has been considered and that there is
intention in the shapes of the features to have proper momentum carried between events on the
tracks.
Commissioner McPherson arrives at 5:21 p.m.
Commissioner Broege asks what the dotted lines on the lawn area refers to. Hornig explains that
this would indicate elevation changes on the hill, specifically a 12 inches per line.
Commissioner Hayes asks if there will be picnic tables or places for people to gather. Hornig
explains that the areas designed to have shade structures would have benches for the public to
use. Hays says that she would like to see more trees. Hornig responds that trees are tricky to have
in a roller park as they can drop debris onto the track causing risk for skateboarders. Hornig says
that trees have been added to the design but strategically spaced from the track.
Hachtman asks if there are measures to ensure the integrity and safety of the park if the
floodplains flood. Hornig explains that there was a specific choice in the materials, using
concrete for its structural integrity. Hornig says that the placement of the roller park is on the
highest point in the park, giving the highest option for long-term success.
MERCER PARK & CITY PARK TENNIS/PICKLEBALL COURTS
Eric Hornig with Hitchcock Designs presents the attached PowerPoint presentation.
MERCER PARK ATHLETIC FIELDS
Eric Hornig with Hitchcock Designs presents the attached PowerPoint presentation.
Dir. Seydell Johnson explains that Fields 1 & 4 will both be funded specifically by the Iowa City
School District while the rest of the project will be funded by the larger City.
Commissioner Broege asks if Fields 1 & 4 will be for public use after it opens or if it will be
solely for the school district. Seydell Johnson says that the entire complex will be funded by and
for the use of the public, but that Fields 1 & 4 will primarily be used by the two Varsity
programs, which has already been the case for the last 3-4 years.
REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF:
Parks and Recreation Director – Juli Seydell Johnson
Note on 2024 Park Projects: Dir. Seydell Johnson gives updates on park projects for the
playgrounds at Brookland Park & College Green Park, Calder Park Trail Access, and a new park
on Shannon Drive. Seydell Johnson says that staff were behind on getting the contracts to
consultants to begin the project, meaning that the construction for these projects likely won’t
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
April 10, 2024
Page 4 of 6
begin this summer as anticipated but the following spring. Seydell Johnson announces that the
public input meeting for these projects will be held on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. Seydell
Johnson says that the new park will include a small playground and a shelter.
May 7 Joint Meeting: Seydell Johnson reminds the commission of the joint work session with the
City Council being held on Tuesday, May 7. Seydell Johnson explains that there is no formal
recommendation being made at that time, but that this is the time for discussion. The commission
will sit with the City Council and see a presentation from the project consultants, which will
include the information gathered from the Phase 2 public input, and the recommended City Park
Pool design based on said input. After the presentation there will be time for discussion between
the Council and the Commission. Seydell Johnson says that would be the time to talk about what
the Commissioners do or don’t like about the designs. Seydell clarifies City Council will not be
making a decision that same day but will instead 2 weeks later at the next City Council meeting.
Seydell Johnson tells the Commission to expect to be present for the full 2 hours from 4-6
p.m. Seydell Johnson expects that the consultants will address all things heard at the current
meeting. Seydell Johnson adds that it is part of the design that lane line would be included in the
new pool. Seydell Johnson says that staff will do their best to teach patrons how to share lanes
and circle swim, but says that it will have to be a cooperative effort from everyone that gets in
the pool.
Parks and Forestry Superintendent – Tyler Baird
Parks: Supt. Baird announces that Restrooms and water are turned on in all of the parks. Baird
says that the lockers on all the restrooms have all been replaced free-of-charge due to the
consistent issues spoken on in a prior meeting. Baird says that there are still some problems with
the restroom’s locks at Riverfront Crossings but that it is being looked at by staff.
Baird says that staff have been quite busy with mowing, noting that the athletic fields staff have
mowed 3 times already this year. Baird adds that the addition of seasonal staff helps, but that the
pace keeps the same as the season ramps up. Baird says that perennials and trees have been
ordered to be planted later soon, with preparations being made for the fall tree plantings as well.
Baird explains that one difference this year is that all of the tree plantings will be from inhouse
staff and not contracted out.
Icehouse Single Track Trail: Baird announces that the June Commission meeting will be the
grand opening of the Icehouse Single Track Trail at Terrell Mill Park. Baird explains that the
name is derived from the old icehouse foundations that are featured on the track. Baird says that
staff have been installing the track skill features this week, noting that the features will be fun for
the public to use.
Arbor Day: Baird invites the Commission to attend an Arbor Day planting of 77 trees in Oakland
Cemetery. Baird details the event to be held on Saturday, April 27 from 9 a.m. to noon. The
event will include a brief intro/demonstration, an Arbor Day proclamation, and celebration of the
44 years of Tree City, USA, and a recent Growth Award.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
April 10, 2024
Page 5 of 6
Commissioner McPherson asks what the Tree City, USA is. Baird explains that it is a world-
wide recognized certification, and that of the 46 years it has been around, Iowa City has been
certified for 44 consecutive years. The certification is determined by factors such as funds per
population associated with planting and a trained forestry staff. McPherson asks what kind of
trees are being planted at Oakland Cemetery. Baird says that staff worked with the University
forester and the County forester, Cemetery staff, and certain members of the North Side
Neighborhood to find a selection of species that will fit the local aesthetic and honor the Hickory
Oak Savannah of the Cemetery, while adding some needed diversity.
Commissioner Morelli says that there are still some downed trees in the parks from past storms,
asking if this will be addressed. Baird says that staff have been working and have cleared away
most of the downed trees, but that due to the huge, impacted area, there are some stragglers still
being found. Baird tells Morelli to email him any specific locations he knows about.
CHAIRS REPORT:
None
COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
Commissioner Morelli asks if there are plans to have more established restrooms or water
fountains near the entrance of Waterworks Park. Morelli acknowledges that there are portable
toilets but explains that they receive heavy use. Dir. Johnson says that there are not any plans in
sight for the next years and adds that there are some restrictions due to proximity to the Water
Treatment Plant.
ADJOURNMENT:
Chairman Hachtman adjourns the meeting at 5:49 p.m.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
April 10, 2024
Page 6 of 6
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
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
NAME
TERM
EXPIRES
04
/
1
2
/
2
3
05
/
1
0
/
2
3
06
/
1
4
/
2
3
07
/
1
2
/
2
3
08
/
0
9
/
2
0
2
3
09
/
1
3
/
2
0
2
3
10
/
2
7
/
2
0
2
3
11
/
0
9
/
2
0
2
3
12
/
1
3
/
2
0
2
3
01
/
1
0
/
2
0
2
4
02
/
1
4
/
2
0
2
4
03
/
1
3
/
2
0
2
4
04
/
1
0
/
2
0
2
4
Aaron
Broege
12/31/24 * X NM X X X
X X X X O/E NM X
Missie
Forbes
12/31/25 X X NM O/E X X X O/E X X X NM O/E
Alex
Hachtman
12/31/24 X X NM X X X X X X X X NM X
Virginia
Hayes
12/31/27 * * * * * * * * * X X NM X
Rachel
McPherson
12/31/26 X X NM X X X X X X X X NM X
Connie
Moore
12/31/25 X X NM O/E X X X X X X O/E NM X
Brian
Morelli
12/31/25 X X NM X X X O/E O/E X X O/E NM X
Caleb
Recker
12/31/26 * * * * * * X X X O/E X NM O/E
Alex
Stanton
12/31/27 * * * * X X X O/E X X X NM O/E
Day Date 6-7a 7-8a 8-9a 9-10a 10-11a 11-12p 12-1p 1-2p 2-3p 3-4p 4-5p 5-6 p 6-7p 7-8p Daily Rec Totals Water Fitness Swim Lessons Event # Count Event Name
Saturday 1-Jun 4 3 1 3 6 1 5 1 0 24 3
Sunday 2-Jun 11 $2 Swim
Monday 3-Jun 8 3 12 8 13 10 5 59 12
Tuesday 4-Jun 7 7 9 4 12 11 3 53 11 Water Mindfulness
Wednesday 5-Jun 8 5 5 7 4 9 2 40 15
Thursday 6-Jun 7 9 7 3 4 5 2 37
Friday 7-Jun 6 8 3 7 10 6 3 43 9 5 $2 Swim/LG class
Saturday 8-Jun 8 3 6 6 9 6 0 0 0 38 3 4 LG class
Sunday 9-Jun 28 $2 Swim/LG class
Monday 10-Jun 11 9 1 11 11 7 2 52 12
Tuesday 11-Jun 6 4 6 2 7 14 2 41 13 Water Mindfulness
Wednesday 12-Jun 8 2 3 5 9 9 2 38 14
Thursday 13-Jun 9 16 12 3 4 7 2 53
Friday 14-Jun 8 7 4 11 6 15 3 54 9 1 $2 Swim
Saturday 15-Jun 5 3 3 2 4 5 0 0 0 22 2
Sunday 16-Jun 13 $2 Swim
Monday 17-Jun 8 7 4 4 8 14 3 48 11
Tuesday 18-Jun 8 6 8 2 11 8 4 47 21 Water Mindfulness
Wednesday 19-Jun 6 5 4 9 2 10 6 42 13
Thursday 20-Jun 8 5 4 2 11 9 4 43
Friday 21-Jun 8 5 2 9 7 13 4 48 0 $2 Swim
Saturday 22-Jun 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 5 4
Sunday 23-Jun 55 27 $2 Swim
Monday 24-Jun 6 3 3 7 5 11 7 42 12
Tuesday 25-Jun 5 4 8 7 6 7 5 42 20 Water Mindfulness
Wednesday 26-Jun 7 2 2 3 9 12 4 39 15
Thursday 27-Jun 6 1 3 9 5 9 4 37
Friday 28-Jun 12 5 2 8 10 10 4 51 8 6 $2 Swim
Saturday 29-Jun 5 3 1 3 1 6 0 0 0 19 4
Sunday 30-Jun 59 40 $2 Swim
Grand Total
1017 146 114 200 1477
975 33.9 4.9 3.8 6.7 49.2
text
Robert A Lee Recreation Center - Indoor Swimming Pool Totals - June 2024
Total Scans:Averages:
Totals:
Day Date 6-7a 7-8a 8-9a 9-10a 10-11a 11-12p 12-1p 1-2p 2-3p 3-4p 4-5p 5-6 p 6-7p 7-8p Daily Rec Totals Water Fitness Swim Team Event # Count Event Name
Saturday 1-Jun 1 3 6 10 11 13 6 14 27 7 13 9 8 3 131 92
Sunday 2-Jun 6 11 6 4 17 19 2 6 0 71
Monday 3-Jun 6 16 11 7 12 9 16 9 12 5 13 13 46 3 178 17 92
Tuesday 4-Jun 5 12 9 4 4 5 15 10 16 8 14 2 104 92 13 $2 Swim
Wednesday 5-Jun 5 10 13 12 9 6 10 10 13 12 31 11 3 8 153 92
Thursday 6-Jun 7 7 10 8 16 4 11 7 16 6 10 6 108 92 26 $2 Swim
Friday 7-Jun 7 9 14 8 12 17 13 7 19 12 16 8 2 0 144 11 92
Saturday 8-Jun Swim Meet
Sunday 9-Jun Swim Meet
Monday 10-Jun 6 8 18 12 11 12 12 11 9 19 13 13 4 6 154 15 117
Tuesday 11-Jun 2 10 9 7 3 15 7 13 8 6 20 6 106 92 5 $2 Swim
Wednesday 12-Jun 6 13 11 23 7 8 14 14 15 9 11 26 8 2 167 117
Thursday 13-Jun 10 7 6 9 11 23 9 13 16 11 6 3 124 117 18 $2 Swim
Friday 14-Jun 6 4 10 15 12 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 54 8 92
Saturday 15-Jun 0 3 2 0 0 4 4 8 15 16 5 6 3 3 69 92
Sunday 16-Jun 12 9 0 6 9 9 5 0 0 50
Monday 17-Jun 8 17 19 20 16 17 6 17 2 5 21 8 25 2 183 17 117
Tuesday 18-Jun 2 9 13 6 12 10 12 11 8 13 10 4 110 92 23 $2 Swim
Wednesday 19-Jun 9 7 10 21 18 13 11 12 5 1 11 12 16 17 163 117
Thursday 20-Jun 4 6 15 4 10 26 19 14 6 15 11 3 133 117 25 $2 Swim
Friday 21-Jun 8 7 12 9 5 9 5 10 9 22 28 8 5 4 141 10 92
Saturday 22-Jun 4 4 0 7 10 9 7 11 21 10 7 3 7 3 103 92
Sunday 23-Jun 20 8 11 13 10 9 7 10 10 98
Monday 24-Jun 5 12 19 11 30 17 12 11 14 8 13 17 11 3 183 16 117
Tuesday 25-Jun 4 9 15 6 5 12 11 4 9 10 15 0 100 92 33 $2 Swim
Wednesday 26-Jun 9 15 11 15 11 18 7 5 17 9 12 16 7 6 158 117
Thursday 27-Jun 4 9 10 16 11 16 15 12 7 6 6 5 117 117 36 $2 Swim
Friday 28-Jun 11 8 8 18 14 7 7 17 21 8 15 13 8 11 166 9 92
Saturday 29-Jun 6 4 7 7 13 6 3 17 13 18 6 14 10 4 128 92
Sunday 30-Jun 13 19 4 5 12 12 3 12 2 82
Grand Total
3478 103 2433 179 6193
2606 115.9 3.4 81.1 6.0 206.4
Closed for Swim Meet:1551
ICE = 92 (includes masters)51.7
Mercer Park Aquatic Center - Indoor Swimming Pool Totals - June 2024
Totals:
Averages:
Total using Robert A. Lee Pool Open Hours
Average using Robert A. Lee Pool Open Hours
Total Scans:
Day Date 6-7a 7-8a 8-9a 9-10a 10-11a 11-12p 12-1p 1-2p 2-3p 3-4p 4-5p 5-6 p 6-7p 7-8p Daily Rec Totals Water Fitness Swim Lessons Event # Count Event Name
Saturday 25-May 24 40 28 37 59 44 25 1 0 258
Sunday 26-May 3 3 9 18 39 25 23 5 0 125
Monday 27-May 30 78 43 65 61 23 0 0 300
Tuesday 28-May 3 7 6 1 17
Wednesday 29-May 4 11 14 5 34
Thursday 30-May 12 17 10 7 46
Friday 31-May 9 19 18 7 53
Saturday 1-Jun 3 0 3 0 13 4 0 0 23
Sunday 2-Jun 35 50 67 35 84 65 4 0 340
Monday 3-Jun 5 16 11 2 34
Tuesday 4-Jun 5 7 9 8 29
Wednesday 5-Jun 17 33 38 11 99 189 School's Out Party
Thursday 6-Jun 8 0 4 28 28 23 43 25 18 177
Friday 7-Jun 9 12 7 41 37 83 92 52 51 17 7 4 412
Saturday 8-Jun 3 1 2 12 7 6 4 5 8 10 9 67 9
Sunday 9-Jun 3 1 1 0 7 49 75 85 105 83 103 66 12 1 591
Monday 10-Jun 5 1 5 0 30 88 41 28 13 32 17 5 265
Tuesday 11-Jun 2 1 6 23 12 85 17 26 49 221
Wednesday 12-Jun 5 9 13 0 87 173 141 92 69 141 203 65 998 409 Pride @ the Pool
Thursday 13-Jun 3 14 8 0 64 104 71 0 0 264 175 Camps
Friday 14-Jun 10 8 8 81 92 153 95 73 85 69 79 23 776
Saturday 15-Jun 2 2 6 55 13 18 22 25 26 36 24 0 0 0 229 10 Pool Party not reserved
Sunday 16-Jun 4 5 4 8 17 43 30 46 85 92 51 66 26 14 491
Monday 17-Jun 11 12 18 42 55 158 94 65 39 90 121 35 740 66
Tuesday 18-Jun 7 10 13 0 76 132 115 90 73 516 172
Wednesday 19-Jun 9 6 15 0 16 42 29 20 18 43 45 15 258 74 103 Juneteenth
Thursday 20-Jun 9 86 56 0 0 151 42 142 Camps
Friday 21-Jun 7 13 19 66 27 178 141 88 88 84 150 40 901
Saturday 22-Jun 7 10 8 20 14 35 44 48 110 60 89 13 46 2 506 8 61 Pool Party
Sunday 23-Jun 2 1 3 4 16 36 105 155 117 121 120 66 26 15 787
Monday 24-Jun 7 10 9 0 76 131 89 55 103 90 133 58 761 96
Tuesday 25-Jun 47 109 102 84 67 409 131
Wednesday 26-Jun 46 17 10 0 77 118 105 81 81 79 102 66 782 78 247 Swim & Sounds
Thursday 27-Jun 6 22 6 0 49 41 231 0 0 355 180 272 Camps
Friday 28-Jun 7 6 2 6 3 24
Saturday 29-Jun 3 7 8 31 30 30 56 86 152 123 134 25 43 1 729 8 55 Iowa City Autism Group
Sunday 30-Jun 5 3 4 3 11 56 54 52 65 47 69 39 36 3 447 36 Belin-Blank Center
Grand Total
13215 35 839 1689 15778
357.2 0.9 22.7 45.6 426.4
text
City Park Pool - User Totals May/June 2024
Closed for weather:
Closed:Averages:
Totals:
Community Foundation of Johnson County
City of Iowa City Parks and Recreation Accounts
Iowa City Parks and Rec Endowment Fund
Statement Activity
Iowa City Parks and Rec Charitable Giving Fund
May 01, 2024 - May 31, 2024
Beginning Balance:$50,966.59
Total Fund Income:$1,500.00
Total Fund Expenses:$3,326.09
Ending Balance:$49,140.50
Statement Activity
Ending Balance:$216,190.15
May 01, 2024 - May 31, 2024
Beginning Balance:$208,915.78
Total Fund Income:$7,324.85
Total Fund Expenses:$50.48
1 Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet | City of Iowa City
Iowa City Parks & Recreation Commission Packet
July 2024
Upcoming Events
• Iowa City Farmers Market – Season continues through October
• Party in the Park – Season continues on Thursdays through August 15; 6:30-8 pm; various park locations
• Play Daze – Season continues on Wednesdays through July 31; 9:30-11:30 am; various park locations
• Water Wednesdays – Season continues on Wednesdays through August 21; 5-8 pm; City Park Pool
• Discovery Garden Parties – Season continues on Tuesdays through July 30; 2-4 pm; RAL Discovery Garden
• Sunrise to Sunset: Learn-To-Swim Fundraiser – July 6, 6 am – 8 pm; City Park Pool
• Hydrant Parties – July 11 (Broadway neighborhood), July 25 (Mercer Park), August 15 (Pheasant Ridge),
1-3 pm
• Yoga in the Park – July 13 (Willow Creek Park), August 10 (Ned Ashton House), 9:30-10:15 am
Notable from Parks & Recreation Staff
Parks:
• Staff have been busy keeping parks mowed and areas maintained.
• Pickleball and tennis court construction should be finished soon.
• Staff is working on the single track trail again and restoring areas that were flooded with the high river
levels.
• Storms continue to cause tree damage throughout the city. Forestry staff have been called in after hours
on a weekly basis this spring.
• We are in the hiring process for one permanent staff to fill an opening on our forestry crew.
• All the parks have been busy this summer with many rentals, tournaments, and festivals.
Recreation:
• Farmers Market continues to operate smoothly and attendance has been solid and consistent. The always
popular Kids Market day is set for September 28 and vendor spots filled within the first day of registration.
• The City Park Pool season has been going well and lifeguard staff have acclimated nicely.
• Staff have been involved with the planning and implementation of many events and programs that have
been or will be hosted within City facilities and throughout the community during the summer months. Staff
have also assisted with partnership events including the Juneteenth Celebration, Downtown Block Party,
Arts Fest, and the Rhythms and the Riverfront Crossings monthly concert series and others.
2 Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet | City of Iowa City
Facilities:
• Weather Dance Fountain-
o Running at full compacity
• Riverside Festival Stage Construction is nearing completion-
o Rainy weather is delaying the painters from finishing the exterior.
• Senior Center construction, phase Two-
o Windows, Doors, Locks/Alarm.
o In design phase.
• Scanlon Gym Roof/Sky Lighting project-
o Contractor is waiting on supplies.
o Should be starting soon.
• Mercer Wading pool demolition-
o Wading pool has been removed.
o Fence is reinstalled.
o Finish grade and seeding will be this week, weather dependent.
Cemetery:
• A lightning strike with the last storm caused some damage to the computer/phone system at the cemetery.
The lightning also damaged the electrical box and the light for the flag pole.
• Total Tree care removed a large Oak tree that was dead and a smaller invasive tree near the gas pump.
Top Staff Issues
Parks
• Storm damage continues to keep Forestry staff busy.
• Equipment repair needs have strained our mowing capacity the entire season as repairs are made as
quickly as possible.
Recreation
• Rain and weather inconsistencies have provided challenges for some outdoor programs and events.
Facilities
• Staff has had roller coaster of facility issues over the last few months that have stretched our staff thin
but we are prevailing and making permanent needed fixes.
Cemetery:
• Staff is busy with mowing and trimming the grass at Oakland Cemetery.
• Staff continues to cage many of our new tress as the deer are eating/damaging the trees.
3 Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet | City of Iowa City
Oakland
Cemetery
FY 24 Revenue Report
** shaded areas represent previous 5yr average
Revenue from Lot Sales Lot Sale 5yr
Average
# of
Interments
Interments
5yr avg.
Revenue
from
Interments
5-year Avg.
on
Interments
Total
Revenue
5yr 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 $7,860.00 $7,624.25 7 7.8 $3,085.00 $4,741.25 $10,945.00 $12,365.50
Oct $6,750.00 $11,157.00 9 7.0 $4,410.00 $3,899.50 $11,160.00 $15,056.50
Nov $4,270.00 $5,257.50 4 6.8 $3,065.00 $4,070.50 $7,335.00 $9,328.00
Dec $6,280.00 $2,390.50 2 5.8 $1,085.00 $3,511.00 $7,365.00 $5,901.50
Jan $5,295.00 $4,225.50 4 4.4 $2,500.00 $2,405.00 $7,795.00 $6,630.50
Feb $5,955.00 $3,914.00 3 3.8 $1,690.00 $2,798.70 $7,645.00 $6,712.70
March $9,450.00 $6,008.00 6 4.8 $3,640.00 $3,476.50 $13,090.00 $9,484.50
April $3,375.00 $4,138.50 4 4.8 $2,350.00 $3,062.00 $5,725.00 $7,200.50
May $13,950.00 $3,821.50 9 6.0 $3,360.00 $3,043.00 $17,310.00 $6,864.50
June $11,700.00 $9,365.00 11 7.8 $5,355.00 $3,820.00 $17,055.00 $13,185.00
Totals $89,510.00 $69,490.75 69 72.6 $35,855.00 $42,652.95 $125,365.00 $112,143.70