Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-05-01 Parks & Recreation tommtt goat: Darks ana turcation tomintt t The March 5, 2001 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Sean Coleman at 4:02 p.m. at the Parks &Recreation Center, 321 East Walter Street, South Bend,Indiana 46614. Persons in attendance included Council Members King and Coleman;Mayor Stephen 1 Luecke, Park Superintendent Phil St. Clair, Assistant Director Paul McMinn,Director of Recreation Susan O'Connor,Bob Goodrich,Patrick Theisman,Rev. Craig Clapper, Steve Donager of the Valpariso Parks & Recreation Department, Leda Covington, Patrick O'Connor, Joe Sergio, Jim Frick, A. Mike Dysjkiez, Scott Way,Mike schimmel,Jaime Layne,Brian Null, Joshua Stump,Dan Moore, Melanie Lemasters, Jason Bliley, Bob Wilson, Daniel P. Naua, C. Wood, Jennifer Romarynowski, Nick Donaldson, Amber Percifull, Mathew Fischer, Randy Collins, Austin Sandoval, Eric Sienicki, Rachel Donaldson, Jim Vyverberg, Alex Udell, Elizabeth McKinley, Mark Bradley, Velma Whitteberry, Rose Kaufman, Tommy Werntz, Kevin Blearey, Leta F. Corington, Anthony Bruno, Ben Bruno, Max Anderson, Dan Coy, Aaron Gryberson, Jeff Kelly, Christina Johnson, Cory Craft, Terisa Kvasnka, Rick Gerver, Karen Gerver, Dustin Lauer, Andrew Richthammer, key Horning, Beth Beiersdorf, Rich Payton, Kandis Allgood, Eric Allgood, Dibbie Lauer, Karl Luke, Phil Maternowski, Max Meternowski,Tamara Mann, Wendy Mann, Earl Banfy, Nick Cecde, Andy Maguite, Ken Spalding, Jeff Kelly, Bob Wilson, Liz McKinley,Terry Bland of the*out") Votti Zr$bUnt, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member Coleman welcomed everyone to the Council's Parks and Recreation Committee. He then introduced Mayor Luecke and Council Member King to the audience and noted that the Committee did not have a quorum of its membership present. Council Member Coleman noted that the meeting was called to discuss and receive information about the proposed skateboard facility at O'Brien. Mayor Luecke stated that a skateboard and in-line skate park was proposed in the budget,however it had been deleted in light of liability concerns and other competing issues competing for those dollars. He welcomed everyone to provide input on this proposed project. Phil St. Clair, Park Superintendent noted that approximately two(2) weeks ago the skate park was proposed in the capital budget. He noted that many Council Members requested additional information and therefore this Committee meeting was called. Paul McMinn, Assistant Director, stated that skateboarding is no longer a fade. Approximately 300 parks were built throughout the nation last year and a similar number are currently at the discussion stage. He then introduced an intern, Patrick Theisman, who provided handouts to the audience (copies attached) which he summarized. He noted that the projected expenses should be covered by the projected revenues to cover the costs of such a park. The City anticipates providing lessons on a fee basis,as well as other structured fee-generating programs. Rev. Craig Clapper, the minister from Trinity Evangelical Free Church located at 61770 Miami Road, was then introduced. He noted that his church constructed an outdoor skatepark which soon became more popular than recent indoor recreational facilities which were constructed. Much of the labor was donated as well as many of the supplies to build the park. Ken Spaulding,a Youth Pastor with the church,noted that they have 450 registered skateboarders • Parks and Recreation Committee March 5, 2001 Page 2 at their church. The park is well supervised. Waivers, identification cards and helmets are required. Users of the park come from the local community as well as Granger and Michigan. He noted that the church also has a BMX Dirt Track which serves as an outreach program to the community. On Tuesday and Thursday evenings during good weather they average approximately 70 skaters an evening. He noted that they have few behavior problems. He concluded that the church is proceeding ahead with an in-door skateboard park in the near future. A film about the church's park was then shown. Steve Donager of the City of Valpariso Parks and Recreation Department stated that in 1977 a series of meetings similar to this one were held in Valpariso. A 1416 member committee was established in preparation for the building of Flounders Park. It is a street park with all above- ground materials. The project cost totaled $ 60,000, with $30,000 of that amount being raised by volunteers. Eventually users of the park were used as volunteers to help construct portions of the park. Valpariso charges $ 3.00 for three (3) hours of usage at the park. They provide gear for rental. Non-Valpariso residents are charged $ 5.00 for three (3) hours of park usage. Mr. Donager stressed that having a joint city/community program for fund-raising and building helped create"ownership in the park". In 1999, the 1st year of operation they had 600 waivers on file; in 2000 they had 1,400 waivers on file. Last year they had two (2) skate competitions and a skate camp. They do not have BMX ramps. He noted that having the community "be a part of the process"proved a positive approach in their community. Mr. Donager noted that having a skate park did not stop skateboarders from skating in the downtown. He stated that using steel frames and steel studs turned out to be a"nightmare". Rain in mist form required the park to close. He stated that all such facilities should be well-fenced. Leda Covington of the South Bend Community School Corporation stated that she received a call this morning from the Parks and Recreation Department about the possibility of partnering with the City on this project. She stated that she is at Dickenson Middle School and is involved with a 21st Century Community Grant after school program. Transportation to the skate park would have to be provided. She also noted that partnering with the Police Youth League should also be considered by the city. Mr. Patrick O'Connor of City Securities, Inc. of Indianapolis noted that his insurance company has insured the Goodwill Games, Pan American Games, Olympics and others. Since 1991 they have been involved with providing coverage for skate parks and has not found them to be more difficult a risk. Coverage would require careful risk management, monitoring of activities, separation of time and space activities to name a few. He noted that certified instructors would also be a requirement. Further recommendations include that the facility be guarded, gated and lighted and that written releases be a requirement. He said that skateboarding has become a mainstream sport for the younger generation. Council Member Coleman thanked all of the speakers for their input. He suggested that a future committee meeting take place on either March 12th or March 26th. Council Member King noted that this was the first public discussion on the skateboard park concept. He noted that he sees it as a good idea, however he questioned whether spending possibly up to $ 250,000 on one (1) segment of the community's population was prudent. He noted that there are many concerns that have been raised with regard to the current conditions of t n Parks and Recreation Committee March 5, 2001 Page 3 many neighborhood parks in each of the Districts. He sees the greater issue as one of a matter of priorities with regard to the best usage of this money. Council Member King concluded his remarks by suggesting that a series of meetings be held, noting that he especially liked the approach which the City of Valpariso took with regard to a 50/50 partnership with the community and building the facility. Mayor Luecke suggested that March 26th would be the preferable date. He further noted that the city would need to map out a course of action. Council Member Coleman stated that technically the funds have already been earmarked and that the city could go forward with the bidding process, however the members of the Council would need to be persuaded. He then opened the meeting up for comments from the public. Mr. Jim Frick of the South Gateway Association spoke in favor of the proposal. Liz McKinley a Park Department health and fitness coordinator spoke in favor of the facility noting that it would make O'Brien a multi-family facility. Daniel P. Naua of Granger stated that he owns a business on the westside which has skating equipment. He said the biggest issue is the proposed fee which he said he opposes. He said the park should be free and then people will come. Jeff Kelly stated that he owns skateboard equipment shop on Mishawaka Avenue. He said the city's park would draw from a large area. Phil Maternowski spoke in favor of the park, noting that he knows many skaters that pay$ 15 to $20 to skate in Mundleline. Bob Wilson stated that he too owns a indoor skate shop and had an indoor park for two (2) years. He questioned why the city would have to partner with anyone. Council Member Coleman thanked everyone for coming to the Committee meeting. Mayor Luecke also thanked everyone for coming. There being no further business, Council Member Coleman adjourned the meeting at 5:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Sean Coleman, Chairperson Parks and Recreation Committee KCF:kmf Attachments