HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-13-2024 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 4 p.m. on
Monday, November 11, 2024, will be distributed to the Commission in advance of the meeting.
AGENDA
ITEM 1 CALL TO ORDER
ITEM 2 APPROVAL OF SEPTEMBER 11, 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 USER FEES AND CHARGES – Recreation Superintendent Brad Barker
ITEM 5 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS BUDGET UPDATE 2024-2029 –
Parks and Recreation Director Juli Seydell Johnson
ITEM 6 REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF
a) Parks and Recreation Director – Juli Seydell Johnson
b) Recreation Superintendent – Brad Barker
c) Parks & Forestry Superintendent – Tyler Baird
ITEM 7 CHAIRS REPORT
ITEM 8 COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
ITEM 9 ADJOURN
Iowa City
Parks and Recreation Commission
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
5:00 p.m.
Robert A. Lee Recreation Center – Meeting Room A
220 S Gilbert Street, Iowa City, IA 52240
IOWA CITY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY
MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2024
MEETING ROOM B – ROBERT A. LEE RECREATION CENTER
Members Present: Alex Hachtman, Connie Moore, Missie Forbes, Brian Morelli, Caleb
Recker, Alex Stanton
Members Absent: Rachel McPherson, Aaron Broege, Virginia Hayes
Staff Present: Brad Barker, Tyler Baird, Gabe Gotera
Others Present: Kevin Boyd, Mark Cannon, Michael Muhlenbruch, Anne Jensen, Jeff
Mallory, Ben Grimm, Jeff Barnes
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Hachtman called the meeting to order at 5:05 p.m.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council
action):
Moved by Moore, seconded by Forbes to recommends to City Council to name the new
park after Adelaide Joy Rogers, pending Historical Preservation review. Motion passed 6-0
(McPherson, Broege, and Hayes absent).
OTHER FORMAL ACTION:
Moved by Stanton, seconded by Morelli, to approve the August 14, 2024, minutes. Motion
passed 6-0 (McPherson, Broege, and Hayes absent).
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
Mark Cannon explains that he leads a class in the pool on Tuesday mornings, adding that he has
previously sent information about his classes to the Commission but that he also wanted to
personally invite the Commission to attend his classes. Cannon acknowledges that there has been
a bit of contention between his group and the Commission. Cannon says that in the past some
Commission members have felt attacked by his group but iterates that that is not his intention.
Cannon says that to get past this, the Commission should attend the class and see what is
happening. Cannon says that there is a sense of community growing on the pool deck with many
great people showing up. Cannon states that he can try to put in writing but clarifies that there is
nothing like experiencing it.
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Vice Chairman Moore says to the rest of the Commission that anybody can show up to Cannon’s
class and pay $6 for attendance without prior signup. Mark Cannon, from the audience, clarifies
that the class is free to attend, with the goal to reach out to the marginalized sections of the
community.
MERCER BASEBALL/SOFTBALL ATHELTIC FIELDS – ICCSD Staff
Supt. Barker introduces Ben Grimm and Jeff Barnes, respectively the Grounds Manager and the
Director of Facilities of the Iowa City Community School District (ICCSD), to give an update on
the Mercer Park Athletic Fields project to renovate Field #4 as a softball field for the school
district’s City High.
Ben Grimm introduces himself as the Grounds Manager for ICCSD and a Commissioner on the
Climate Action Commission. Grimm describes the history of the relationship between the
ICCSD and the City of Iowa City (CIC). Historically, the ICCSD and the CIC have had
partnerships on not only the Mercer Park fields, but also the Mercer Park Aquatic Center pool
system, gyms, and North Market Square Park as a space for recess. Grimm describes this
relationship as one that benefits both parties. Grimm explains that the ICCSD is in the process of
their Facilities Masterplan 2.0 which is going to upgrade all the athletic fields at all the high
schools. In the past, athletics were so a student would play their respective sport only during the
isolated season, but now it is part of the education system, keeping kids in positive spaces where
they can develop teamwork as well as physical attributes.
Grimm states that City High School on the east side of town is landlocked in the middle of a
neighborhood, making it very restricted on space and how the athletic fields can be updated. The
ICCSD wants to bring these athletics facilities up to the modern standard including Mercer Park
Field #1, the baseball field that the ICCSD has with the current agreement and move the softball
program to Mercer Park Field #4. Grimm says that with the growing athletics and the change in
how athletics is worked, the ICCSD is looking to provide a multi-use facility that would cater to
different sports at City High School that could house practice even in the winter times. To make
room for this proposed facility, the space at Mercer Park Field #4 is necessary. Grimm further
explains that when following modern ADA standards, there is not enough room in the footprint
to put a baseball/softball field at City Highschool without sacrificing the greenspace that is used
for other sports, band, science classes, and several different gym classes.
Grimm says that the ICCSD is working on a 28E agreement with the CIC, specifically the Parks
& Recreation Department, which would include the following renovation:
• Mercer Park Field #1
o Renovate the infrastructure of the dugouts on in, including the addition of a locker
room space onto the dugouts.
o Bring the field to a higher standard of drainage, leveling, and irrigation.
• Mercer Park Field #4
o Rotate the field to match the right orientation for competition level, keeping the
sun from impairing the eyes of the batter.
o Upgrade the dugouts.
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o Install a press box, bull pen, and sidewalks.
o Update irrigation and drainage.
Commissioner Morelli asks if the use of the fields would be restricted to City High student use or
if the public would be able to access the fields. Grimm responds that the use of the fields would
be restricted to City High students with some discretion at the high school level. Grimm says that
sports don’t just go for a single season anymore, now going for an extended period outside of the
season, hosting events and youth camps that are often open to the public. Grimm adds that there
will have to be a scheduled window for the proper maintenance to bring the fields up to par,
noting that the teams will have to practice on competition level fields.
Commissioner Recker asks who is financially responsible for the renovation and what is the plan
financially for the ongoing maintenance. Grimm responds that the ICCSD is responsible for the
ongoing maintenance of everything on the actual fields, meaning generically the bleachers on in,
or dugouts on in, adding that the 28E would make the ICCSD also responsible for pulling out
their recyclables and the included maintenance. Grimm says that the ICCSD is tentatively
looking at around $2 million worth of upgrades to the field and that the CIC has an amount of
money they are contributed towards the infrastructure including ADA, shading over the stands,
and possibly the renovation of the roof. Grimm explains that most of the details are currently
being ironed out and finalized.
Chairman Hachtman asks for an update on the timing of the project and how it will impact other
sports. Grimm responds that the original goal was to start construction this year, but it had to be
moved to next year to have favorable bids. The current goal is to have design done by the end of
the 2024, bids going out early January 2025, and construction starting mid-late spring on Field
#4. The ICCSD would continue to use City High softball for the next season while baseball
would use Field #1. Construction would focus on Field #4 and then flip to Field #1 when the
baseball season ends. Both fields would be playable by Spring of 2026. Commissioner Morelli
asks where softball is currently playing. Grimm answers that softball is currently playing at the
City High softball field, but that the field won’t fit after the rest of the grounds are made ADA
compliant for spectators, adding that the footprint also wouldn’t allow for the dugout, stands, and
press box that would also need to be installed to bring the field up to a competitive level.
Commissioner Recker asks, within the $2 million for Fields #1 & #4, will there be any work with
the bullpens. Grimm responds that there will be work on the bullpens before explaining that
when Field #4 is rotated, an additional sidewalk will have to be installed which would fall under
the responsibility of the ICCSD as the sidewalk was not necessary until the rotation.
Grimm says that there are some irrigation details that are being worked out. Grimm explains that
both fields would be completely irrigated, and the relevant staff would need to ensure that both
systems are functioning and can be tracked the different water usage between the ICCSD and the
CIC. Commissioner Recker asks if by irrigation, Grimm means natural grass. Grimm confirms
that the fields would be natural grass.
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Vice Chairman Moore thanks Grimm for the installation of the accessible swing at North Market
Square Park. Moore says that as a Physical Therapist at Grant Wood AEA, it is amazing to see
and ensures that it is appreciated.
Supt. Barker explains the CIC side of the discussion with ICCSD about the athletic fields. Barker
says that department staff are sitting on the project meetings, but that it is the ICCSD who is
hiring the consultant to work on the project. Barker confirms that the CIC does have some funds
that can be contributed towards the project but explains that the intent is to use the funds towards
the common areas such as sidewalks, concession areas, roofing, and field improvements on
Fields #2 & #3. Barker says that the CIC’s funding would go towards the common areas because
Fields #2 & #3 will still be utilized as public spaces. Barker says that while the use and
maintenance of Field #4 will be shifting to the ICCSD, the department is wanting to prioritize the
use of the other fields for public use and is currently working out how that will work. Barker
explains that the current idea is to give priority reservations to Fields #2 & #3 to the public by a
set date tentatively set as March 1. This means that any reservations for the public must be
received by March 1, after which City High will be able to make reservations on the other fields.
Barker states that in the past, Field #2 has been used by City High as an additional practice space
at no charge. Barker says that with the agreement, City High would have to pay rental fees for
the use of Field #2 as Fields #2 & #3 will be the revenue source of the grounds, explaining that
there will be CIC staff that will maintain the CIC fields and common areas such as restrooms.
Barker says that the agreement is not yet finalized but adds that there will be an annual fee from
the ICCSD to go towards Capital Improvements of the common areas. Barker states that the
primary user of the fields is the Little Hawks Baseball Club, and that he has spoken with the
Club leader on the state of the agreement, how the reservations will work in the future, and what
set date will work for the prioritized reservations.
Commissioner Recker asks that while the agreement is worked out regarding Field #4, that staff
consider additional base anchors and pitching distances for Fields #2, #3, & #4 to allow
variability for different age groups to use the field. Supt. Barker responds that Field #3 has pegs
for 70ft, 80ft, and 90ft while Field #2 has a grass infield, stationary pegs at 90ft, and a stationary
pitching mound. Barker clarifies that Field #4 would not be adjustable and is under the
maintenance jurisdiction of the ICCSD. Barkers says that if there is any future consideration for
field improvement, it would be to make Field #2 more like Field #3 and thus more usable by the
public due to its variable distances. Recker proposes that if the CIC can work it into the
agreement to make Field #4 adjustable, then if the CIC ever hosts tournaments and adjustments
are needed, it would be a good opportunity to bring in larger and more varied events. Barker
explains that Field #4 would be the softball equivalent of Field #1 and that both fields would be
used, maintained, and improved exclusively by the ICCSD. The public would not have access to
either Field #1 or #4, which is why the public would have priority reservations to Fields #2 & #3.
Commissioner Forbes asks for confirmation that the Little Hawks Baseball Club is the primary
user of Fields #2 & #3. Supt. Barker confirms that that is true. Forbes asks if there will be any
information distributed to local organizations regarding the priority reservation deadline. Barker
says that other user groups besides Little Hawks are typically University of Iowa Baseball and
other adult leagues. Barker assures that the fields will be open to the public and the policy
change would be made known.
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Commissioner Morelli asks what the current demand for the Mercer Park Athletic Fields is.
Barker responds that there are a lot of days that are not preferred to be practiced on when the
fields are available. Tuesdays and Thursdays are big days for practices. Wednesdays see some
usage but not as much due to evening church. On Fridays, the teams are usually either at a
tournament or going to a tournament. Mondays are not reserved as the terms are usually
recovering from a weekend tournament. Barker reiterates that the Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and
Thursdays tend to be the most utilized dates. The weekend usually only sees usage if there is a
tournament onsite.
Commissioner Morelli asks if staff have looked at other facilities around the city that have space
for new fields to be installed that could be more variable like Commissioner Recker had spoken
about. Supt. Barker asks if Morelli is asking about adding a new field or adding new pegs.
Morelli asks if he could hear about both. Supt. Baird explains that there is not a lot of extra
flexibility at City Park than what is already there, adding that the fences were redone only two to
three years prior. City Park has eight fields. Baird says that there are not any other spaces short
of building an entirely new complex that adds one or two fields. Baird adds that this process
would entail a larger project and would take a whole Capital Improvement amount of money that
is not in the plans for the next five years. Commissioner Recker asks that staff consider adding
additional anchors or pitching mound anchors at a site such as Happy Hollow Park, a park that is
used for a lot of the local baseball and softball teams. Recker thinks that it should be considered
especially if the field improvements at Fields #2 & #3 follow through with adding more
variability. Baird responds that the field at Happy Hollow Park doesn’t currently have base pegs
and only a home base, giving the park users some variability in where they can place their
temporary bases. Baird points out that when using distances for older age groups in Happy
Hollow Park the base ends up much closer to the wooded hill or the road. Baird reiterates that the
field at Happy Hollow Park already allows some flexibility in base length due to the lack of set
pegs.
Chairman Hachtman opens for public comment.
Michael Muhlenbruch introduces himself as having lived in Iowa City his whole life, having
spent his entire childhood at City Park and Mercer Park ballfields, graduated from City High as a
baseball player, has a son playing City High baseball, has daughter playing softball, has three
other children that will eventually go into the system, having just finished his 17th year of
coaching baseball in Iowa City, and as an engineer who designs fields. Muhlenbruch states first
that he loves the collaboration between the City and School District and thinks that it will make
something happen that is awesome, but that his engineer brain is always thinking about what
could be and how could things be better, specifically about Mercer Park athletic fields.
Muhlenbruch has been thinking about this since he spoke with Geoff Fruin during COVID about
the reopening of parks, adding that his ideas then didn’t get much traction at the time but that
now he has new ideas. Muhlenbruch says that earlier this year, he was inspired upon seeing all
four Mercer athletic fields full of scrimmages/practice and the bleachers so full it only allowed
room for standing. Muhlenbruch is inspired to try to figure out what more can be done at Mercer,
asking for guidance of how he as a resident and coach can help, whether as a third-party entity or
something of the sort. Muhlenbruch says that long term, the guidance would be how someone
can advocate for changes and funding, noting that in 2020, 1.25 million dollars was allocated
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from the city for Mercer Park improvements but never went anywhere. Muhlenbruch, as a Little
Hawks coach, says that it would be great to have a rake in a PVC tube on the side of the dugout
to help with raking the fields when coaches are there. Muhlenbruch says that he has lots of ideas,
trying to figure out other ways to get more fields, explaining that if more pegs were added at
Napoleon Park, it would open eight fields for four different age groups. Muhlenbruch states that
there are only two fields in all of Iowa City that are properly size for 11–13-year-olds, and if
Mercer Park Field 4 goes away, it will leave only one field for all of Iowa City across three
different age groups. Muhlenbruch asks if Field 4 is going away, is it going to be replaced
somewhere.
POOL ATTENDANCE UPDATE – Recreation Superintendent Brad Barker
Due to technical difficulties, Supt. Barker hands out printouts of the attached PowerPoint.
Supt. Barker states that staff have been tracking attendance at both the Robert A. Lee Recreation
Center (RAL) pool and the Mercer Park Aquatic Center (MPAC) pool since approximately
October 2022. Barker clarifies that staff had begun tracking earlier than this, but that the actual
methodology for how to data is consistently recorded has been used by staff since October 2022.
Supt. Barker is providing an update on pool attendance as it has about a year since he gave the
last update to the Commission. Barker describes the commonalities between RAL and MPAC
Pools as both facilities are indoor pools that offer lap swim, open swim, water fitness classes,
and special events. Each facility has a unique feature that provides ump figures where they are
more cyclical in nature throughout the year. MPAC Pool is the practice and swim-meet location
for swims teams from City High, Southeast Junior High, and the Iowa City Eels club. RAL Pool
is the primary location for most of the department’s swim lessons. Barker explains that due to
these unique features, the data can show big spikes when either swim teams or swim lessons are
in season and not in season, providing a bit more variability throughout the year.
Supt. Barker explains that the graphs showing Monthly Participation are divided into the
following activity types, Recreation, Water Fitness, and Special Events. Recreation is defined as
any drop-in swim where patrons pay an attendance fee at the door or scan in at the door with a
punch pass or monthly/annual swim pass. Water Fitness are classes that patrons can register for
in bulk or pay a drop-in water fitness fee per individual class. Barker explains that the actual
attendance is tracked for each individual class before being recorded into the larger pool
numbers. Special Events includes special events such as $2 Evening Swims, Mark Cannon’s
Water Mindfulness class, and pool rentals.
Supt. Barker looks at the RAL Pool Monthly Participation graph showing data from October
2022 to July 2024. Barker notes that there is an increase in people participating in Recreation
while Water Fitness and Special Events have stayed relatively the same during that time frame.
Barker says that the RAL Pool Recreation participation has gone from 600 monthly check-ins to
1200 monthly check-ins. Barker notes that it was the Commission’s recommendation in 2023 to
add two hours of open swim to the RAL Pool daily schedule from 9 – 11 a.m. Barker also notes
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
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that there are three spikes of increased participation when MPAC Pool was closed for
approximately two weeks each, and patrons were diverted from MPAC to RAL.
Supt. Barker goes over the MPAC Pool Monthly Participation graph showing data from October
2022 to July 2024. Barker notes that Water Fitness and Special Events stay relatively consistent
while Recreation totals show a curious trend seen across both years. Barker explains that MPAC
Pool Recreation has a low in January (~1700–2300 monthly check-ins), cycles up to a high
(~3400 monthly check-ins) in June/July, and then takes a large dip before building back up.
Barker says that he is not yet sure of why the trend shows that July is so popular for MPAC Pool
but is interested to see if this trend will continue. Barker notes that the participation takes a big
dip whenever MPAC Pool is closed for two weeks.
Commissioner Forbes adds that City Park Pool was closed a lot in July 2023 because of air
quality, attributing to the large participation increase to the MPAC Pool during that month. Supt.
Barker recalls that staff did have to find alternative locations for several days that month. Vice
Chairman Moore adds that it makes sense for the pool numbers to be up during the hot
temperatures of July, when everyone wants to go swimming.
Commissioner Morelli asks how the data will be used or if it just information gathering. Supt.
Barker explains how the data has been used in the past, recalling that during the summer of 2023,
there were requests from the public to add hours to the RAL Pool due to an increase in numbers.
The increase in numbers was reflected in the staff data which paired with the public requests led
to the Commission recommendation to add two more hours to the daily pool schedule. Barker
says that right now, the numbers are more for information, but clarifies that the data is helpful to
keep track of should staff have to adjust facility hours. Barker adds that the data is provided on a
spreadsheet included in the monthly agenda packets and is broken down by hours and by specific
days, meaning that trends can be pulled that show what hours are utilized the most or the least.
Staff can use this data to make an informed decision based on who is utilizing what facilities.
Vice Chairman Moore asks if there are certain times of the year that staff would look at data to
determine if hours should be added or removed from the pool schedule. Supt. Barker explains
that staff like to keep the pool hours consistent for the whole year, so the best time for staff to
make any schedule changes for an upcoming year would be in the fall season. Barker further
explains that staff designs and prints the rack cards for facility hours three to four months in
advance to a particular season. Barker says that the more consistent the schedule is, the better it
will be for the public. Barker recalls when there were separate times at RAL Pool for lap swim
and open swim, which made it too confusing for both the public and staff. Staff wanted to return
to a simpler schedule with less adjustments. Moore asks if during the summer that City Park Pool
will be closed, will there be consideration to adjust the other pools’ schedules. Barker confirms
that staff are already in discussion about alternative locations and hours during the City Park
Pool renovations, adding that will be more definite answer once the schedule of City Park Pool is
fully known.
Chairman Hachtman opens the floor for public comment.
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Mark Cannon asks for some clarifications on the charts. First, Cannon states that the numbers of
hours at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center (RAL) pool is significantly less than that of the
Mercer Park Aquatic Center (MPAC) pool. Cannon then asks for confirmation that the charts
show that between October 2022 to July 2024, RAL Pool numbers have doubled from 600 to
1200. Supt. Barker confirms that to be correct. Cannon than looks at the difference in numbers at
MPAC Pool between October 2022 to July 2024, going from 2300 to 2500 respectively. Cannon
states that he is not making it an ‘Us vs Them” scenario when comparing RAL Pool to MPAC
Pool. Cannon says that the increases for either pool could be attributed to the fact that the
Community is still dealing with COVID, but that he wants it explicitly said that the numbers at
RAL Pool have doubled and that he thinks it has happened because of a very concerted
community effort.
Anne Jensen has concerns regarding the water temperature of the Mercer Park Aquatic Center
pool. Jensen states that the pool is advertised online as being in the range of 79-81º. Jensen says
that there are people who have taken thermometers to Mercer on a regular basis and have never
seen it reach 79º, more often being in the range of 76-78º. Jensen asks if there is any way to get
the water warmer, and if not can the online notice be changed to reflect the true temperature of
the water. Jensen explains that is frustrating to see the pool advertised to be at that higher level
and not really reach it. Jensen says that the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center Pool is advertised to
be 81-83º and that that is the actual temperature of the pool.
Commissioner Recker asks Supt. Barker if Mercer Park pool is experience water loss. Barker
responds that the Mercer pool is not having any water loss beyond normal expectations. Recker
clarifies that if there doesn’t appear to be a leak of any sort, then the drop in temperature
wouldn’t be from new water being pumped in. Barker confirms that there is nothing beyond the
typical filling of the pool every day to keep it topped off.
NEW PARK NAME – Parks & Forestry Superintendent Tyler Baird
Supt. Baird explains that the Commission can make a recommendation to the City Council about
the name of the new park near Shannon Drive. Baird says that the final decision will be up to the
City Council but that historically, the Council has valued the opinion that the Commission brings
to the process, particularly in the case if the name has a historical connection. Baird adds that if
there is a historical tie-in, the name would likely go to the Historical Preservation Commission as
well to confirm that everything checks out. Baird says that the Commission can suggest any
names that they have heard from the community, or that will be heard during public comment.
Baird refers to a proposal received from a community member that is included in the agenda
packet that suggests the name, Adelaide Joy Rogers, and includes good background information.
The Commission opens to public comment, to hear any park name suggestions before discussion.
Kevin Boyd introduces himself as the author of the Adelaide Joy Rogers proposal but also as a
6th generation Iowa Cityan, a former Chairman of the Historical Preservation Commission, a
2022 Iowa City Public Library history trivia winner and a former member of the Parks and
Recreation Commission. Boyd explains that for as long as he can remember, he has loved local
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history, receiving the complete set of Irving Weber’s books for his 17th birthday. Boyd recalls
carefully reading about bachelor mayor, Harry Breen. Boyd explains that at the time he was not
yet out and was struggling to imagine a future where he could be involved in government and
politics, but wondered if Breen was a hint left by Irving. Boyd says when he moved back to Iowa
City after 12 years of living in Des Moines and Washington D.C. and working for national
campaign organizations, he started digging into local history and noticed that much of what was
honored and reflected didn’t necessarily reflect the actual diversity of Iowa City or his life as an
out gay man with a black partner. Boyd explains that this diversity has always been present,
referring to bachelor mayor, Harry Breen, who was almost certainly gay, or the many women
and people of color who did amazing things that the city should celebrate. Boyd says that
everyone should see themselves in what is honored in our parks, schools, and civic institutes.
Boyd explains that he is passionate about honoring the past and celebrating the shared history in
ways that reflect the shared values of today, so when he saw that the Commission was
considering a new park name, he immediately thought of Adelaide Joy Rogers. Boyd describes
Adelaide Joy Rogers as a woman ahead of her time, advocating for women and girls in many
ways, but particularly when it came to recreation opportunities. Boyd explains that her history-
making candidacy, using her full name including her maiden name, Joy is something that should
be celebrated. Boyd adds that the name fits the west-side location as Adelaide and her husband
were early west-siders, living first on Melrose and later Park Road. Boyd encourages the
Commission to name the park after Adelaide Joy Rogers, bringing us one step closer to being
more inclusive and telling the full story of Iowa City’s history, letting more people see
themselves reflected in what we honor ourselves.
Chairman Hachtman thanks Boyd for his suggestion and asks the Commission if there are other
suggestions that the Commission has heard of from the larger community.
Commission Forbes says that as an Iowa Cityan, born and raised, she absolutely loved the
Adelaide Joy Rogers suggestion and thanks Boyd for the thoughtful proposal. Forbes comments
that she knows there have been suggestions to honor Caitlin Clark or Lisa Bluder, but that she
believes that that is the University’s place to do something for those individuals. Forbes clarifies
that Adelaide Joy Rogers would still recognize the female leadership in the community and
agrees with the proposal as a name for the new park.
Commissioner Morelli, asks Supt. Baird if there are other names, recalling a list of suggestions,
but wondering if there are any others with a lot of contexts to the name. Baird says that there
were not any with any follow-up from the public. Baird explains during the public input for the
park design process, the only people that received more than one suggestion were Historian
Irving Weber, and Caitlin Clark. Baird says that Adelaide Joy Rogers was the first suggestion
that had a lot of effort and history pulled into it. Morelli comments that he really liked the
Adelaide Joy Rogers suggestion.
Vice-Chairman Moore thought that the Adelaide Joy Rogers proposal made a lot of sense and
thought that it was a slam-dunk.
Chairman Hachtman says that as the father of daughters, he wholeheartedly was in favor of the
Adelaide Joy Rogers proposal, especially now after learning more about her history.
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Moved by Moore, seconded by Forbes to recommends to City Council to name the new
park after Adelaide Joy Rogers, pending any Historical Preservation review. Motion
passed 6-0 (McPherson, Broege, and Hayes absent).
REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF:
Recreation Superintendent – Brad Barker
Facilities: Supt. Barker announces that the pickleball and tennis court renovations at both Mercer
Park and City Park are now completed and getting lots of use from the public. Barker says that as
soon as there was a semblance of the courts being complete, there were park users on the courts.
Barker adds that the Johnson County Pickleball Club are pleased with final courts.
City Park Pool: Supt. Barker explains that the project is still in the design phase, with staff
consistently meeting with the consultant team. Barker says that the project is soon getting to the
point where numbers/costs will be known but that everything is still behind the scenes in its
current state. Barker is hopeful that staff will be able to provide a more concrete update on the
project in one to two months.
Events: Supt. Barker announces the following Recreation events:
• Roller Skating, a popular weekly event, will begin Saturday, Sep. 14.
• Bio-Blast, a STEAM event held on Sunday, Sep. 22 which will host the Iowa State
University’s insect zoo, among other biology themed crafts, activities, and
demonstrations.
• The Kids Market will be held on Saturday, Sep. 28 where visitors can look over the wares
from fifty kid vendors. Barker says that registration filled up within a few hours and that
the event has historically been very popular.
• The Get Outside Rec Fest, held on Sunday, Sep. 29 in Lower City Park, is the second
time this annual event has been held. Visitors can find live music, food trucks, and
activities ran by Recreation staff and many different community organizations. The
activities focus on different outdoor equipment, allowing kids to get the feel for many
kinds of recreation.
• Indigenous Peoples’ Day, held on Monday, Oct. 14 at the Terry Trueblood Recreation
Area, is the second time this annual event has been held. Barker explains that the event
had a great response the previous year.
• The Halloween Carnival will be held week earlier than usual on Friday, Oct. 18 at the
Robert A. Lee Recreation Center. Barker explains that the event is happening early to
avoid the University of Iowa Homecoming parade held on Friday, Oct. 25 which
basically takes over the roads of the nearby area.
Chairman Hachtman asks if there will be any efforts to spread the word regarding the early date
for the Halloween Carnival, a historically heavily attended event. Supt. Barker confirms that staff
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
September 11, 2024
Page 11 of 14
will be promoting the event and its date through social media and press releases, allowing
attendees to prepare their costume for the event.
Commissioner Recker says that he has heard great feedback regarding the pickleball/tennis
courts project. Recker asks if the courts are just asphalt or if there is post tension concrete
underneath. Supt. Baird confirms that the courts are just asphalt, and that staff had looked into
the other option but decided that it was too expensive. Recker asks if the project was contracted
out or completed by inhouse staff. Baird responds that the project was contracted out. Recker
reiterates the good feedback he has heard about the project.
Chairman Hachtman says that he has also heard plenty of positive comments from the public
about the new pickleball/tennis courts. Hachtman recalls when his family had recently played on
them but had to wait a bit due to the heavy use the courts were receiving. Hachtman thinks that
monitoring the use of the courts will provide opportunities for future pickleball development.
Parks and Forestry Superintendent – Tyler Baird
Facilities: Supt. Baird explains that Supt. Barker already covered most of the announcement for
the Pickleball/Tennis Court project. Baird says that the courts are constantly filled up except for
the middle of the day, adding that Parks staff have also been enjoying the courts over their lunch
time when the courts are less active.
Supt. Baird thanks the Commission for attending the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Ice House
Single Track Trail. Baird says that staff who worked on the project were appreciative to hear the
feedback that evening and to see it used. Baird announces that a few members of staff worked
with City Channel 4 to take footage of the trail in use to make a promotion video that will come
out soon.
Supt. Baird says that Parks staff were constantly mowing throughout the summer. Baird explains
that typically, there would be a couple week breaks in the mowing schedule that would allow
staff to pick up other projects. This in combination with most seasonal staff leaving for school,
has caused some crunch time in prep for the Fall. Baird explains that the department has been
trying to backfill the gap by hiring more seasonal staff over the last few weeks.
Trees: Supt. Baird announces that staff will receive their shipment of 500 trees to be planted
along the public rights-of-way. Baird says that staff have been working to inform the community
of the tree planting via press releases, yard signs, door tags, Nextdoor, and neighborhood
associations. Baird expects the planting to begin within the following week.
Supt. Baird announces a volunteer tree planting event after the department received a $10,000
Community Forestry Grant from the Department of Natural Resources. Baird explains that the
department has received the grant every year since the grant program began in 2021, totaling
$50,000. Baird says that for the planting event this year, staff have lined up volunteers from
Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists, and the Rotary Club. Baird invites Commission members
to attend at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Sep. 29 at Kicker’s Soccer Park.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
September 11, 2024
Page 12 of 14
Commissioner Morelli leaves at 6:02 p.m.
Park Projects: Supt. Baird is glad that the ‘New Park near Shannon Drive’ should be getting an
official name soon. Baird explains that the projects for the Shannon Drive Park, Brookland Park,
Calder Park, College Green Park, and the Terrell Mill Park skate park & pump track are still in
the design phase but are expected to go out for bids soon. Baird says that there is a lot of cool
stuff coming soon but that there won’t be any actual groundbreaking for those projects until next
year.
Chairman Hachtman opens the floor for public comment.
Anne Jensen introduces herself as having lived in Iowa City since 1982 and that this summer was
her first time she had gone to City Park Pool, adding that she had taken part in the discussion
groups about the City Park Pool design. Jensen explains that after having two knee replacements,
she does water aerobics and water walking. Jensen says that the current City Park Pool is
designed to curve gradually from the outside wings towards the center, and that she found this to
be very awkward when walking with the lap lanes because one leg was higher than the other.
Jensen says that she hopes that consultants and staff consider that if there is to be a slope of some
kind in the pool, that it goes with the grain of the lap lanes.
CHAIRS REPORT:
Chairman Hachtman thanks Project GREEN for the updates submitted as correspondence.
Hachtman says that is great to see the beautification done and the hours of service that they
render on behalf of the community. Hachtman notes that he is grateful for Project GREEN and
its representatives.
COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
Commissioner Forbes thanks recreation staff for their hard work with the pool number counting
and for the number of events that are happening.
Vice Chairman Moore thanks Dir. Seydell Johnson for spearheading the email to get the
accessible swing installed at North Market Square Park. Moore is glad that for children who are
unable to sit up on their own, they can have at least one swing they can use. Moore is unsure if
the Mercer Park athletic fields need to be readdressed as a future item, but acknowledges the
point, that if Field 4 is going away, should it be replaced somewhere else in Iowa City. Moore
thanks Kevin Boyd for taking the time to write up the Adelaide Joy Rogers proposal. Moore asks
if staff will get back to the Commission regarding pool water temperatures. Supt. Barker
responds that he plans to check in with maintenance staff regarding the pool temperatures to see
what could be happening.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
September 11, 2024
Page 13 of 14
Commissioner Stanton thanks Parks staff for the work done to complete the Ice House Single
Track Trail, adding that lots of his neighbors are using it and loved it. Stanton thanks Kevin
Boyd for the suggestion of Adelaide Joy Rogers, especially as Adelaide was in the same election
as Emma J. Harvat, City Council trailblazer, who has a park and an auditorium named after her.
Stanton says that despite Adelaide Joy Rogers not being elected, she was still a trailblazer who
has since been overshadowed. Stanton is glad to see her coming to the forefront now.
Commissioner Recker thanks staff for having an agenda item about the Mercer Park athletic
fields.
ADJOURNMENT:
Moved by Forbes, second by Stanton, to adjourn the meeting at 6:10 p.m. Motion passed
5-0 (Morelli, McPherson, Broege, and Hayes absent).
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
September 11, 2024
Page 14 of 14
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
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
05
/
1
5
/
2
0
2
4
06
/
1
2
/
2
0
2
4
07
/
1
0
/
2
0
2
4
08
/
1
4
/
2
0
2
4
09
/
1
1
/
2
0
2
4
Aaron
Broege
12/31/24 X X X X O/E NM X NM NM X X O/E
Missie
Forbes
12/31/25 X O/E X X X NM O/E NM NM X O/E X
Alex
Hachtman
12/31/24 X X X X X NM X NM NM O/E X X
Virginia
Hayes
12/31/27 * * * X X NM X NM NM X X O/E
Rachel
McPherson
12/31/26 X X X X X NM X NM NM X O/E O/E
Connie
Moore
12/31/25 X X X X O/E NM X NM NM X X X
Brian
Morelli
12/31/25 O/E O/E X X O/E NM X NM NM X X X
Caleb
Recker
12/31/26 X X X O/E X NM O/E NM NM X O/E X
Alex
Stanton
12/31/27 X O/E X X X NM O/E NM NM O/E X X
220 S. Gilbert Street • Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1632 • (319) 356-5100 • FAX (319) 356-5487
Date: November 7, 2024
To: Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission
Cc: Juli Seydell Johnson, Director of Parks & Recreation
From: Brad Barker, Superintendent of Recreation
Re: Parks and Recreation Fees and Charges
Commission Role:
Provide review and recommendations
Background:
City Code requires the Parks and Recreation Department to submit a schedule of fees and charges every year for
approval by City Council. The Parks and Recreation Commission annually reviews and recommends approval of
fees and charges for all Parks and Recreation Department services and programs.
Fees were last approved for an increase in FY24 but rates were kept static for FY25. Staff generally will suggest fees
be considered for an increase every other year. Staff is proposing a FY26 fee schedule for Commission review that
carries increases for most services. Most services have an increase in the realm of 3-8% with exceptions to this
noted below. Variability in the percent changed is usually due to rounding to the nearest dollar in order to simplify
the user registration experience. The lower the cost, the higher the percentage increase needed to get the fee to
the next round dollar amount, which is why some percentage increases may seem higher than others.
Notable variations in the recommended user fees include:
• Farmers Market:
o Suggested vendor fee increase is $5. This brings the vendor fee per day, per stall to a total $25.
This rate includes $1.50 that goes towards advertising and $23.50 that goes towards offsetting
market costs such as staffing, credit card fees, supplies and materials.
• Recreation Center Operations
o Suggested fee increase for locker replacement key from $35 to $45. This updated fee better
represents the true cost of key replacement, including shipping costs and administrative.
• Aquatics
o Group lessons have no proposed fee increases in an effort to keep this option as affordable as
possible. Affordable lessons aligns closely with the department’s ‘Every Child in Iowa City Learns
to Swim’ initiative.
o General private lesson options are no longer an option as the department strives to focus on
teaching more children how to swim through group and adaptive lessons.
o Drop-in swim admission fees do not have proposed fee increases. However, possible across-the-
board raises in the aquatics fee structure will need to be considered prior to the anticipated
opening of the new City Park Pool.
• Terry Trueblood Lodge
o A new peak-season, low-season cost structure is proposed. Holidays and peak-season weekend
rates during April through September will be $290 per hour or $2,000 for an all-day rental. Low-
season weekend rates during October through March will be $230 per hour or $1,600 for an all-
day rental. Monday through Thursday throughout the year will be $110 per hour or $800 for an
all-day rental.
• Dog Parks
o Drop-in dog park fees do not have proposed fee increases. Much of these daily fees are collected
on an honor system so keeping this fee reasonably low encourages continued participation.
City of Iowa City
Parks and Recreation Department
Fees and Charges
FY20 Fee FY21 Fee FY22 Fee FY23 Fee FY24 Fee FY25 Fee
FY26 Proposed
(with increase)% Change
10510214 Farmer's Market 348300 Advertising Fees 0.75 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.50 50.0%
10510214 Farmer's Market 363910 Misc. Sale of Merch 9-14 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00-18.00 6.00-18.00 6.00-22.00 11.1%-20%
10510214 Farmer's Market 382100 Vendor Fees 18.00 18.5 18.5 20 20 20 23.5 17.5%
10520200 Rec. Center Operations 382200 Building/Room Rental
-Meeting Room 10.67 11.00 11.00 11.00 12.00 12.00 13.00 8.3%
-Social Hall 27.33 28.00 28.00 29.00 30.00 30.00 32.00 6.7%
Gymnasium
-Full Gym 45.00 47.00 47.00 49.00 50.00 50.00 53.00 6.0%
-Half Gym 25.00 26.00 26.00 27.00 28.00 28.00 30.00 7.1%
10520200 Rec. Center Operations 382400 Locker Rentals
-Daily (coin operation)0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.0%
-Replacement key 30.00 30.00 30.00 35.00 35.00 35.00 45.00 28.6%
10520264 Scanlon Gym 346100 Admissions
-Tot Time 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 0.0%
10520264 Scanlon Gym 346700 Special Events
-Birthday Parties 88.00-103.00 90.00-106.00 90.00-106.00 130.00^135.00 135.00 145.00 7.4%
10520264 Scanlon Gym 382200 Building/Room Rental
-Gym 45.00 / 75.00 47.00/78.00 47.00/78.00 49.00 / 81.00 50.00 / 83.00 50.00 / 83.00 53.00 / 88.00 6.0%
-Mercer Mtg. Room 8.67 9.00 9.00 11.00 12.00 12.00 13.00 8.3%
-P&G Room 15.33 15.67 15.67 17.00 18.00 18.00 19.00 5.6%
-Wellness room 26.00 27.00 27.00 11.00**12.00**12.00 13.00 8.3%
-Gym - Sporting Event 40.00 / 70.00 41.00 / 72.00 41.00 / 72.00 43.00 / 75.00 45.00 / 77.00 45.00 / 77.00 48.00 / 82.00 6.5-6.7%
10520265 Grant Wood Gym 382200 Building/Room Rental 45.00 47.00 47.00 49.00 50.00 50.00 53.00 6.0%
10520430 STEAM, Arts, Nature 346400 Lessons 28.00-48.00 29.00-50.00 29.00-50.00 30.00-52.00 30.00-55.00 30.00-55.00 30.00-58.00 5.5%
10520430 STEAM, Arts, Nature 346300 Potters Studio Pass 210.00 220.00 220.00 230.00 235.00 235.00 250.00 6.4%
10520460 Summer Camp 346400 Lessons 185.00 190.00 190.00 195.00 200.00 200/wk 220/wk 10.0%
1052020 Aquatics Instruction 346400 Lessons
-Red Cross (Group)5.00/lesson 5.00/lesson 6.00/lesson 6.00/lesson 6.00/lesson 6.00/lesson 6.00/lesson 0%
-Private (Adaptive)10-20/lesson 10-20/lesson 10-20/lesson 11-22/lesson 10.0%
-Lifeguarding 165.00 170.00 170.00 180.00 180.00 180.00 190.00 5.6%
-Water Safety Inst. (40 hr)175.00 180.00 180.00 215.00 215.00 215.00 230.00 7.0%
-Lifeguard Instructor 225.00 230.00 230.00 230.00 240.00 240.00 250.00 4.2%
Lifeguard Instructor Recert 100.00 105.00 110.00 110.00 115.00 4.5%
-Lifeguarding Recert 150.00 160.00 160.00 170.00 6.3%
10520530 Water Fitness 346200 -Drop-In 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 0%
10520530 Water Fitness - Monthly Session 4.00/class 5.00/class 5.00/class 5.00/class 0%
- Monthly Unlimited 50.00 60.00 60.00 60.00 0%
10520541 Rec Center Pool Oper 346100 Admissions 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 0.00%
10520541 Rec Center Pool Oper 346200 Punch Pass 31.00 32.00 32.00 32.00 32.00 32.00 32.00 0.00%
10520541 Rec Center Pool Oper 346300 Pool Passes
-Annual Pass 220.00-426.00 227.00-439.00 227.00-439.00 234.00-450.00 234.00-450.00 234.00-450.00 246.00-473.00 5.1%
10520541 -30 Day Pass 20.50-38.00 21.00-39.00 21.00-39.00 22.00-40.00 22.00-40.00 22.00-40.00 23.00-42.00 4.5--5%
10520541 Rec Center Pool Oper 382200 Private Swim Party 75.00 78.00 78.00/hour130.00/1.5hr party135.00/1.5hr party135.00/1.5hr party 150.00/1.5hr party 11.1%
10520542 Mercer Park Pool Oper 346100 Admissions 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 0.00%
10520542 Mercer Park Pool Oper 346200 Punch Pass 31.00 32.00 32.00 32.00 32.00 32.00 32.00 0.00%
10520542 Mercer Park Pool Oper 346300 Pool Passes
-Annual 220.00-426.00 227.00-439.00 227.00-439.00 234.00-450.00 234.00-450.00 234.00-450.00 246.00-473.00 5.1%
-30 Day Pass 20.50-38.00 21.00-39.00 21.00-39.00 22.00-40.00 22.00-40.00 22.00-40.00 23.00-42.00 4.5--5%
10520542 Mercer Park Pool Oper 382200 Private Swim Party 75.00 78.00 78.00/hour130.00/1.5hr party135.00/1.5hr party135.00/1.5hr party 150.00/1.5hr party 11.1%
10520543 City Park Pool Oper 346100 Admissions 2.00-4.00 2.00-4.00 2.00-4.00 2.00-4.00 2.00-4.00 2.00-4.00 New Facility TBD 0.00%
10520543 City Park Pool Oper 346200 Punch Pass 31.00 32.00 32.00 32.00 32.00 32.00 New Facility TBD 0.00%
10520543 City Park Pool Oper 346300 Pool Pass
-Annual Pass 220.00-426.00 227.00-439.00 227.00-439.00 234.00-450.00 234.00-450.00 234.00-450.00 New Facility TBD 0%
-30 Day Pass 20.50-38.00 21.00-39.00 21.00-39.00 22.00-40.00 22.00-40.00 22.00-40.00 New Facility TBD 0%
10520543 City Park Pool Oper 382200 Private Swim Party 225.00225.00/1.5 hr party240.00 / 1.5 hr party250.00 / 1.5 hr party250.00 / 1.5 hr party New Facility TBD 0.0%
10520620 SPI Clubs and Special Events 346400 Lessons 8.50-25.00 5.00-26.00 5.00-26.00 5.00-27.00 1.00-35.00^1.00-35.00^1.00-37.00^5.7%
10520620 SPI Clubs and Special Events 346700 Special Events 5.00-26.00 5.00-26.00 5.00-27.00 1.00-35.00^1.00-35.00^1.00-37.00^5.7%
10520720 Sports & Wellness Programs 346400 Lessons 27.00-53.00 28.00--55.00 28.00--55.00 29.00-58.00 10.00-60.00 10.00-60.00 10.00-475 5.6%
10520820 Adult Sports Programs 30.00-410.00 10.00-425.00 10.00-425.00 10.00-440.00 10.00-450.00 10.00-450.00 ORG consolidated into 10502720
** Meeting room rental rates are now at an hourly rate, rather than a 3 hour block. This helps to provide more flexbility with rentals.
^Base and/or Max Change - more reflective of actual community needs
Cost Center GL / Revenue Type
FY21 Fee FY22 Fee FY23 Fee FY24 Fee FY25 Fee
FY 26 Proposed
(with increase)% Change
10530200 Parks Ops & Maint 382100 Land Rental - Garden Plots 17.00-27.00 17.00-27.00 18.00-28.00 19.00-29.00 19.00-29.00 20.00-30.00 3.4%-5.3%
10530200 Parks Ops & Maint 382600 Theatre/Stage Rental 69.00-206.00 69.00-206.00 71.00-212.00 73.00 - 218.00 73.00 - 218.00 77.00 - 230.00 5.5%
10530200 Parks Ops & Maint 382700 Reservations
-Park Shelters (for 5 hours)17.00-110.00 17.00-110.00 18.00-114.00 19.00-118.00 19.00-118.00 20.00-124.00 5.1% -5.3%
10530200 TTRA 382700 Reservations
-TTRA Lodge (per hour)108.00-215.00 108.00-215.00 115.00-230.00 120.00-235.00 120.00-235.00 110.00-290.00^23.4%^
10530211 Ball Diamonds 382100 Tourn. Fees (land rental)
-Out of town 33.00 33.00 35.00 36.00 36.00 40.00 11.1%
-Local 22.00 22.00 23.00 24.00 24.00 26.00 8.3%
-Lights (per hour)17.00 17.00 18.00 19.00 19.00 22.00 15.8%
10530211 Ball Diamonds 382700 Reservations
-Field Rental Local (per hour)17.00 17.00 18.00 19.00 19.00 20.00 5.3%
-Field Prep Local 33.00 33.00 35.00 36.00 36.00 38.00 5.6%
-Lights (per hour)17.00 17.00 18.00 19.00 19.00 22.00 15.8%
-Field Rental Out of Town 21.00 21.00 23.00 24.00 24.00 27.00 12.5%
-Field Prep Out of town 39.00 39.00 42.00 44.00 44.00 50.00 13.6%
10530212 Soccer 382700 Reservations
-Field Rental Local (per hour)22.00 22.00 23.00 24.00 24.00 26.00 8.3%
-Out of town/game non-tourn 28.00 28.00 30.00 31.00 31.00 33.00 6.5%
-Cross Country event 265.00 265.00 275.00 280.00 280.00 295.00 5.4%
10530212 Soccer 382100 Tourn. Fees (land rental)
-Out of town (per hour)33.00 33.00 35.00 36.00 36.00 40.00 11.1%
10530212 Soccer -Local (per hour)27.00 27.00 28.00 29.00 29.00 31.00 6.9%
10530221 Dog Parks 346100 Admissions
-Annual Tags 53.00-181.00 53.00-181.00 53.00-181.00 53.00-181.00 53.00-181.00 56.00-191.00 5.7%
-Daily Tags 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 0.0%
-Special Events 67.00-128.00 67.00-128.00 67.00-128.00 67.00-128.00 67.00-128.00 70.00-134.00 4.5%
^ Transitioning to peak-season, low-season tiered price structure. Percentage change shown is for highest possible rate (April-September weekends and holidays)
Cost Center GL / Revenue Type
Ending Balance:$238,203.85
September 01, 2024 - September 31, 2024
Beginning Balance:$233,757.08
Total Fund Income:$4,503.37
Total Fund Expenses:$56.60
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
September 01, 2024 - September 31, 2024
Beginning Balance:$48,091.94
Total Fund Income:$0.00
Total Fund Expenses:$0.00
Ending Balance:$48,091.94
Statement Activity
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
Tuesday 1-Oct 5 4 4 6 8 10 4 41 75 19 Water Mindfulness
Wednesday 2-Oct 6 2 2 6 8 7 9 40 13 71
Thursday 3-Oct 6 8 3 1 7 14 4 43 70
Friday 4-Oct 5 5 1 5 15 7 2 0 3 1 0 40 19 4 $2 Swim
Saturday 5-Oct 0 7 4 6 8 2 4 1 3 35 4
Sunday 6-Oct 5 1 3 2 0 65 11 $2 Swim
Monday 7-Oct 6 6 3 6 8 8 7 44 13 63
Tuesday 8-Oct 5 5 6 3 9 11 7 46 65 15 Water Mindfulness
Wednesday 9-Oct 4 1 4 2 6 11 3 31 13 73
Thursday 10-Oct 6 7 4 1 6 11 8 43 Cancelled
Friday 11-Oct 5 7 5 6 9 12 5 7 11 3 0 49 3 21 $2 Swim
Saturday 12-Oct 4 3 1 2 3 1 1 2 0 17 4 25 Pool Party
Sunday 13-Oct 8 14 2 0 0 41 24 $2 Swim
Monday 14-Oct 4 4 4 3 6 9 5 35 7 53
Tuesday 15-Oct 5 4 5 2 7 7 3 33 52 18 Water Mindfulness
Wednesday 16-Oct 7 3 4 6 8 7 6 41 12 63
Thursday 17-Oct 6 3 6 2 7 9 4 37 69
Friday 18-Oct 6 5 5 9 6 8 6 0 0 0 0 45 12 0 $2 Swim
Saturday 19-Oct 6 3 3 2 1 12 3 0 2 32 1
Sunday 20-Oct 0 12 6 0 0 18 $2 Swim
Monday 21-Oct 6 7 5 4 6 10 4 42 17
Tuesday 22-Oct 4 5 6 2 10 9 6 42 15 Water Mindfulness
Wednesday 23-Oct 5 4 3 7 6 5 4 34 11 15 Chaarg U of I
Thursday 24-Oct 6 3 9 4 8 8 5 43
Friday 25-Oct 5 4 2 7 5 10 3 0 6 0 0 36 6 $2 Swim
Saturday 26-Oct 9 2 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 16 3 45 Pumpkin Patch
Sunday 27-Oct 3 13 3 0 0 19 $2 Swim
Monday 28-Oct 6 4 3 6 9 11 3 42 16
Tuesday 29-Oct 7 4 4 5 6 7 6 39 20 Water Mindfulness
Wednesday 30-Oct 3 9 2 9 9 9 3 44 14
Thursday 31-Oct 7 5 8 2 9 6 1 38
144 124 109 116 190 221 116 3 5 23 60 18 2 Grand Total
1028 162 760 275 2225
993 33.2 5.2 24.5 8.9 71.8
text
Indicates $2 Swim. This quantity is not included in Daily Rec Totals .
Totals:
Averages:
Robert A Lee Recreation Center - Indoor Swimming Pool Totals - October 2024
Total Scans:
Hourly 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
Tuesday 1-Oct 10 8 10 10 12 4 11 10 0 7 8 1 1 11 81 16 120 22 $2 Swim
Wednesday 2-Oct 16 13 10 13 8 5 7 10 5 11 12 6 5 5 126 120
Thursday 3-Oct 8 9 11 20 20 6 6 6 1 1 11 2 3 2 66 12 120 40 $2 Swim
Friday 4-Oct 8 11 12 7 16 6 3 9 7 6 9 0 7 0 101 2 120
Saturday 5-Oct 0 9 6 5 1 1 17 5 13 13 5 2 2 2 81 120
Sunday 6-Oct 3 10 7 5 5 5 7 4 2 48
Monday 7-Oct 10 11 11 16 10 6 8 11 8 9 5 4 0 5 114 6 120
Tuesday 8-Oct 7 9 7 4 13 11 6 11 6 57 5 Swim Meet 17 Swim Meet / $2 Swim
Wednesday 9-Oct 11 9 11 14 11 6 8 10 14 7 10 5 9 2 127 120
Thursday 10-Oct 8 5 4 11 6 6 6 7 4 1 8 6 4 5 64 6 120 17 $2 Swim
Friday 11-Oct 8 12 8 15 12 6 1 11 13 11 9 1 5 1 113 120
Saturday 12-Oct 3 6 4 6 7 5 3 4 7 4 5 2 6 1 63 120
Sunday 13-Oct 13 8 7 5 10 4 4 4 2 57 7 LGI Class
Monday 14-Oct 14 8 11 14 9 15 9 21 9 5 8 2 7 1 133 4 120 7 LGI Class
Tuesday 15-Oct 6 12 8 9 11 11 9 17 12 8 7 7 6 1 104 2 120 20 $2 Swim
Wednesday 16-Oct 12 9 7 12 13 9 5 13 5 4 3 7 4 2 105 120
Thursday 17-Oct 7 9 7 12 6 9 3 7 7 2 6 3 3 4 67 4 120 18 $2 Swim
Friday 18-Oct 7 10 6 18 10 8 9 10 9 4 11 8 0 2 112 1 120
Saturday 19-Oct 4 4 12 5 8 6 3 12 8 3 8 8 1 2 84 120
Sunday 20-Oct 4 0 2 6 6 17 7 2 4 48
Monday 21-Oct 9 14 10 12 10 6 4 4 14 10 10 7 6 1 117 7 120
Tuesday 22-Oct 4 8 11 7 15 3 7 6 7 5 3 8 8 3 73 1 120 22 $2 Swim
Wednesday 23-Oct 7 13 16 7 9 9 5 4 4 11 7 5 4 0 101 120
Thursday 24-Oct 7 7 6 13 10 9 6 6 3 44 4 Swim Meet 23 Swim Meet / $2 Swim
Friday 25-Oct 7 11 17 10 15 7 9 9 10 5 6 5 4 5 120 2 120
Saturday 26-Oct 0 Swim Meet Swim Meet
Sunday 27-Oct 15 5 7 9 4 17 10 9 1 77 ICE Intrasquad Meet ICE Intrasquad Meet
Monday 28-Oct 7 10 15 13 10 8 9 7 11 6 3 5 6 3 113 5 120
Tuesday 29-Oct 10 11 13 14 10 5 4 12 2 3 5 3 4 0 72 14 120 24 $2 Swim
Wednesday 30-Oct 10 15 7 13 14 3 12 4 8 6 4 7 8 1 112 120
Thursday 31-Oct 4 0 14 17 11 6 3 4 10 1 1 2 0 0 45 120 28 $2 Swim
204 243 254 297 277 211 196 253 222 168 207 134 122 68 Grand Total
2625 91 2880 245 5841
2421 84.7 2.9 92.9 7.9 188.4
1442
46.5
ICE = 92 (includes masters)
Mercer Park Aquatic Center - Indoor Swimming Pool Totals - October 2024
Totals:
Averages:
Total using Robert A. Lee Pool Open Hours
Average using Robert A. Lee Pool Open Hours
Total Scans:
Indicates $2 Swim. This quantity is not included in Daily Rec Totals .
Closed for Events:
Hourly Totals:
1 Iowa City Parks and Recreation Staff Report | City of Iowa City
Iowa City Parks & Recreation Staff Report
November 2024
Upcoming Events
• Tot Time – Season is September 16 – December 20; 9:30-11:30 am, MPAC
• Holiday Markets – November 16 and December 14; 8 am – 1 pm, RAL
• Day of (Adaptive) Play – November 16; 9 am – 1 pm, MPAC
• Winter Solstice Celebration – December 21; 2-5 pm, RAL
• Noon Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop & Pool Party – December 31; 11:30 am – 12:30 pm; RAL
Notable from Parks & Recreation Staff
Parks:
• Staff successfully finished the 500-tree planting project for this fall. Altogether, we planted 997 trees this
year.
• We have winterized all drinking fountains, restrooms, and irrigation for the winter. The restroom near
the playground in City Park and the Restroom in the H2O building at Terry Trueblood Rec Area are
heated and remain open in the winter.
• We are deconstructing a playground in upper City Park to be reinstalled in lower City Park next year.
• Bids for the projects at Adelaide Joy Rogers, College Green, Brookland, and Calder Parks came in and the
projects will be moving ahead with construction in the spring.
• Staff have reconstructed the overlook on the trail at Ryerson’s Woods and improved the trail stairs to
get to the upper portion of the trail system.
• Staff is reconstructing multiple bridges in Hickory Hill Park to provide better access for small
maintenance and emergency response vehicles along the main north-south trail.
• During the month of November, we send 2 staff members to assist Streets with the leaf vacuuming
program each day.
• We are back up to full staff as we welcomed our newest Parks Maintenance Worker at the beginning of
the month.
• We are working with experts from the US Fish and Wildlife Service, The Nature Conservancy, Johnson
County Conservation, and Drake University to continue our natural area management of Sand Prairie
Park.
• We have received conditional approval for our REAP Grant application for natural area work to be
conducted at Sycamore Greenway. This is a grant in the amount of $200,000.00.
2 Iowa City Parks and Recreation Staff Report | City of Iowa City
Recreation:
• Staff have had a successful run of well-attended October events and programs, many of which were
Halloween themed.
• The second annual Indigenous Peoples Day event was held at TTRA on October 14. This is a well-
received event in partnership with the Indigenous led Great Plains Action Society in an effort to feature
representative entertainment, speakers and food options.
• Winter/Spring activity registration will begin December 10 for residents and December 11 for everyone.
Facilities:
• Ashton House roof-
o Roof is set to be installed soon.
o Project supplies were special order and not arrived.
• Mercer Rec Center-
o Will be closed the morning of 11/15.
o Sprinkler company needs to replace a valve which requires the water to be shut off in the building.
• Scanlon Gym Roof/Sky Lighting project-
o Done.
o Still need to do final walkthrough.
o Scanlon gym did receive water damage during construction and will require resurfacing.
o Flooring contractor is scheduled sand, stripe and reseal the flooring during the month of
December. Project timeline 12/2-12/15.
o The gym will be closed during this time.
o Roofing Contractor is absorbing the cost of this repair.
• Robert A. Lee flooring and pool painting-
o Currently have an RFP out for replacing the Epoxy flooring on the Pool Deck and Both Locker rooms
o Flooring project will happen during the moth of December into January.
o Staff will drain the pool, paint, and do any necessary maintenance that needs done during this time.
• Fall HVAC PM Work
o Staff are continuing service on HVAC units.
Cemetery:
• Staff will begin trimming low hanging branches on our oak trees once we get a few hard frost mornings.
• Staff has been busy hauling away the last of the tree debris collected throughout the year.
• Staff has replenished our black dirt & sand storage bins for the winter season.
3 Iowa City Parks and Recreation Staff Report | City of Iowa City
Top Staff Issues
Parks
• Weather swings continue to impact operations and health of trees and natural areas.
Recreation
• Staff illnesses have impacted program operations.
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 mulching leaves at the cemetery.
• All water hydrants have been shut off for the season.
• Water bags on the new trees will be removed in the next couple weeks.
4 Iowa City Parks and Recreation Staff Report | City of Iowa City
Oakland
Cemetery
FY 25 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 $2,700.00 $3,690.00 8 5.4 $4,885.00 $3,106.50 $7,585.00 $6,796.50
August $4,950.00 $7,871.50 7 7.2 $3,520.00 $4,106.50 $8,470.00 $11,978.00
Sept $900.00 $8,082.50 7 7.0 $3,027.50 $3,919.75 $3,927.50 $12,002.25
Oct $10,350.00 $12,342.00 7 7.6 $3,427.50 $4,103.50 $13,777.50 $16,445.50
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
March
April
May
June
Totals $18,900.00 $31,986 29 27.2 $14,860.00 $15,236.25 $33,760.00 $47,222.25