HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 15, 2024 Park Board Meeting MinutesSouth Bend Board of Park Commissioners
Regular Meeting
April 15, 2024
The Board of Park Commissioners of the City of South Bend, Indiana met on Monday, April 15, 2024, at Howard Park Event Center, 219 S. St. Louis Blvd and virtually on Microsoft Teams
for its regular meeting. Notice of the date, time and place of the meeting were duly given as required by law. The public was provided with a link to join the virtual meeting.
Park Board members present were as follows:
Mr. Mark Neal, President
Mr. Sam Centellas
Ms. Georgianne Walker
Park Board members not present:
Ms. Consuella Hopkins, Vice President
VPA staff members present: Jordan Gathers, Interim Executive Director; Anastasia Smith-Davis, Executive Assistant; John Martinez, Chief of Park Operations; Macey Hanna, Director of Recreational
Experiences; Amy Roush, Director of Development; Cynthia Taylor, Director of Community Programming; Kelli Notteboom, Aquatics Manager.
Other city representatives present: Michael Schmidt, Assistant City Attorney; Troy Warner, 4th District Councilmember.
Call to Order
Mark Neal called the meeting to order at 5:02 pm.
Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting held on March 18, 2024.
Motion to approve the meeting minutes of March 18, by Sam Centellas, supported by Georgianne Walker, motion carried. Roll call vote 3-0.
1. Consent Agenda
Motion to approve the consent agenda of April 15, 2024, by Georgianne Walker, supported by Sam Centellas, motion carried. Roll call vote 3-0.
2. Use of Parks-Returning Events
Motion to approve returning events of April 15, 2024, by Georgianne Walker, supported by Sam Centellas, motion carried. Roll call vote 3-0.
Mark Neals interjects that there will be a change in the agenda, reviewal of New Business will happen after consent agenda, the regular agenda order will follow.
New Business
MOU Renewal VMF & VPA- Amy Roush
Amy Roush of 301 South Saint Louis Blvd presents for review the 2024 MOU for Vibes Music Festival. Amy shares that there were minor changes made, which include a 30-day termination clause,
clarification on payments process between VPA and VMF along with a couple other minor changes.
Mark Neals shares his excitement for the next Festival on July 13th.
Motion to approve the MOU by Sam Centellas, supported by Georgianne Walker, motion carried. Roll call vote 3-0.
MOU IPI & VPA- Jordan Gathers
Mark Neal introduces the new item, the MOU between IPI and VPA and turns it over to Jordan Gathers.
Jordan Gathers begins with stating this MOU is twofold, VPA is receiving funding of $25,000 and providing office space. It is felt that this partnership is inclusive and offers programming
for after school programs and the community at large. Jordan opens for questions.
Sam Centellas questions if this MOU is designed to be annual. Jordan answers that it is currently set for a one-year contract, but the parties are hopeful that after this first year
the contract can be revisited. Michael Schmidt continues with mentioning historically the city has been in support of IPI, so the funding and the partnership at O’Brien is a new way
for the city to partner with organizations they support and make sure they are in successful environments.
Mark Neals comments asking if all programming through IPI will happen at the O’Brien Center. Hiis question is answered by Jordan, who says by way of the agreement O’Brien Center is the
primary hub, but VPA will be flexible with IPI allowing them to use whatever facilities they feel are needed within VPA.
Motion to approve the IPI & VPA MOU by Sam Centellas, supported by Georgianne Walker, motion carried. Roll call vote 3-0.
Recommended Price Increase for Recreational Experience – Macey Hanna
Mark Neal introduces the last item under new business and comments after this portion the agenda will return to its original order.
Macey Hanna, Director of Recreational Experience of 219 S. Saint Louis Blvd, South Bend. Macey asks the Commissioners to look at the 2024 proposals to see the newest updates with pricing
for Leeper Park Tennis Center. She continues to inform the group that in the past Leeper Park Tennis Center has charged at a rate of $200 per day with a $20 hourly rental fee, which
in past seasons equated to $360. The recreation team had much difficulty tracking the number of hours people are at the complex and what their need was. Moving forward, the new suggested
rate for the future is $500, more specifically a fee toward tournament rentals. General play is open to the public and the public will not be charged to use the courts. Continuing on
with the Bane Pickleball courts, general users will not be charged a fee to play; however, to rent the courts will also be a charge of $500. Fees associated with renting courts will
be communicated through the Park Use applications, which must be filled out and completed to rent park spaces.
Mark Neal asks for clarification that each of these cases fall under “use of parks”. Sam Centellas follows up with asking if there is a limit someone could book a tournament in terms
of making sure the space is available to the public.
Macey answers that each rental of any court would classify as park use, she also mentions that there have been no issues with tournaments hindering public use of the parks.
Macey moves on with her presentation to the Aquatics portion. Prices for swimming lessons have increased by $10, the previous rate was $45 has now gone up to $55. Scholarship opportunities
are still available for residents. Residents that receive the scholarship will pay $25 for swimming lessons. Currently there are 155 kids in the program and a waitlist over 30, the
program is steadily growing.
Mark Neal questions the location of the lessons. Macey confirms they are still held at Riley High School.
Macey moves on to discuss season passes for the East Race. In previous years Kayak passes have been available. This year day passes will be introduced, day passes will cost $20, giving
residents access to both rafting and kayaking for the day. Season passes are increasing from $50 to $75; the season is 13 weeks long. Macey notes that the East Race is only open on
Saturdays and Sundays.
Sam Centellas asks if scholarships are awarded to community groups. Macey answers that community groups do not necessarily receive a scholarship; however, they receive certain discounts.
Macey continues with the last piece, Kennedy Water Playground. Currently children under the age of 2 are not being charged to enjoy the pool. This year a $2 charge will be implemented
in hopes for families with multiple children of different ages will take advantage of the season pass. 21 season passes were purchased last year and the hope for double this season.
Motion to approve the Price Increase by Georgianne Walker supported by Sam Centellas, motion carried. Roll call vote 3-0.
Mark Neal narrates the next section of the agenda, the recognition of the Outstanding Partner
Outstanding Partner: IUSB Honors Program- Jordan Gathers
Jordan Gathers opens with honoring IUSB’s Honor Program for their longstanding commitment to academic excellence, and community engagement. He celebrates them in their consistent help
and collaboration with VPA’s Earth Day events over the years. He applauds them for their efforts to educate their students beyond the classroom by affording them opportunities to be
involved in Community events. Jordan invites the Honors Program team to speak on behalf of the award.
Mark Neal invites a representative to speak on behalf of society.
Neovi Karakatsanis and a small group of share their experiences. Neovi begins by sharing her gratitude for this recognition from the Park Board and VPA. She continues to state that the
Honors Program has worked alongside VPA’s Earth Day event for the last seven consecutive years and says how much of an honor it has been working with VPA. A few of the students from
the program touched on how much academic and personal growth they’ve achieved through the Honors program and their experience working with VPA.
Mark Neal invites the students to join the Ecological Advocacy Program that is run through IUSB.
Interviewing of Interested Residents
Debra Durral of 21677 Park Road asks for support and guidance with an interview she would like to do with the Parks Director. These interviews have been conducted with over 40 representatives
in different counties across Indiana, the interviews are being done to get an overview of vegetation management.
Debra states that the interviews can happen over lunch or dinner due to the nature of the questions. She concludes by asking the Board to support this interview.
The Commissioners give their support.
Use of Parks- New Events by Amy Roush
Amy Roush of 301 S. Saint Louis Blvd. begins giving updates on the newest Park events.
Motion to approve the New Park Events by Sam Centellas, supported by Georgianne Walker, motion carried. Roll call vote 3-0.
Report by Director of Recreational Experience Macey Hanna
Macey opens with her report by stating this winter season compared to last has had more closures due to weather. She continues with the total attendance amount for this skating season,
which was 38,000, compared to roughly 40,000 last seasons. Although attendance was higher per day this year than last, this season still lacked in attendance overall. She applauds the
aquatics manager Kelli Notteboom for the excellent job she’s doing managing staff. Historically there have always been a large team to manage, currently the team is taking into consideration
how much the team should grow and be utilized in more spaces. Macey touches on the increase in the “Learn to Skate” program that increased in attendance this season.
Mark Neal questions if the attendance number were effected by the warm temperatures in February, being it was one of the warmest February’s in a long time. Macey follows up with confirming
that is most likely the reason behind and touches on the structure of the ice rink facility and how it is constructed to maintain even in slight warm weather but not again abnormal
warm weather and sun, which is what was encountered this season.
Macey continues with an update on academics during the winter with the basketball program at O’Brien seeing 330 participants. Practices were held at the O’Brien and Charles Black Centers,
while games were held at Edison Intermediate and O’Brien. She introduces a few upcoming events like National Kids to Park day, happening May 18th at Kennedy, Leeper, and Potawatomi
Parks. Leeper will be celebrating USDA National Tennis Month with an event on the same day. The Homer Pickle Ball tournament will happen Saturday, June 22. Aqua aerobics will also run
at Clay High School with 31 registered participants, due to the closure of Clay High School, Kelli Notteboom is working with Adams High School to possibly run the program there.
Mark Neal turns the meeting over to Jordan Gathers for final section.
Business by Interim Executive Director Jordan Gathers
Jordan begins by thanking all who are in attendance and states he wanted to provide visuals on the updated projects that are going on in the department. Jordan continues with the following
updates:
POET program- VPA’s park engagement and outreach team have been very instrumental in providing constructive opportunities for the youth and engaging them by activity across our city
and community.
LaSalle Park – located on the Westside of town at the Charles Black Center. Improvements will cause revitalization and transformative experience to residents. Will see revitalization
to the outdoor areas as it relates to outdoor pavilion, exterior bathrooms, and a roller-skating loop.
Seitz Park- Although there have been sad delays the project continues. A new concession area will be added connecting to the East Race Waterway, along with new seating and lighting.
Coquillard- Home to the oldest splash pad in the city, will receive new features.
Southeast Park- Adding a new splashpad.
Multiple updates will be made to outdoor athletic courts.
Dream Center- A great investment for the West side of town, construction is ahead of schedule. The new facility will include community access to yoga and dance studios, a state of the
arts gym, café, and much more.
Byers Softball Complex- VPA will be presenting to the State House this upcoming Friday to secure funding for this project. Funding will provide new amenities and improvements, with hopes
to bring in National level tournaments.
Kennedy Park- Have been awarded a $7.5 million dollar grant to transform the aquatic facility. Substantial growth will be seen in the completion of this project.
Morris- Council just passed phase two for financing. An additional 20,000 square feet will be added to create speak for all kinds of events, most specifically the equity and arts program.
Jordan concludes his updates.
Adjournment
No other questions or comments from the Park Commissioners, meeting adjourned at 6:06 pm by President Mark Neal.
The next scheduled meeting will be held Monday, May 20, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. at Howard Park Event Center and virtually.
Respectfully Submitted,
Anastasia Smith-Davis