April 1, 2026 Green Parks and Recreation Board Meeting

The Parks and Recreation Board met on April 1, 2026, to approve previous meeting minutes, hear a citizen’s request for a fee waiver, review progress on the comprehensive master plan, and discuss proposed charter changes affecting parks funding. The meeting included presentations on completed and upcoming projects at Bettler Park, Kleckner Park, and The Core recreation facility.

Consent Calendar

• Unanimously approved the minutes from the March 4, 2026 meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Deborah Griggs (elite aquatic instructor at Green Family YMCA) spoke on behalf of a senior citizens’ group that uses the John Torrey Community Center for social gatherings (e.g., summer luau, Christmas party). She requested that the rental fee be waived or returned to the previous $25 rate, noting the group is not funded by the YMCA, does not charge members, and consists largely of Green residents over 65 on fixed incomes. Board members explained that the current $35 fee for a four-hour block (compared to the standard resident rate of $200) is a nonprofit rate that requires proof of 501c3 status. They agreed to work with Ms. Griggs to classify the group under the YMCA’s nonprofit status to maintain the $35 rate, while noting free use is no longer offered due to audit considerations.

Discussion Items

• Master Plan Updates (Bettler Park, Kleckner Park, The Core): Mike presented a detailed overview of completed and ongoing projects, including:
  • Bettler Park: Replaced schoolhouse playground with inclusive Parker’s Playground ($219,577); added 270 feet of ADA asphalt path ($26,704); planned 1,175-foot trail widening and repaving ($147,000); renovated tennis/pickleball courts and basketball court; installed wayfinding signs ($33,000).
  • Kleckner Park: Upcoming inclusive music-themed playground (focus group meeting April 6); picnic shelter funded by donations ($14,000) to be built by Portage Lakes Career Center; ADA walkway drawings received; restroom building at bus garage progressing; monument ID sign installation began.
  • The Core: 80×160 turf field, elevated walking track (7.5 laps = 1 mile), two full-size basketball courts, studio rooms; 30-year payment plan (29 years remaining); adjustments to spring/summer hours to increase rental opportunities; new classes added; rooftop terrace planned.
• Charter Commission Update: Valerie and board members discussed proposed changes to the city charter regarding the 7% income tax set-aside for parks capital. The administration advocates keeping the 7% but removing the 15% cap on using those funds for programming/operations, or shifting to a 60/40 or 70/30 split. Some citizens advocate eliminating the set-aside entirely. Board members expressed concern that losing the dedicated capital funding would hinder maintenance and future projects, especially as the core facility debt currently consumes a significant portion of capital. They encouraged attendance at the Charter Commission meeting on Monday, April 6, or submitting written comments to Nicole Messner.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes approved unanimously.
• No formal vote on the fee waiver request; staff agreed to assist the senior group in qualifying for the nonprofit $35 rate.
• No decisions made on charter changes; board members plan to participate in the upcoming Charter Commission meeting and provide input.
• The board acknowledged progress on the master plan and noted the need for additional bike racks at parks, which staff agreed to explore in coordination with the public art committee.