Green Parks and Recreation Board Meeting – February 4, 2026

The Green Parks and Recreation Board met on February 4, 2026, at 10:45 AM. The meeting included election of new officers, approval of previous minutes, administrative reports on facilities, capital projects, and committee appointments, as well as discussion of future meeting frequency.

Consent Calendar

• Unanimously approved the meeting minutes from November 5, 2025.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No citizen comments were made.

Discussion Items

• Election of Officers: Sean McDaniel was elected Chair (unanimous roll‑call vote). Dan Pollock was elected Vice Chair (unanimous roll‑call vote).
• Administrative Reports (Valerie and Mike):
  • The Core facility: First large‑scale basketball tournament held successfully; membership increased; Silver Sneakers program growing; remained open to members with controlled access through the middle school. No security issues reported.
  • Charter Review Commission: Reviewing the parks section of the city charter; board members invited to review language and provide input.
  • Staff retirements: Scott Robbins (parks) retiring end of April; Jerry Britton (service supervisor) retiring in July. Civil service process started for replacements. Troon seeking new general manager for Raintree Golf Course after Dominic Mercadante’s departure.
  • Amphitheater shade sails: Proposal for five‑pole shade system over seating bowl; preliminary cost over $90,000; seeking quotes from two companies; goal to install before June 6, 2026.
  • Amphitheater sound and lighting: Specs completed; waiting on pricing before bidding; hoped to install before June 6 event.
  • Kleckner Park pavilion: Fundraising has exceeded $14,000; construction by Portage Lakes Career Center students; donated standing seam metal roof. Project will be incorporated into a comprehensive improvement plan by Environmental Design Group.
  • Creekbaum Park restroom/concession building: Sewer and water lines installed; building (all concrete) scheduled for delivery March 9–16, 2026, in time for spring baseball/softball.
  • Kleckner Park inclusive playground: Synthetic turf, 360‑degree slide for wheelchair users; two companies being considered; grant opportunities include CDBG, NatureWorks, and local foundations. The adaptive field at Kleckner is unique in Ohio; combined with inclusive playground will create an unprecedented regional destination. Estimated over 8,000 annual child interactions at the playground.
  • Kleckner adaptive field recognition: Received second‑place award from Ohio Parks and Recreation Association (OPRA).
  • Rail Park updates: Donor family visited during holidays; they remain engaged and supportive.
• Unfinished Business:
  • Committee appointments: Dan Pollock volunteered to continue as Parks Board representative on Planning & Zoning; also volunteered for the Southgate Farm annual review committee. Jennifer Foster expressed interest in attending Tree Commission meetings (schedule to be set).
• New Business:
  • Meeting frequency: Consideration to move from monthly to every‑other‑month meetings; board to discuss further.
  • Homework assigned: Board members asked to review the city charter (parks section) and the Parks Master Plan to identify completed projects and remaining priorities.
  • Community update: Chapel Green is designing a new community building with accessible bathrooms, inspired by city parks’ inclusive design.

Key Outcomes

• Elected Officers: Sean McDaniel (Chair) and Dan Pollock (Vice Chair), both by unanimous roll‑call votes (4‑0).
• Approved November 5, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous).
• Amphitheater shade sails: Administration directed to bring the project to City Council for appropriation from parks capital funds upon receipt of final quotes.
• Amphitheater sound/lighting: Pending pricing, project will be put out for bid with target installation before June 6.
• Kleckner Park inclusive playground: Staff will pursue grant applications (NatureWorks, CDBG, local foundations) and present a resolution to City Council for NatureWorks funding.
• Committee assignments: Dan Pollock will continue on Planning & Zoning and represent the board on Southgate Farm Committee. Jennifer Foster will attend Tree Commission meetings.
• Meeting frequency: No action taken; board will consider moving to every‑other‑month meetings.
• Adjourned at approximately 11:25 AM.