Minutes

City of Evansville Park and Recreation Board Regular Meeting Lake Leota-Upper Shelter 256 Leonard Park Drive Tuesday, August 15, 2023, 6:00 pm MINUTES 1. Call to Order: Neeley called the meeting to order at 6:00pm 2. Roll Call 3. Motion to Approve Agenda by Prudhon, seconded by Espinosa. Motion passed 5-0. 4. Motion to waive the reading of the minutes from the July 18, 2023 meeting and approve them as printed by Sigl, seconded by Fuson. Motion passed 5-0. 5. Civility Reminder: Neeley issued a reminder that we hold all city meetings with respect and decorum. 6. Citizen appearances other than agenda items listed: None 7. New Business: Neeley shared with the group that he would like to continue to meet offsite at different parks. 8. Park’s Report: None 9. Aquatic Center Report: Natrop shared that Angie Olsen (Director) had reported to her that the last day the Veteran’s Memorial Pool will be open will be August 24th. In addition, there has been a start to a clean out of the attic. During this process, some treasures have been uncovered. Lastly, Olsen is hoping to have a staffing plan for the new facility completed in the next two weeks. 10. Old Business A. Aquatic Center, Splashpad, and Park Improvement Updates Sergeant shared that there was a large donation that was just announced for $500,000. This donation was from the Larson family, and they had asked for the naming rights to the park. Beginning January, the official name of the park will be Larson Acres Park. Common Council had approved this request on the prior Tuesday, August 8th and the official signing of the paperwork was done on Friday, August 11th. The naming rights of the new Aquatic Center as well as a garden at the new Splash Pad are still available. Sergeant reported that the demolition for the old Aquatic Center is scheduled to start on August 30th. Prudhon inquired about a Members Present/Absent Others Present Alderperson Cory Neeley P Jason Sergeant, City Administrator Sue Merrit P (Arrived 6:02pm) Elle Natrop, Youth Baseball Coordinator Lyman Fuson P Nick Bitz, Evansville Soccer Club Chad Sigl P Matt Poock A Jim Espinosa P Gene Prudhon P walkthrough of the old facility for items that could be saved, such as the fencing. There was some discussion on what had been done to look at what could be salvageable already. There was some discussion on the fencing that had come down at West Side Park to prevent traffic as work continues on some Punch List things that still need to be complete on the east side of the park. Espinosa inquired about the sheds that are at the baseball diamonds and the ability for one down at the soccer fields. Sergeant shared that he would like them in more locations around the park but it will come down to cost. There was additional discussion on items like the Pickleball Court that had been dropped to save money and could be added back in if the fundraising efforts are more fruitful than originally asked of. A large amount of the items that had been cut, were thought to be items that could be added as time passed each year. B. Adopt-A-Park Signs: There was some discussion about the struggles that have occurred in securing signs for the adoptable locations. Sergeant believes that all that needs to be done would be to order the signs themselves. 11. Upcoming Meetings A. Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at 6:00pm Neeley had asked Sergeant if it would be possible to have a meeting at West Side Park and do a tour of the new facilities. Sergeant shared that there is a monthly meeting/tour coming up, and anyone would be welcome to attend. Sergeant just asked for advanced notice to ensure enough hardhats could be on hand. The tour is scheduled for August 24th at 1pm. Sergeant did point out that this meeting is already scheduled and it would still be possible to schedule an alternative tour. 12. Motion to Adjourn by Espinosa, seconded by Fuson. Motion passed 6-0 at 6:15pm. Respectfully Submitted, Elle Natrop