Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Regular Meeting - October 15, 2026

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) met on October 15, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. to discuss the 2026 Master Plan Progress Update, receive reports from boards and commissions, and hear the Director's Report. Key topics included the formalization of quarterly master plan updates, progress on the Open Space Master Plan Phase 2 action items, and updates on capital projects, creek management, and wildfire mitigation. No public comments were received. The meeting adjourned unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the Agenda: The agenda was approved unanimously with no amendments.
• Approval of August 20, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes: The minutes were approved unanimously after an amendment was added to include specific details from Board Member Catherine Hansen-Stamp's comments regarding the Open Space Master Plan discussion. The amendment was incorporated.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were received in person or via email.

Discussion Items

• Master Plan Progress Update Memo: Staff presented a consolidated memo outlining 2026 accomplishments aligned with the Parks and Recreation Master Plan (PRMP) and Open Space Master Plan (OSMP). PRAB members discussed the format and agreed to receive quarterly updates going forward. The board emphasized the importance of prioritizing OSMP Phase 2 action items, particularly the field-based inventories (SAP O9), as a foundational step for future decisions. Staff noted that a two-year action plan is being developed from internal strategy workshops held in September and October.
• CAPRA Reaccreditation: Staff clarified that reaccreditation is on hold due to staff capacity, but best practices are being followed to facilitate future accreditation.
• Open Space Master Plan Implementation: Cathy Hansen-Stamp and other members stressed the need for regular updates on OSMP priorities. The board discussed the critical nature of completing biological inventories before moving to Phase 3. Staff reported that a dedicated open space funding request has been submitted to City Council for the first time.
• Citywide Sign Plan: A citywide sign planning effort is underway to create consistent standards for interpretive, wayfinding, and educational signs. Funding requests of $10,000 (2027) and $50,000 (2028-2031) have been submitted.

Boards and Commissions Interface Items

• Sandy Hazzard (Special Events Review Committee): Reported that the committee is finalizing its mission statement and considering changes to grant approval frequency (twice a year instead of monthly). Summer event attendance data is pending.
• Laurel Starr (Arts and Culture Commission): Announced that the jury selected “Pollinators at Play” – three metal orbs with flower stamens – as the public art installation for the Lions Park Playground. The artist will coordinate with the developer. An open house on public art is scheduled for October 28 at the Golden History Museum.

Director’s Report

• Budget Update: City Council reviewed the budget on October 13. Several Parks and Recreation items were discussed.
• Dinosaur Ridge License Agreement: Resolution 3368 approving the license agreement with Friends of Dinosaur Ridge will be a consent item on the October 27 City Council meeting.
• Fossil Trace Irrigation Project: Underway, completion expected spring 2027.
• Lions Park Playground: 60% design review completed; 90% design in progress.
• Irrigation Audit: Completed; report pending.
• Clear Creek Management: Staff reported on the impacts of low water and high visitation, including bank erosion, vegetation damage, and increased litter. Code enforcement focused on prohibited items (chairs, coolers) and closures were implemented. A potential request to convert a CSO position to a commissioned officer for creek corridor enforcement was discussed at City Council.
• Water Conservation: The city reduced water use by 19% compared to 2025 and 26% compared to the five-year average during drought restrictions. Some turf loss occurred, but overall parks fared well due to careful turf management.
• Heritage Road Traffic Circle: Staff are providing advice to a community group to transition to a zero-water garden.

Board Member Comments

• Forbes Cone: Thanked staff for their efforts and noted parks looked better than expected given the challenging year.
• Michele Minihane: Highlighted the successful Wine Festival at Tony Grampsas Gym and suggested more events there.
• Kermit Shields: Encouraged attendance at the upcoming talk by Brad Udall on the Colorado River on October 22 at 7 p.m.
• Catherine Hansen-Stamp: Praised the drone show and Autumn Fest. She also mentioned Arborists trimmed her trees and recommended fall tree trimming.

Key Outcomes

• Staff will provide quarterly master plan updates to PRAB.
• The board emphasized prioritizing OSMP Phase 2 inventories (SAP O9) and will continue to track implementation.
• The Dinosaur Ridge license agreement will be presented to City Council for approval on October 27.
• Staff will continue to work on citywide sign standards and capital project prioritization.
• No formal votes were taken beyond consent items; all actions were advisory.