HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Parks And Recreation Advisory Committee - 05/12/2021PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Regular Meeting * Wednesday, May 12, 2021 5:30 p.m.
Webex
MINUTES
I. Call to Order by Chairperson Alissa Mejia at 5:30 p.m.
II. Roll Call of Members
• Present: Alissa Mejia, Twila Stevens, Florence East, Howard Schauer, Hannah Husby, Jacob
Dryden, Lawrence Heatley, Mandy Cox, Amy McCoy, Diego Solis, Casandra Lorentson
• Absent: None
• Quorum was met.
III. Public Comment
• None
IV. Adoption of Minutes
• Regular Meeting – Adoption of Minutes from April 14, 2021: Minutes from April 14, 2021, were
passed unanimously.
V. Police Department Report
• Police Department Report – Captain Ed Shannon: Rains earlier in the month caused significant
traffic at Blucher Park. Tennis courts at South Bluff Park have been improved with less transients
passing through. Transients have been charging their phones at both Water’s Edge Park and
Artesian Park. PD is requesting that the power outlets and Wi-Fi be shut off at 10:00 p.m. and
signage posted with park hours. Barge dock still needs gates fixed. The gates are being maintained
by the American Bank Center. We have received notification that it is in progress.
VI. Educational Topic
• Aquatics Summer Programming – Caleb Harris: Caleb Harris, Aquatics Program Manager,
presented the Aquatics Summer Programming plans and schedules for summer of 2021. Presented
specifics for plans regarding Collier Pool and the Natatorium, Oso Pool and Greenwood Pool, HEB
Pool and West Guth Pool, and various programs including water aerobics, deep-water jogging, the
summer swim league, learn-to-swim classes, and a new splashball day camp for youth water polo.
• Howard Schauer: Is there a method to track usage for each location?
• Caleb Harris: We do track usage for our pools by having people sign in and provide their zip codes.
We do not have a method for tracking usage of splashpads though.
• Jacob Dryden: What information have you extracted from that data?
• Caleb Harris: I have not been able to extract any information yet.
• Sarah Munoz: Perhaps after summer is over a report can be ran in October to show that information.
• Alissa Mejia: What costs are associated with swim lessons and water aerobics?
• Sarah Munoz: We will find out the costs of entry and send that information to you.
• Casandra Lorentson: Will the information on the website be updated?
• Caleb Harris: Yes, it will.
VII. Old Business and Possible Action
• None
VIII. New Business for Discussion and Possible Action
• None
IX. Committee, Liaison/Staff Reports
• Island Strategic Action Committee (ISAC) – Liaison Twila Stevens: Discussed controversy about the
location of the proposed Beach Operations maintenance facility at Commodore Park. The proposed
facility will be an industrial facility placed in a residential area and would create excess traffic as
neighborhood residents primarily use Commodores Dr. to access HWY PR 22. Large and slow-
moving beach equipment would significantly disrupt traffic flow. The Island HOA (PIPOA) spoke at
the ISAC meeting saying the PIPOA opposed the facility at the Commodores Park location.
Additionally, discussed rendering of the Beach Operations maintenance facility. Planned to be
placed behind the fire station, but the rendering shows it going more towards the middle of the park
and taking up too much space. ISAC supports building the facility but suggested placing it at an
alternate location such as the water tower near Sea Pines.
• The rendering will be shared with PRAC members.
• PARD will tentatively schedule to attend the next ISAC meeting.
• Watershore & Beach Advisory Committee – Liaison Howard Schauer: Meeting on 5/6/21. Discussed
desire for maintenance and upgrades at the Oso Bay Hike & Bike Trail, Red Head Pond, Duncan
Pond, Dimit Park, and Walden Park. Also requested more information about the Rails to Trail
Program.
• Flour Bluff Advisory Committee – Liaison Florence East: Planning has been finalized and will be
presented to City Council soon.
X. Director / Assistant Director Reports
• Assistant Director – Kevin Johnson: Presented proposed new playground and shade structures for
parks in districts 1, 2, 4 and 5 via the 2020 Bond. Shoreline and Downtown palm trees have been
recently trimmed. Second round will come soon to serve other areas of the City. Showed picture of
showers being installed at Zahn Road. Showers at 3A are currently in progress.
• Lisa Oliver showed rendering of Sherill Veteran’s Memorial Park. Construction expected to being
June 2021 with an expected completion date at the end of September 2021.
• Howard still waiting on information regarding the USS City of Corpus Christi SSN-705 memorial
location and point of contact. Meeting will be had in June between Howard and Parks Management.
• Kevin stated Parks & Recreation’s intent to approach playground construction with consistency
across the City. Continuing with installation of more Sprouts playground units.
• Discussed installation of more bench seating throughout parks along with the proposed playground
units. Parks has more benches on hand that can be installed upon request.
• Completion date for installation of Bond 2018 playgrounds and shade structures will be May 29,
2021. Completion date for installation of Bond 2020 playgrounds and shade structures is still
unknown.
• Interim Assistant Director – Lisa Oliver: Open Air Concert will be hosted by Arts & Culture
Commission on May 14, 2021, at Heritage Park. Water Safety Day held on May 15, 2021, at Collier
Pool in observance of Water Safety Month. Summer Camp 2021 hosted by After Hour Kid Power at
Calk-Wilson, Club Estates, Faye Webb, and Wood River elementary schools from June 14 – July 30
from 7:30am to 6:00pm. Registration now open for Sports Camps which will be open from June 7 –
August 5, 2021. Summer 2021 Youth Indoor Soccer League registration open as well. Parks is
currently hiring staff for Summer 2021 open positions such as lifeguards and After Hour Kid Power
leaders.
• Interim Director – Sarah Munoz: Shared Cole Park Mural presentation and Additional Park
Enforcement Officers presentation recently brought to and approved by City Council.
XI. PRAC Member Questions/Discussion
• Question regarding senior centers reopening. Senior centers will begin reopening in phases starting
in June 2021.
XII. Identify items to be placed on next agenda – June 9, 2021.
• None
XIII. Adjournment at 6:37 p.m.