HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-24-04 Parks, Arts, Recreation & Culture Pam, Arts,Recreation and Culture(PRRCI Committee
The May 24,2004 meeting of the Parks,Arts,Recreation and Culture(PARC)
Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Sean Coleman at 3:38 p.m.
Persons in attendance included Council Members Dieter,Pfeifer,Kelly,Puzzello,
Varner,Kuspa, Coleman, White and Kirsits; City Clerk John Voorde, Park Superintendent Phil
St. Clair,Chad Kilmer,Kenneth Fedder,Robert Henry,members of the South Bend Fire
Department,Larry Magliozzi,Rita Kopola, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand,Council Attorney.
Council Member Coleman thanked everyone for coming to the PARC Committee
meeting which was called to receive an update on the city golf courses.
Park Superintendent Phil St. Clair and licensed professional golf pro Chad Kilmer made
the presentation. They noted that the city golf courses have been busy and that they have
received favorable survey results on the golf courses.
A one-page handout dated April 24,2004 was then reviewed setting forth information on
the Studebaker Golf Course(copy attached). It was noted that the net loss in operations was
reduced by$108,571 from 2002 to 2003. It was noted nationally that golf is flat as an industry
and the 9-hole courses are in less demand. It was also noted that last year the season was
shortened to April to October instead of March to November. Other factors affecting the bottom
line include the overall state of the economy and consumer confidence. Through April,revenue
is up$3,500 which represents an increase of 33%.
In response to a question from Council Member Puzzello, it was noted that a round of
golf at Studebaker is $7.00 with a junior round costing$3.50, with credit being given to Melanie
for the increased participation.
Dr. Varner stated that there is a very good program in place at Studebaker. He voiced
concern however over the decrease in personnel at Studebaker.
Chad Kilmer noted that the supervisor at Studebaker is now also doing maintenance and
that chemicals are used for the greens and t's; whereas Erskine has four(4)full-time employees
and five(5)part-time employees doing maintenance of the greens.
In response to a question from Council Member Pfeifer, Chad Kilmer stated that the
youth participating at Studebaker is broad-based--from Granger to the Westside. He noted that
inner city-youth are participating since residents are given priority over non-residents. He
offered to provide a copy of their survey data at a later date.
Council Member Kirsits inquired about the condition of the fence and was advised that it
has been addressed.
Council Member Coleman stated that this is all encouraging news and he is pleased that
the deficit of two years ago is being addressed. Studebaker appears to be on good footing. He
noted that a number of quality golfers got their start at Studebaker and with the improvements
made to date it will continue to offer a quality 9-hole golf course.
Council Member Kelly concurred with Council Member Coleman.
Council Member Coleman noted that inquiries have been made into the planning process
with Chuck Lehman,and was advised by Mr. St. Clair that an Action Plan should be ready in the
next couple of weeks.
Council Member Coleman then congratulated Phil St. Clair for being appointed to the
Greater Park Association by the National Parks and Recreation Association. Mr. St. Clair noted
that this is a 3-year appointment which will focus on student curriculums.
Council Member Coleman thanked Robert Henry,a member of the Board of Park
Commissioners for coming to the Committee meeting.
Under miscellaneous business,Council Member Kirsits voiced concern about the
increasing amount of graffiti found throughout the city and in particular in the city parks. He
noted that stencils are beginning to be used and suggested that the"Marathon Races"be
reconsidered as possibly encouraging graffiti along the East Race.
Dr. Varner inquired about the lights at O'Brien and was advised that neighbors have not
complained to date.
There being no further business to come before the Committee,Council Member
Coleman adjourned the meeting at 3:53 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Council Member Sean Coleman
Parks,Arts,Recreation and Culture(PARC)Committee
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Attachments
Parka,Arta.Beeretdien Can tPA60I 24`2094 Page 2