HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 16, 2024 Park Board Meeting MinutesSouth Bend Board of Park Commissioners
Regular Meeting
September 16, 2024
The Board of Park Commissioners of the City of South Bend, Indiana met on Monday, September 16, 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.
*Due to issues with audio recording during the September 16th Park Board meeting, minutes may not reflect all statements given.
Park Board members present were as follows:
Ms. Consuella Hopkins, Vice President
Mr. Sam Centellas
Ms. Georgianne Walker
Park Board members virtually present:
Mr. Mark Neal, President
Park Board members not present:
Ms. Georgianne Walker
VPA staff members present: Jordan Gathers, Interim Executive Director; Anastasia Smith-Davis, Executive Assistant; John Martinez, Chief of Park Operations; Amy Roush, Director of Development;
and Gary Demski Athletics Manager.
Other city representatives present: Michael Schmidt, Assistant City Attorney; Canneth Lee, 1st District Councilmember.
Call to Order
Consuella Hopkins called the meeting to order at 5:03 pm.
Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting held on August 19, 2024.
Motion to approve the meeting minutes of August 19, by Consuella Hopkins, supported by Sam Centellas and Mark Neal, motion carried. Roll call vote 3-0.
*Audio issues occurred causing in person board members not to be able to communicate with virtual board members and audience.
Consent Agenda
Motion to approve the consent agenda of August 19, 2024, by Sam Centellas, supported by Consuella Hopkin, motion carried. Roll call vote 3-0.
Interviewing of Interested Residents
Consuella Hopkins makes the announcement that this part of the meeting is reserved for those that would like to discuss any items that are not listed on the agenda, then opens the floor
for remarks.
Haj Patel 904 E Jefferson Street. Extends his compliments for Fusion Fest. He attended on Sunday with his daughter and had an amazing experience. He thanked all the many resources invested
by the Parks Department, City, and Law Enforcement and also thanked the staff and volunteers who made it such a successful weekend and concludes with hopes that the Fusion Fest will
continue.
New Business
Resolution No. 0002-2024 – Michael Schmidt
This resolution is in support of Potawatomi Zoo Readi 2.00 Grant Application. *Audio recording issues occurred.
Motion to approve Resolution No.0002- 2024, by Sam Centellas, supported by Consuella Hopkins, motion carried. Roll call vote 3-0.
Michael Schmidt clarifies that the items 5B and 5C are the same action item. He apologizes for the miscommunication to the Clerk. He continues to explain there has been a longstanding
project between the city, the University of Notre Dame, and FREG South Bend, who operates and own Stevenson Mills. Michael explains that there will work to do on the road that runs
adjacent to the Stevenson Mills parking lot. These upgrades will address some engineering aesthetic concerns. Michael continues by stating that everyone is excited to get Seitz Park
opened along with getting Stevenson Mills property back to its original state and the new developments with the Cascade building.
Motion to approve the 1st Amendment Project Agreement, by Sam Centellas, supported by Mark Neal motion carried. Roll call vote 3-0.
Reports by Director of Recreation- Macey Hanna
Macey Hanna begins with sharing there are two new team members to the recreational experience team. One, Gary Demski, Athletics Manager and Theodora Philippou, Howard Park Manage. Theodora
began in May and Gary joined shortly after in June. Macey continues with her report by giving an update on athletics stating there has been a lot of activity this summer with VPA tennis
camps and tennis lessons. The success of the summer tennis programs led to a tennis program being underway. Over the weekend a cancer tournament took place to honor and support cancer
survivors.
Sam Centellas asked how was pickleball at Leeper Park. Macey answered that pickleball was going great. Macey continued to report that 47 teams have been registered for the fall softball
leagues at Buyers Complex, a significant increase from previous years. With Buyers going under construction next year it is great ending this year on a high. This year alone, the complex
has brought in $200,000 just in tournaments. Macey shares that VPA is currently looking forward to the youth basketball program this year, registration opened September 9th and closes
September 30th. Currently we do have just over 50 participants registered for the program, so just in a short week's time and so looking forward to pushing out some more communication
on the youth basketball. But this is a partnership with the South Bend Community School Corporation to ensure that our youth are getting a positive experience, offering something that
is equal play for everyone. Program ages are k-5th grade, games will happen at the O’Brien Center and Edison. Continuing she speaks on the role of the new Howard Park manager, Theodora
“Dora”. Since her start she has been very busy working on events like Howard Park 125 and Senior Week. Two great events with great partnerships, both events brought joy and fun to the
community. Dora
also brought back to Howard Park Spark in the Park, an event geared towards younger children ages 3 and up.
Business by Interim Executive Director Jordan Gathers
Jordan Gathers opens thanking the community for the great turn out at Fusion Fest. He also Venues Parks & Arts team for all their efforts and hard work of planning and executing the
2024 Fusion Fest.
Jordan Gathers gave the following updates:
Pleasure to be recovering from Fusion Fest. Blessed with beautiful weather all weekend, many families got to enjoy the festivities safely.
Seitz Park, although issues have occurred with the river wall which has caused delays in construction, the project is still pushing through.
Awarded funding earlier in the year, Byers complex is finishing strong, construction is set to start early 2025.
Dream Center, the dream is here! Construction is moving at a rapid pace.
Looking forward to the ground breaking of the Four Winds Field, which will yield a transformative experience for the community.
Annual Youth Scholarship Golf Outing is around the corner. This is the 22nd year of celebrating youth.
NRPA is near! A group of VPA leadership will be traveling to Atlanta for the national conference in October.
Adjournment
No other questions or comments from the Park Commissioners, meeting adjourned at 5:45 pm by Vice President Consuella Hopkins.
The next scheduled meeting will be held Monday, October 21, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. at Howard Park Event Center and virtually.
Respectfully Submitted,
Anastasia Smith-Davis