August 5, 2026 Parks and Recreation Board Meeting Summary

The August 5, 2026 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board was called to order at 6:00 PM by the chair. The board approved minutes from two prior meetings, received administrative reports on upcoming events and the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), discussed a proposed charter amendment, and considered changing the board's meeting schedule to bi-monthly. A student representative was introduced, and the board reviewed several park projects, maintenance needs, and community feedback.

Consent Calendar

• May 6, 2026 Minutes: Motion to approve passed unanimously (all aye).
• June 3, 2026 Minutes: Motion to approve passed with two abstentions (those two board members were the only ones present at the June meeting, lacking a quorum; the issue was noted as not a big deal).

Discussion Items

• Introduction of Student Representative: The chair welcomed Amelia Bishop as the student representative to the board.
• Administrative Reports:
  • Member Guest Night at The Core: Scheduled for a future date, the event is a member-only event from 5:00-8:00 PM, allowing members to bring a guest. Pricing for 2027 will be announced; charter members can renew at $125 (vs. $150 regular), and new members/guests can join at the discounted rate that night.
  • Raintree Discount Program: Sundays after 1:00 PM offer 20% off green fees, and children ages 7-14 play free when accompanied by an adult. The first Sunday was rained out.
  • Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Projects: The chair reviewed the proposed projects for the upcoming year, including:
    • Replacement of the fence at Heritage Hill Playground (cost estimate pending).
    • Parking lot rehab at Spring Hill ($60,000).
    • Replacement of the glider swing at Heritage Hill Playground (original to playground, ~25 years old; cost pending).
    • Woodshed facelift at Southgate ($40,000).
    • East Liberty Park well connection to public water (conversations with Aqua, hoping to avoid drilling new well).
    • Field lighting at Greensburg Park (estimated $500,000; two fields proposed; alternative of one field this year and one next year).
    • ADA transition plan ($50,000).
    • System-wide park signage ($30,000, continuing at Central Park).
    • Sign upgrade at Raintree (cost under review, could be a couple hundred thousand).
    • Raintree Event Center ADA upgrades (money carried over to next year).
    • Trail upgrades (possible continuation of Bettler Park widening).
    • Rail park improvements (phased, with in-house work considered).
    • Central Park Amphitheater shade structure (on hold pending grant; ideas discussed including slanted shades or a wall, with concerns about vandalism and sight lines).
    • Picnic replacement program (nearly complete, done in-house).
    • System-wide landscaping ($10,000-$15,000).
    • Equipment: mini excavator (replacement, vital) and a Ven track (new, less critical).
  • Community Feedback on Bike Facilities: A board member reported speaking with a young resident and his mother who expressed interest in a pump track or bike track. The mother noted the need for safe bike routes to parks. The board discussed adding bike racks, which is already under consideration by the city's art committee.
  • Charter Amendment Update: The chair reported that the charter amendment was submitted to city council and publicly discussed. Some charter members still advocate for eliminating the 7% parks fund entirely, which surprised the board. The board emphasized the need to educate the public on the value of the 7% for maintenance and capital projects. City council discussions included concerns about parks spending. The board expressed support for the amendment but noted potential reduction in capital funds under the proposed 60/40 split. The charter amendment is expected to be voted on by city council soon and then appear on the November ballot.
  • Board Meeting Schedule: The chair proposed moving from monthly to bi-monthly meetings (suggested months: February, April, June, August, October, December) starting in 2027, to allow for more productive, hour-long meetings. Board members discussed and agreed to table the decision to the next meeting for a formal vote.
  • Staff Report: The chair reviewed the report, noting that the Kleckner Park bus garages are delayed (gas line issue) but should be ready by late August/early September. Restrooms and playground will follow. The pavilion designed by a local architect to match the building's facade is expected by year-end or early spring. The board also noted Japanese beetle infestation at Heritage Grove (trees treated, expected to recover).

Key Outcomes

• Minutes Approved: Two sets of minutes from May and June 2026 were approved. The June minutes had two abstentions due to lack of quorum at that meeting.
• CIP Process: All CIP project submissions are due Friday, August 7. The board will review scoring sheets later in the month, with final submission to city council in November.
• Charter Amendment: Will proceed to city council vote on the upcoming Tuesday; if passed, it will be placed on the November ballot. Board members will assist in public education efforts.
• Board Meeting Schedule: Tabled to the next meeting for a vote on moving to bi-monthly meetings starting 2027.
• No Further Action: The meeting adjourned by motion.