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10/27/1997PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER October 27, 1997 Present: Donald Harris Chair Larry Lindner Vice Chair William Kirbas Board Member Gary Giordano Board Member Ream Wilson Parks and Recreation Director Jon Russell Administrative Support Manager II Kathy LaTerza Recreation Program Coordinator J.P. Atherholt Recreation Supervisor Birgitt Dowd Public Information Specialist Absent: Charles Weaver Board Member Gary Meritt Board Member Geraldine Shriver Board Member The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. at Ross Norton Park Recreation Center. To provide continuity, the items are listed in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. 2. Minutes Approval - September 22, 1997 Member Lindner moved to approve the minutes. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 3. Correspondence None. 4. Retirement Ream Wilson announced that he would be retiring after 30 years with the City on December 19, 1997. He thanked all board members, current and past, for their unselfish dedication and contributions to the City’s Parks and Recreation system. 5. Skate Parks - Discussion with Jon Russell Mr. Russell explained that he has held three public meetings to gain public input regarding skate parks, in-line skating, bicycling, skateboarding, etc. Over 250 people attended these three meetings which were held at the Main Library, the East Library and the Library at Countryside. Mr. Russell distributed a sheet showing data collected from the public meetings. He said approximately 60 percent of the people were from the City of Clearwater, and that approximately 60 percent were youth with 40 percent being adults. He indicated, along with member Kirbas, that Clearwater Beach appeared to be the most popular location to skate. Mr. Russell said that of the various type facilities, a “skate park” is of primary interest. He said 95.5 percent of people attending the meetings preferred “skate parks”. Sixty-two percent of the people also preferred that skate parks be built using the community park concept. This is where there would be two, three or four smaller community parks with one larger “City-wide” facility being constructed at a future date. Mr. Russell also informed members that the majority of people preferred free participation at skate parks with them being unsupervised. Mr. Russell passed out photos of a large competition recently held at a new skate park facility in the city of Naples. Mr. Russell and Mr. Wilson also indicated that Mandalay Park on Clearwater Beach would probably be the first site recommended for a skate park facility in Clearwater. Members thanked Mr. Russell for sharing the information with them. 6. Upcoming Recreation Events - Report by Birgitt Dowd The board received handouts highlighting programs and events scheduled for the month of November. Of specific interest were: (1) A Doll’s House (a play at the Memorial Civic Center), (2) Military Appreciation Day, (3) Good Life Celebration, (4) Clearwater Folk Arts Festival, (5) Times Turkey Trot, (6) Pasta Prelude, (7) Thanksgiving Cookout. Mrs. Dowd also discussed various recreation programs held at Ross Norton Park Center, Morningside Center, and Countryside. She also discussed some of the aquatic programs at Ross Norton Park Pool. Mrs. Dowd responded to questions regarding recreation activities. 7. Ross Norton Park Program - Kathy LaTerza Ms. LaTerza distributed and discussed the ”Fall ‘97 Schedule” for the Ross Norton Park Complex. This schedule included activities conducted at the swimming pool, the recreation center, and Ed Wright Park. Ms. LaTerza also responded to questions by board members. Ms. LaTerza introduced J.P. Atherholt, supervisor of the Ross Norton Park Complex. Mr. Atherholt showed a series of slides covering all activities promoted and conducted at the Ross Norton Park Complex. Considerable discussion and questions ensued with Mr. Atherholt and Ms. LaTerza addressing each question. 8. Old Business A. Capital Improvement Projects Status - Ream Wilson Mr. Wilson announced that three public hearings have been held to gain recommendations regarding skating activities. He also said that the contractor for the renovation of the Jack Russell Stadium infield is on site with work to be completed by December 1. He said that the schedule for the development of Lake Chautauqua Park has been revised due to additional concerns of SWFWMD. He also said that the Clearwater Beach swimming pool (Family Aquatic Center) is out to bid and should be submitted to the City Commission for final award on December 4, 1997. 9. New Business A. November Meeting Location and Program The November meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board will be held on the third floor of City Hall. The primary program will be a status report on the Family Aquatic Center, the swimming pool to be constructed on Clearwater Beach. Mr. Wilson said that this report would be ready and member Kirbas indicated that he would invite representatives from Clearwater Beach. 10. Board and Staff Discussion Mr. Kirbas indicated that the wood walkover structures on the street ends of Clearwater Beach need attention. He said that nail heads protrude and need to be addressed. Mr. Wilson responded that he would have this done immediately. Mr. Lindner said that the sign regarding the Nagano Olympics located at Keene and Druid was recently well-landscaped. He complimented the department. Mr. Giordano had no comment. Mr. Harris asked if netting could be installed at the Sid Lickton Little League Complex to preclude spectators from being hit by foul balls. Mr. Wilson responded that this subject has been looked into previously but that we would readdress the matter. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.