08-08-16 PARC - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Broden asked if a golf committee is part of any of the recommendations that the Park Board is looking at. Mr. Perri stated that he envisions at least two (2) more advisory committees, possibly for recreation or athletics rather than narrowing them as much as golf. Councilmember Broden expressed her appreciation for Mr. Perri and the Park Board's work. Committeemember Oliver Davis asked if the Council can be included in the plans, and Mr. Perri offered to add it to the resolution. Councilmember Broden brought up the great work being done at Bowman Creek, and explained that there are a lot of benefits coming from the students and volunteers that are working out there. Councilmember Broden stated that Gary Gilot and another professor from Notre Dame wrote the grant and put together internships, and now there are multiple rain gardens and other specific improvements in the park. The Committee discussed having Gary Gilot come to the Council to give an update. Committeemember Dr. Varner explained that even though it is a large volunteer project, the grant has taken care of many of the monetary expenses. Committee Chair Kelly asked Mr. Perri to discuss how the ropes course is coming as well as the letter Vice President Davis sent out today regarding restrooms in the parks. Mr. Perri stated that he has received several comments regarding the Seitz Park restrooms this year. The portable restrooms were eliminated in Seitz Park, and the Parks Department made a deal with the Emporium to allow park patrons to use restrooms in the atrium of the building. The deal is that they keep them unlocked from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily. There is signage in the park and on the door indicating the location of the restrooms. We had complaints about the cleanliness and unsavory activity that happens in portable restrooms after hours. Now where there used to be two (2) toilets, there are now eight (8) with running water and a comfortable place for parents to change their babies or people can change out of their East Race clothes. The down side is that it is a little further away. There was one time when the restrooms were locked early during one of our busiest days, the fourth (4th) of July during the concert and fireworks. Committeemember Davis asked if there is any way to look at having restrooms a little closer to the park. Committeemember Dr. Varner stated that he has been to events where they bring in top notch restrooms with air conditioning that are as nice as anything you could build. He asked if Mr. Perri would look into getting them for Seitz Park. 3