Green Parks and Recreation Board Meeting - September 2, 2026

The Green Parks and Recreation Board met on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 11:00 AM. The meeting was called to order with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. Present were board members Dan Pollock, Sean McDaniel, Chrissy Kuznick, Jennifer Foster, and student representatives Amelia Bishop and Giuseppe Spano. Oak Riggs was absent. The board approved the minutes of the August 5, 2026 meeting and discussed capital projects, a proposed charter amendment affecting parks funding, facility updates, and the meeting schedule.

Consent Calendar

• Motion to approve the August 5, 2026 minutes was made, seconded, and carried unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No citizens’ comments were made.

Discussion Items

• Student Representative Introductions: Amelia Bishop (junior) and Giuseppe Spano (senior) introduced themselves. Amelia serves her second year on the board; Giuseppe is a first-year student rep. Both expressed interest in community involvement and shared favorite parks (Butler Park, Central Park).
• Administrative Reports:
  • The bus garage is open for the school side; city-side walkthrough expected next week, with move-in following. Restrooms at the garage remain locked for security concerns; an AED has been ordered. The playground (8-10 week lead time) is ordered, with installation targeted for fall; a pavilion is also planned. A sidewalk connection issue is being corrected.
  • Splash pad closes after Monday, September 7 (Labor Day). Twisted Wilderfest (September 26) and Pumpkin Patch ($5 pumpkins) upcoming. Winter day camp is under consideration for three-day camps over two weeks.
  • The Core (joint recreation facility) is seeing positive community participation. Silver Sneakers memberships growing. The board discussed birthday party packages and a Nerf war add-on. The Parker’s Challenge fall walking trail includes the Core as a new location; non-members can walk the track once with photo ID.
  • Youth programming stats were noted; senior expo held September 3.
• Capital Projects and Charter Amendment Discussion:
  • The board reviewed capital spending over the last five years: approximately $10 million spent, with only about $200,000 for new park land (Rail Park). The remaining funds were used for maintenance, repairs, ADA upgrades, signage, and equipment. Over $2.5 million in grants was leveraged.
  • A proposed charter amendment on the November ballot could redirect up to 40% of the 7% income tax currently dedicated to parks to operations, potentially reducing capital funds. Board members expressed concern that this would hurt park maintenance. They noted a newspaper report incorrectly stated 60% of parks funding goes to expansion; the reality is far less.
  • Capital project submissions (including ballpark lighting at Greensburg) have been graded but results not yet received. Lighting two fields at Greensburg would cost about $500,000; the CIP committee recommended further research and possibly a 2028 project. Lighted fields could extend playing hours to offset the loss of youth complex fields (from 21 to 18).
  • The board discussed an educational campaign to inform the public about how capital funds are actually used, possibly with a fact sheet or video. An October meeting was proposed to develop this communication strategy.
• Unfinished Business – Meeting Schedule: The board continued discussion of moving to bi-monthly meetings in 2027. They agreed to leave the matter for an upcoming vote, possibly in October or November, and requested a proposed schedule by the next meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes approved unanimously.
• No formal votes were taken on capital projects or the charter amendment. The board decided to hold an October meeting to discuss public education about parks funding.
• The board will receive a proposed bi-monthly meeting schedule for review and a vote at a later meeting.
• Motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and carried.