#10 BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING Monday, September 11, 2000 Present: Joe McLeland, M.S. Mitchell, Trix Niernberger, and Leon Robinson Absent: June Bailey, James Johnston, and William Sanders Also Present: Dr. Glen Dey - Northeast Heights Neighborhood Association; Curtis Whitten - District Representative - Colts Junior Football; Terry Crayton - Hoop City, Inc.; Willard Burton - Matlock Heights Neighborhood Association; Treatha Brown-Foster - Northeast Millair Neighborhood Association; Wilber Williams - McAdams Golf Association; Lucy Burtnett - Riverside Citizens Association; and Doug Kupper and Maryann Crockett (staff) President Mitchell called the meeting to order at approximately 3:30 p.m. The minutes of the Regular Meeting of August 14, 2000, and Special Meeting of August 18, 2000, were reviewed and approved. 1. Annual Election of Officers. On motion by Niernberger, second by McLeland, IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED to re-elect the current slate of officers by acclamation. President - M.S. Mitchell; First Vice President - June Bailey; and Second Vice President - Leon Robinson. 2. Grove Park Discussion. Requested by M.S. Mitchell. President Mitchell briefly reviewed the item referring board members, neighborhood association representatives and others to the park site grading plan developed by Savory, Ruggles and Bohm. He commented that although the Kansas National Guard (KANG) has indicated they are still interested in participating in the project, the City was reviewing liability issues associated with long-term maintenance and operation of the park, if the KANG was allowed to do preliminary site work. Mitchell stated that the original plan was for the KANG to grade the roadbed. He said the road would be a standard City street with curb and gutter. He briefly reviewed other proposed improvements including the football fields, parking lots, golf greens, landscaping, and play areas. Mitchell stated that he had been in contact with representatives from the KANG who explained that although the 2000-2001 training schedule had already been set, it was subject to change provided the City completed the appropriate paperwork and the application was approved by KANG. Mitchell briefly reviewed the KANG project application form and stated that he would like to finalize the application, with neighborhood input, at a meeting to be held on Saturday, September 23, 2000, at 10:00 a.m. The following individuals spoke regarding the plan: * Dr. Glen Dey - Northeast Heights Neighborhood Association - stated that the neighborhood groups were still very much committed to developing the park in a way that would bring the entire community together. He briefly mentioned the picnic facilities and play areas. * Curtis Whitten - District Representative - Colts Junior Football - stated that the McAdams golf group was committed to developing the golf portion of the park and that they were working on grants from Wichita State University and Brayburn Golf Course. * Terry Crayton - Hoop City, Inc. - stated that Grove Park was important to the community and that he would like to see development get started. * Willard Burton - Matlock Heights Neighborhood Association - said the neighborhood groups were still interested in assisting the City to develop Grove Park into a full community park. He said they have commitments for the donation of materials and man-hours from various schools, private groups, retailers, landscape and construction firms and other organizations besides the KANG. He said they were basically waiting to see what the City was going to do. Director Kupper explained that the City was currently developing a Request for Proposal for design services. He said once a firm has been selected and the design study completed, a list of materials needed for construction can be developed for the various groups to use when soliciting project donations. The neighborhood groups requested that they be provided a project cost breakdown. * Treatha Brown-Foster - Northeast Millair Neighborhood Association - asked for clarification on the issue of the liability insurance. Director Kupper explained that the purpose of the liability insurance was to protect both the City and the KANG in case something went wrong either during construction or after completion of the project. He commented that the City Law Department would review the KANG application prior to submittal. * Wilber Williams - McAdams Golf Association - spoke in support of the golf portion of the project. There was brief discussion concerning why the golf portion of the plan had been revised. Staff explained that the intent of the golf practice area was to teach children and youth the basics about type and use of the different golf clubs, stance, etc. The practice area was never intended to include putting greens or a driving range. Whitten asked how the golf area would be maintained and controlled. Director Kupper responded that it would be a self-contained unit with signage directing people how it should be used and that the users would have to help monitor activity at the site. Discussion concluded. Whitten requested that additional bleachers be installed at the football field as soon as possible. 3. Swimming Pool Discussion. Requested by Trix Niernberger. President Mitchell referred board members to Niernberger's E-Mail re: improving swimming facilities. Niernberg reiterated her opinion on the need to upgrade and improve Wichita's swimming pools. She briefly reviewed her E-Mail stating that of the 40,000 people who visited the Wellington pool last year, 20% of them were from Wichita. She said she would like to see the Board investigate construction of a decent aquatics facility and suggested that the Board tour the Wellington and/or Hutchinson pools. Also, she would like to see additional monies budgeted next year in order for pools to stay open through Labor Day and so that evening hours could be established in order for families to participate in swimming activities. She also mentioned the concept of late night pool parties for youth and other fun activities. She added that she would also like to see staff trained to treat children with some dignity and respect. Mitchell commented that one of the items mentioned in the park facilities study was the need to keep pools open longer, encourage adult participation, establish other aquatics activities such as pool parties, water volleyball, etc., and move the fences further out from the pool so that grassy areas are available for lounging. There was general discussion concerning pool maintenance and cost accounting and recovery issues. Director Kupper indicated that in the future, the department would attempt to recruit older people to manage pools. He said since many of the lifeguards are sixteen years and slightly older, staff believes that older management will set a quality example of how to best serve pool patrons, regardless of their age. He also mentioned that the City is competing with the YMCA and places like Barnacle Bills for lifeguard staff. He added that City staff was exploring expanding hours and providing additional training for staff by water divers from the Fire Department. He commented that at this point in time, most of the pools currently do not have adequate lighting to stay open beyond sunset. OLD BUSINESS President Mitchell referred board members to the copy of Council Proceedings dated 8/22/00 re: Disposition of Kingsbury Property attached to the agenda. OTHER BUSINESS There was brief discussion concerning the mini-city hall concept and the status of the Riverside Park System Master Plan. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at approximately 5:00 p.m. ____________________________ M.S. Mitchell, President ATTEST: ___________________________________ Maryann Crockett, Clerk Park Board 09/11/00 (Contd.) 1 4