Gahanna Parks & Recreation Board Meeting - September 24, 2025

Note: The agenda and minutes indicate the meeting was held on September 17, 2025, but the instruction for this summary specifies the date as September 24, 2025. This discrepancy is noted.

The Parks & Recreation Board met to discuss the 2026 draft budget, approve a fee waiver for Gahanna Lincoln High School, receive the Director's Report, and hear committee updates. The meeting was called to order at 7:02 PM with all members present.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: A motion by Miller, seconded by Simmons, to approve the August 20, 2025 minutes as published passed unanimously (7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public visitors were present.

Discussion Items

• 2026 Budget Draft: The board reviewed the draft budget. Key discussion points included:
  • Golf Operations: Member Ross noted a large increase in taxable revenue (food sales) without a corresponding increase in expenses. The Director explained that higher sales volume is due to increased course usage, and that resale items are expected to recover 100% of costs plus profit. Overall, total revenue increased ~5% while total expenses decreased ~1% compared to last year's budget; the projected net loss is $713,000 (excluding payroll).
  • Senior Operations: Member Shepherd questioned a 50% increase in materials and supplies (from $20,000 to $30,000) for the senior center, attributed to an upcoming move to a new building. Revenue projections were conservative due to unknowns about the move-in date.
  • Street Trees: Shepherd noted contract services for street trees were budgeted at $427,000 in 2025 but only $99,000 spent year-to-date (as of July). The Director explained that funds are allocated for a tree inventory and a large fall planting, which will increase expenditures by year-end. Professional services are for an arbor master plan.
  • Fee Increases: Member Miller asked if revenue projections include fee increases (e.g., greens fees, registration). The Director confirmed yes, but noted the board approves the cost recovery model, not specific fees.
  • Hunter's Ridge Pool Utilities: Simmons identified that the 2026 budget request for Hunter's Ridge Pool omitted utility costs. The Director acknowledged this as an error.
• Fee Waiver – GLHS (Gahanna Lincoln High School): A request from teacher Katie Roslovik for a fee waiver of $100 for a class event on September 19, 2025 at Woodside Green was presented. The event is for the high school's developmental disabilities class. The board discussed the process for fee waivers: schools automatically get free use of shelters Monday through Thursday on first/second shift; weekend requests require board approval. Nonprofits receive a 25% discount automatically. A motion to approve the fee waiver was made by Kaminski, seconded by Miller, and passed unanimously (7-0). The board also discussed the need for a year-end review of all fee waivers to refine the criteria.
• Director's Report: The Director highlighted:
  • Successful aquatics season with high participation in swim lessons and overall visits.
  • The splash pad remains open with good attendance.
  • Upcoming events: Senior Expo (September 25) and final Gahanna Market (October 1).
  • Sweet Celebration event had higher-than-expected attendance and positive feedback on the Creekside plan.
  • Community garden partnership with GRIN (Gahanna Residents in Need) resulted in nine pounds of zucchini donated; plans to expand raised garden beds at the Rockwood Dry Cleaners location.
  • Goat grazing was used for hillside maintenance; cost-effective and will continue.
  • Skate park update: Asphalt at Schull Park has been removed and replaced with turf; no new location identified yet.
  • Mountain bike trail maintenance co-op with Columbus Academy is progressing; allowed for Class 1 e-bikes only.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Fee waiver for GLHS (unanimous 7-0).
• Budget: No vote taken; board provided feedback for adjustments (e.g., correcting Hunter's Ridge Pool utilities).
• Future Action: The board will receive a year-to-date summary of fee waivers and the pricing policy will be discussed in October.

Committee Reports

• Bicycle & Trail Advisory Committee (BTAC): Reported by Ken Shepherd. Meeting had ~13 attendees. Topics included the Active Transportation Plan, bike rodeo (tentatively April 18, 2026), Section 8 of the Big Walnut Trail (Hamilton Road connection, underpass at I-270), and wayfinding signage grant (MORPC). Remaining trail rides: September 21, October 19, and October 26 (starting locations vary).
• Gahanna Active Senior Advisory Committee (GASAC): Reported by Chrissy Kaminski. Membership reached 595 (24 new members July–September), exceeding the initial goal of 575. Senior Expo on September 25. Golf league cookout had 92 attendees (highest ever). Next meeting November 18 at 3:00 PM.

Poll Members for Comment

• Ken Shepherd reminded the board about the Traveling Memorial Wall (replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial) coming to Veterans Memorial Park from October 2–6, 2025. Volunteers are needed; sign-up information will be shared.

Adjournment

• The meeting was adjourned on a motion by Ross, seconded by [unclear], at approximately [time not specified].