Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 4/10/2017CITY OF GLENDALE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING THUNDERBIRD CONSERVATION PARK 59TH Avenue between Deer Valley and Pinnacle Peak Roads, Ramada #6 April 10, 2017 6:00 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Barbara R. Cole, Vice Chair Alicia H. Rubio Ethan McAffee Lorrie Moreno Dan Huston MEMBERS ABSENT: Henry Rosas Len Koh OTHERS PRESENT: Erik Strunk, Director Public Facilities, Recreation & Special Events Tim Barnard, Assistant Director Stephanie Miller, Program Manager Mike Gregory, Deputy Director Bryan Wagner, Park Superintendent Chris Kurtzhals, Park Ranger Supervisor Fred Sanchez, Park Manager I. CALL TO ORDER Vice Chair Cole called the meeting to order at 6:20 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Vice Chair Cole took roll and noted that Commissioners Rosas and Koh were not in attendance. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — MARCH 13 2017 Motion by Commissioner Rubio, second by Commissioner McAffee, to approve the March 13, 2017 meeting minutes as written. Motion carried 5 — 0. IV. BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR None. V. OVERVIEW OF THUNDERBIRD CONSERVATION PARK Mr. Barnard shared that Thunderbird Conservation Park is a 1,185 -acre park which was built by the Civil Construction Corps in the 1930's. Mr. Barnard noted that the site was originally owned by the county and later by the City of Glendale. Mr. Barnard commented that because the site is a conservation park, the amount of intrusion and impact is limited and minimized. A map of the park indicating trails, ramadas, restrooms, and viewing areas was provided to the Commissioners. Mr. Barnard introduced and complimented the efforts of Mr. Sanchez, who will reach his one-year anniversary with Parks Maintenance in July 2017. Mr. Wagner provided the following overview: • The park is open from sunrise to sunset, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, except the park closes early on July 3rd and July 4t" at 3:00 p.m. due to firework activity. • There are 19.8 miles of trails. • Amenities and activities available include picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, jogging, and bird watching. • There are four wildlife viewing areas on the north side of the retention basin. The retention basin is a conservation lake and therefore, there is no fishing allowed. Signage is posted regarding the prohibition. • Events held by the public at the park include weddings and Easter Sunday gatherings. • Recent park enhancements include painting new parking lot lines, completing trail work, and signage improvements. Mr. Barnard commented that approximately one year ago, outreach was conducted and the trail signage system was redesigned. Trail difficulty ratings were revised to black, blue, and green as used in snow skiing and on other Maricopa County trails. Mr. Barnard stated that trail information can be found on park signage and online. Vice Chair Cole inquired about horses at the park. Mr. Wagner replied that horses and riders can access the park from all entrances and there are specific horse trailer parking areas. Ms. Miller commented that in summer 2016, Staff Intern Stone Lieberman focused on creating, administering, and analyzing the results of an intercept survey at Thunderbird Conservation Park to better understand the opinions, wants, and needs of park patrons. A second focus area involved developing opportunities for a volunteer program at the park. Ms. Miller stated that staff is currently in the process of developing a docent script and educational materials for the trails at the park, which should be finalized by this summer. Ms. Miller added that by the end of December and early 2018, it is hoped that the docent program will be underway. Ms. Miller noted that staff could use assistance from the Commissioners to recruit docents and encourage visitors to attend a tour. Commissioner Rubio inquired if staff has reached out to the Maricopa County Community Colleges. Commissioner Rubio commented that as part of a geology class in which she was enrolled, the professor conducted a class at the Thunderbird Conservation Park, which was very informative. Ms. Miller will follow up on the suggestion. Commissioner Rubio inquired if the volunteer program was part of the Master Plan. Mr. Barnard replied that there are four separate Master Plan updates to be conducted: Overall Department, Thunderbird Conservation Park, Open Space and Trails, and the Sahuaro Ranch Park Historic Area. Vice Chair Cole inquired as to when the last Master Plan for Thunderbird Conservation Park was completed. Mr. Barnard replied that it was done in June 2005. Commissioner Rubio commented that she did not see a lot of ADA parking. Mr. Barnard relayed that this issue is a challenge at the park. Mr. Barnard noted that the City of Scottsdale built Bajada Trail, at Highway 101 and Bell Road, which is an ADA accessible trail. Mr. Barnard stated that this is the only true ADA accessible trail in the valley. Mr. Barnard commented that staff could research the future possibility of an ADA trail in Glendale. Commissioner Rubio suggested a plant trail for an ADA trail and that staff obtain bids to include it in the Master Plan update for the park. Mr. Wagner noted that there is ADA parking and access to the wildlife viewing area. Vice Chair Cole inquired about the purpose and use of the amphitheater in the park. Mr. Barnard explained that the amphitheater was in place when the City purchased the property from the county. Mr. Barnard relayed that there has been some programming in the past using the amphitheater but there is no particular funding in the budget for current or future programming. Mr. Barnard opined that the amphitheater might be utilized for the docent program. Mr. Wagner announced that on Saturday, April 29h, the Stargazing Astronomy Club will host a stargazing party in Parking Lot J from sunset to 10:00 p.m., which is free to the public. 2 Vice Chair Cole thanked staff for the presentation. VI. UPDATE ON THE YOUTH MASTER PLAN Mr. Gregory relayed that at the August 2016 Commission meeting, a discussion was held regarding a desire to develop a Youth Master Plan. The Commission expressed interest and included the goal in the FY17-18 Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Work Plan, which was approved in November 2016. Mr. Gregory stated that there have been a few issues which have caused delays with the development of the Youth Master Plan, such as changes in staff, staff focus on various outreach projects, and the resignation of former Chair Padia. Mr. Gregory commented that former Chair Padia was working with staff to develop the plan and wondered if other Commissioners would volunteer to assist staff with the Youth Master Plan. Mr. Gregory relayed that there are approximately 26 youth organizations which use City facilities and it is important for these groups to understand the City's philosophy regarding youth activities, which will be included in the Youth Master Plan. Mr. Gregory added that the Youth Master Plan will provide foundation to the focus of the IGA with the Glendale Elementary School District, the five non -profits which provide afterschool programming, and the upcoming agreement with Special Olympics. Mr. Gregory stressed that the Youth Master Plan would include focus on recreation, career readiness, health and wellness, academics, and out-of- school efforts. Mr. Gregory announced that Ms. Lisa Robson, Recreation Programmer, and Mr. Anthony Garcia, Recreation Programmer, will work on developing the Youth Master Plan. Vice Chair Cole volunteered to work with staff on the plan. Mr. Gregory stated that Ms. Robson and Mr. Garcia are in the process of developing a steering committee, have drafted an interest letter for use in recruiting participants in the planning process, and are drafting focus group questions. Staff has also met with City of Peoria personnel, which has a Youth Master Plan in place, for additional information. Mr. Gregory noted that Grand Rapids, Michigan has an excellent Youth Master Plan as well which is also being reviewed as a format model. Mr. Gregory added that Ms. Kim Larson, Marketing/Communications Manager, will be developing news releases to recruit for the focus groups. Commissioner Moreno inquired as to how often the focus group would meet. Mr. Gregory estimated that the group would meet periodically over the next 60 to 90 days. Commissioner Rubio asked if staff has considered the use of virtual meetings. Commissioner Rubio commented that use of such technology could expand the number of participants. Commissioner Rubio stated that for some people, conference calls or virtual meetings could be the preferred or necessary method of participation. Mr. Gregory replied that staff has discussed embracing new technology. Mr. Gregory commented that initially staff would prefer to engage participants face-to-face; however, it does make sense to teleconference as well. Commissioner Rubio inquired as to the timeframe for gathering data. Mr. Gregory replied that staff is currently gathering data and is moving along on pace, but more participants would be beneficial. Commissioner Rubio asked when the last Youth Master Plan was completed. Mr. Gregory replied that this would be the first one. Commissioner Rubio suggested that staff inform the public that this will be the City's first Youth Master Plan, not just an update. Vice Chair Cole thanked Mr. Gregory for the update. VII. UPDATE ON O'NEIL PARK PROJECT 3 Ms. Miller stated that at the January 2017 Commission meeting, the results of community surveys regarding the potential renovation of the pool and bathhouse were initially presented. The following park amenities received the most requests: • Pool: 14% • Splashpad: 9% • Updated playground: 8% • Additional grills: 7% • Dog Park: 6% • Additional ramadas: 6% • Additional picnic tables: 6% Ms. Miller announced that staff is currently developing cost estimates and conceptual drawings for redevelopment options based on the community feedback. Ms. Miller stated that the cost estimates and conceptual drawings will be brought back to the public and Commission for review. Mr. Barnard commented that Council has asked staff to include the project in the FY 17-18 CIP as a placeholder. Mr. Barnard stated that the recent estimate for the demolition and reconstruction of the Rose Lane pool was utilized as the placeholder. Mr. Strunk clarified that although the final project preference has not been finalized, the estimate for the pool will be used as the placeholder. Commissioner Rubio inquired as to the cost estimate. Mr. Strunk stated that the estimate is a little over $5.0 million. Mr. Barnard added that the estimate includes a zero -depth entry, water slide, and lap pool. Mr. Strunk noted that demolition of the current pool and bathhouse is also included in the estimate. Mr. Strunk cautioned that the placeholder is only for the construction estimate, however, future operation and maintenance must be considered as well. Vice Chair Cole thanked staff for the update. VIII. STAFF UPDATES Mr. Strunk reported that he met with representatives of the Glendale Civic Pride Ambassadors regarding the possibility of the organization serving as a 501(c)3 umbrella fiduciary for the division. Mr. Strunk stated that the agency is very open to the suggestion. Mr. Strunk explained that the next step is for a review of the administrative cost necessary for the Civic Pride Ambassadors agency to process the donations, which must be determined and agreed upon. Mr. Strunk stated that tax-deductible public and private donations, including corporate donations, could be used for capital projects, such as a pool. Mr. Kurtzhals shared information regarding the Arizona Rangers, which included the following: • The original Arizona Rangers were established by legislative act on March 21, 1901 by the 21" Arizona Legislative Assembly and were modeled after the Texas Rangers. • The present day Arizona Rangers, ARS 41-4201, are an unpaid, all volunteer, non-profit 501(c)3, law enforcement support and assistance civilian auxiliary in the state who work cooperatively at the request of and under the direction, control, and supervision of established law enforcement officials and officers. • The Arizona Rangers also provide youth support and community service. • The Rangers complement local police departments' existing staff by increasing their manpower without increasing their budget. • Many of the Rangers are former or retired law enforcement or military personnel who are trained in peace officer standards. • There are approximately 300 Rangers statewide. • The Rangers are uniformed, can carry weapons, and are insured. 4 Mr. Kurtzhals stated that he utilized the services of the Colorado Rangers in his previous position in Colorado and it was an excellent partnership. Mr. Kurtzhals commented that he will call upon the Arizona Rangers when needed for large, special events. Vice Chair Cole inquired if the services of the Arizona Rangers are free. Mr. Kurtzhals replied in the positive, adding that the Rangers must be booked in advance of an event. Commissioner Rubio inquired if the Arizona Rangers use horses. Mr. Kurtzhals stated that there are a few Rangers in the valley who would like to incorporate the use of horses. Mr. Kurtzhals noted that in Colorado, some of the Rangers used ATV's, mountain bikes, and horses. Mr. Barnard reported on the recent requests to fly or install the American flag at the Thunderbird Conservation Park. Mr. Barnard stated that based on a Council request, Mr. Sanchez and Mr. Wagner are gathering bids for installation of flying a lit American flag 24 -hours a day at the park. Mr. Barnard commented that solar illumination will be researched as well. Mr. Barnard noted that locations being considered include the main entrance and at the top of the mountain. Commissioner McAffee inquired as to the size of the proposed flag. Mr. Barnard replied that the flag would be approximately 25-30 feet. Mr. Sanchez added that the aluminum pole would not be silver, but would have a finish that would blend in with the park. Mr. Barnard reported that the RFP was issued for the department's Master Plan update. Mr. Gregory's report included the following: • Basketball Court Resurface Dedication was held. The resurfacing was funded by the NCAA/Final Four. Photo provided. • Rededication of the Paseo Racquet Center was held. • April 13`" Rededication of the Glendale Community Center, 5401 W. Ocotillo: Partners In Action, the non-profit conducting afterschool programming at the center, received an $80,000 grant for improvements to the center and $20,000 for programming. All Commissioners are invited. Mr. Strunk announced that the May Commission meeting will be held at the Rose Lane Recreation Center, and agenda topics will include recommendations for operations at the community centers and the FY 17-18 department budget. Mr. Strunk commented that the final Movie in the Park for the season will be held next Friday. IX. COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Rubio requested an update on the cultural art incubator. Mr. Strunk explained that this was in regards to the possibility of some vacant downtown properties being converted into an arts complex. Mr. Strunk stated that there was some interest in this project about eight or nine months ago and is being spearheaded by the Economic Development Department and the Arts Program. Commissioner Rubio was aware of an individual with interest in the program. Mr. Strunk provided a contact name for Commissioner Rubio. Commissioner McAffee commented that the Thunderbird Conservation Park is a beautiful park. 5 Vice Chair Cole stated that she has Bachelor's Degree in Youth Leadership from ASU and is very interested in participating on the Youth Master Plan. Vice Chair Cole enjoyed meeting at the park this evening and noted that it is good exposure to the hikers who have been walking by to see the Commission and staff at the park. X. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Rubio, second by Commissioner McAffee, to adjourn the meeting at 7:18 p.m. Motion carried 5 — 0. The next regular meeting will be held on May 8, 2017, at 6:00 p.m. at the Rose Lane Recreation Center, 5003 W. Marlette Ave. Respectfully submitted, Denise Kazmierczak