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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPARC Committee Annual ReportDate: To: From: 2016 Annual Report of the Parks, Arts, Recreation and Culture (PARC) Committee of the South Bend Common Council December 29, 2016 The South Bend Common Council The Office of the City Clerk Council Member Randy Kelly Parks, Arts, Recreation and Culture (PARC) Committee Chairperson File in Clerk's Office K<A+REEMAH FOWLER CITY CLERK, SOUTH BEND, IN As Chairperson of the South Bend Common Council's Parks, Arts, Recreation and Culture (PARC) Committee, I am pleased to file the 2016 Annual Committee Report. Pursuant to Section § 2 -10(i) of the South Bend Municipal Code, this report sets forth a summary of the key activities conducted by the Parks, Arts, Recreation and Culture (PARC) Committee throughout the year. Duties: The Parks, Arts, Recreation and Culture (PARC) Committee "oversees the various activities of the Century Center, Regional Museum of Art, College Football Hall of Fame, Morris Performing Arts Center, Department of Parks and Recreation, Studebaker Museum and related activities ", as established formally by the South Bend Municipal Code. Members: There were four (4) Council Members and two (2) citizen members this year serving on the Parks, Arts, Recreation and Culture (PARC): Council Member Randy Kelly, Chairperson Council Member Dr. Dave Varner, Vice - Chairperson Council Member Oliver Davis, Member Council Member John Voorde, Member Ralph Lampkin, Citizen Member John Mazurkiewicz, Citizen Member Meetings: The Parks, Arts, Recreation and Culture (PARC) Committee, as of the date of this Annual Report, has met ten (10) times this year. Summary of 2016 Committee Topics • Discussion on disposition of property at 26595 Auten Road, Elbel Park • Creation of Special Committee to study and make recommendations regarding Elbel Golf Course • Aaron Perri hired as Executive Director of Department of Parks & Recreation • Update and discussion on Department of Parks & Recreation • Opening of Rum Village Aerial Adventure Park • Opening of City's First Dog Park — Niles Avenue Dog Park • Parks Major Upgrades — Keller, Kelly and Fremont 2016 Annual Report of the Parks, Arts, Recreation and Culture Committee December 29, 2016 Page 2 • $5 Million Regional Cities Grant Awarded to Riverfront Parks & Trails • Planning Commences for Riverfront Parks & Trails Upgrades • Realignment of Departments into new Venues, Parks & Arts Department • Dennis Andres honored for contributions to Morris Performing Arts Center, retires after 16 years • Wicked returned to Morris Performing Arts Center for a run of 16 show • Tedeschi Trucks - 1St ever self - promoted show booked at Morris Performing Arts Center • Record Special Event Attendance • South Bend Cubs Stadium expansion approved in December • IUSB /SB Parks Agreement for Veteran's Memorial Park Softball Field Usage & Upgrades • Agreement with University of Notre Dame to utilize underground space at Seitz Park for hydroelectric turbines • Public Art Program commences at Howard Park • Morris Performing Arts Center receives "Prime Site Award" by Facilities Magazine for 11 consecutive years • Morris Performing Arts Center ranked #82 for ticket sales among top 100 US theaters • Century Center renews SMG Management Contract • Century Center completes energy savings performance contract • Aaron Perri publishes article about technology and parks in national NRPA magazine • South Bend Parks hosted author Peter Kagayema for workshop on creating emotionally engaging places • Former Notre Dame Boathouse converted into South Bend Boathouse • Volunteer -led "Resurrect the Roses" initiative produces beautiful results • Potowatomi Zoo opens endangered species carousel • Roof replaced at Rum Village Nature Center • Air Conditioner added at MLK Center Gym • Ecological Advocacy Committee Created by Park Board Resolution • Planning underway for $4 million Charles Black Center expansion and renovation • EPA conducted 6 months' worth of samples at LaSalle Park — investigation ongoing • SB 150 Awarded Best Program in State by Indiana Parks & Recreation Association The Parks, Arts, Recreation and Culture (PARC) Committee is focused on all special activities that occur in the City of South Bend that enhance the quality of life of the community. Thank you for the opportunity to serve. Respectfully Submitted, Council Mem er Ran4 Kelly, Chairperson Parks, Arts, ecreation'and Culture (PARC) Committee