Benjamin Dickens

The committee meeting covered several old business items, including scheduling a February meeting with Boulevard Apartments to discuss the multi-use track trail easement, reviewing the positive reception of the Nall Park multi-use track trail proposal at a recent forum, securing partial funding for a custom recycling bin for R Park, and noting that Jan Grebe will research tree marker options further due to concerns about potential conflicts with memorial plaques. Budgetary matters included allowing a $253 carryover from the 2015 allotment and planning for the 2016 allotment of $1000, alongside $48,563 allocated for Park improvements capital expenditures. Priorities need to be established for large ticket items like the Nall Park bathroom and R Park tennis court. In new business, the committee discussed recruiting new members, addressing resident concerns about a lack of shade at R Park, and expressing favorable response to a proposed Park Passport collaboration with other Northeast Johnson County cities. New action items included completing replacement costs assessments for Sweaney Park, Cooper Creek Park, and the Community Center, and committee members signing KOMA documents.

The Parks Committee meeting focused on current funds availability and updates on past actions, noting the success of the Nall Park Open House. Key discussions involved the assessment of R Park play structures, which showed the large structure nearing the end of its life and both structures requiring repairs for safety; the committee agreed to begin planning for a replacement structure purchase around 2018. Ongoing action items included seeking reappointment for 2017 committee members, following up on recycle bin identification, reviewing costs for tree markers for presentation to Council in December 2016, approving the purchase of two toddler swing seats, and deciding on the disposition of unsightly art stones in Granada Park. The committee also agreed to a JCPRD request for using Nall Park for a Geocaching Event, pending Council approval. A special meeting was scheduled to finalize recommendations for the R Park Masterplan.

The meeting focused on several key areas within parks management. Under old business, the installation status of the R Park Drinking Fountain was confirmed as complete. New business involved resident concerns regarding the need for additional toddler swing seats and the placement of a bike rack in R Park, both requiring discussion during the R Park charrette. A presentation was given by the Heartland Tree Alliance regarding a potential grant for 20 trees, which requires Council approval for grant writing. Ongoing action items included the near completion of the Nall Park restroom, shelter, and drinking fountain restoration, and a decision pending on the bench purchase for Carpenter Park after metal benches were deemed inappropriate. The committee is preparing for a Community Forum on August 22nd to present accomplishments and future goals. Open action items include advancing the Community for all Ages initiative targeting completion by October 2016, and updates needed from the Art Committee regarding recycle bin identification and art stones in disrepair.

The meeting covered several topics concerning park maintenance and future planning. Completed action items included the successful landscaping project at the Community Center and initial landscaping work at City Hall, with plans to address islands on Juniper and Sycamore next. New business involved addressing resident concerns about the weathering of R Park picnic tables and benches, receiving compliments on new basketball nets at R Park, and reviewing the NE Johnson County Park Passport Program scheduled for July and August. The committee considered installing tree markers in R Park at a cost of $750, pending a trial success. Status updates were provided for ongoing projects, including the ordering of the First National Bank Plaque for the R Park Drinking Fountain installation (target completion mid-June) and the Nall Park renovation (targeting June completion). The committee reviewed the proposed long-term Capital Improvement Budget, recommending that R Park tennis court revitalization and the Nall Park walking/bike path project be moved to 2017, and correcting associated costs. Following disappointing attendance at Arbor Day, the committee planned to re-evaluate the event structure for future years. The committee also agreed to recognize Public Works employees on May 20th. Open action items regarding a donor policy, memorial tree program, and sun sails were noted for follow-up.

The meeting addressed several action items, including securing a quote for a custom recycling bin lid for R Park, which was approved for purchase at a cost of $705.00 to be installed on an existing receptacle. Public Works provided a review of immediate needs across parks, such as replacing damaged benches at Carpenter and Granada Parks, replacing dog waste disposal containers with metal ones, and addressing issues at Nall Park including a drinking fountain and shelter revitalization (both RFP in progress). Long-term improvements and budget priorities for 2017 needed submission by March 21st. New business included planning for the Arbor Day Celebration on April 30th, discussing landscape rework, and installing handicapped swing seats at Nall Park prior to March 26th and R Park prior to April 30th. The Committee selected Granada Park for the Park Passport submission. New funding actions included securing $200 from Sustainability and approval from community foundation donors for the R Park recycle lid.