PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES

 

OCTOBER 18, 2005

 

 

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Jones at 7:00 p.m.

 

Mary Catherine Rodenberger joined Parks & Recreation Commission as the Student Representative.

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Russ Jones, Rowland Seymour, Mary Catherine Rodenberger, Deborah Groat, Kathy Dwertman    Excused:  John Marshall, John Howard

 

OTHERS PRESENT:  Steve Conley, Connie Patterson,  Jason Gardner, Jim Gardner

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  There being no additions or corrections, the minutes for the meeting of August 16, 2005 were approved as written.

 

REPORT OF DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION:  No report.

 

REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF PARKS & RECREATION:  Mr. Conley reported that the cameras are in place and working at Eljer Park.  The Dispatcher can observe what’s going on.  Software will be installed on Mr. Conley’s computer at home and at work so he will be able to monitor the park.

 

Auto-flushers were installed on all the toilets by the City workers.

 

Vandalism was reported to the auto on/off valve for the water in the ladies room.  Cost to replace is $280. 

 

Adena Pointe is on Planning Commission agenda at their next meeting.  Since the City has lifted the moratorium on building in that area, they will begin work next year.  At some point in the near future, should think about changing the name of South Park.

 

COMMISSIONER’S REPORT ON INDIVIDUAL PARKS

 

Mr. Conley reported on behalf of John Marshall who could not attend.  People are not keeping dogs on leashes.  Also not cleaning up after dogs.  Need more police patrol.  Mr. Conley will order more signs about leashing dogs.

 

New gravel at Mill Valley Central is nice.  Has helped with the dust issue.

 

City crews should pick up trash before mowing.  Don’t mow over it and spread it around.

 

Rowland Seymour – Schwartzkopf Park looks great, as well as the parking lot.  Mr. Conley said that parking lot stripping is on the “to-do” list.

 

Kathy Dwertman – McCloud Park is beautiful.   There is a lot of activity at Lewis Park.

 

Debbie Groat – There are a lot of geese at Aldersgate.  Duck weed is growing and is good for the pond.    Mr. Conley is working with Scotts to plant some vegetation in the pond, lily pads, etc.  Ms. Groat mentioned the track/path had been graveled.   Is it going to be a deliberate path?   Parks look tremendous.  Marysville can be proud of their parks.

 

Russ reported on behalf of John Howard - Legion Park - There are “X’s” on trees that are scheduled to be cut down in the Spring.  Mr. Howard wanted to know if they would be replaced.  Mr. Conley was unsure.

 

Russ Jones – McCarthy Park looks good.  There is paint on the fence.  Everything else looks good.

 

CITIZENS’ COMMENTS NON-AGENDA ITEMS:  None

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

NEW BUSINESS

q       Skate Park

 

The bids ran in tonight’s paper to purchase the equipment.  Equipment was chosen by the kids who are skateboard enthusiasts.  Equipment should be in by the end of December.  Equipment will be placed in the front part of Eljer Park.  Rubberized latex paint will be put down over the asphalt.  Mr. Seymour expressed concern that the skaters will skate on the tennis courts. 

 

Mr. Seymour stated before anything is put on the asphalt, must get permission from IRCC.  Have to have a drawing of the equipment that’s going on there, and it must be approved by IRCC.  He also asked Mr. Conley how he was planning to keep the skate wheels and skateboards off the tennis courts and basketball courts.  Mr. Conley said same way we do it now, put signs up, although it was noted that not all people obey the signs. 

 

The Commission questioned putting the skate park at Eljer Park.  Were not in favor of it being relocated anywhere else in the City after the last park was shut down.  Mr.

 

Seymour is opposed to putting it in Eljer Park.  Feels it should be in a location by itself.  Based on the history of skateparks in Marysville, will probably regret it.

 

75% of cost of this skateboard park is grant money.  There is $85,000 in the current budget to pay for the entire project.  Once paid, checks are submitted to ODNR and City is reimbursed at 75%.   

 

Ms. Groat stated,  “We’re paying $21,250 for something that we, as a Committee, did not want.”

 

 

q       Frisbee Golf Course

 

Mr. Jason Gardner addressed the Commission.  He distributed literature about Frisbee golf.  He pointed out that since vandalism seems to be a problem in Marysville, there should not be vandalism with this sport.  There is constant movement, so there is no opportunity for vandalism.   Ohio has 56 frisbee golf courses, just within the past 2-1/2 years.   It’s a growing sport.  Newest course is in Marion, Ohio.  It’s a great sport for all ages. 

 

Kenneth Rollins has built 6 disc golf courses in the past two years and has offered to build one in Marysville. 

 

Master Gardeners would like to be involved in this course, in order to make it look aesthetically pleasing. 

 

Disc Golf has the same structure as golf.  You have a cement pad where you start each hole.  Equipment consists of the baskets, in which to throw into and the signs.  Signs will be placed at the beginning of each hole.  On those signs will be sponsorship.  Mr. Gardner will personally be collecting the sponsorship money.  Those sponsors will have their names on the signs and free advertisement for the life of the course.

 

Cost runs anywhere from $4,000 to $20,000.  An 18 hole course should cost about $8,000.  Marysville will pay nothing; Mr. Gardner will take care of the cost.  The cost for Marysville is giving up 19-20 acres of Parks & Recreation land to build this course.

 

The course is not damaging to nature. 

 

The goal is to build a course that has two sets of tee pads to start from.  There are different types of discs available.

 

A possible location for this golf course in Marysville Mill Creek Park over to Mill Valley Park, along Mill Creek.  This course would be integrated with the other things in the park. 

 

There is no cost to play Frisbee golf.  The only time you would play is in a tournament and that would be a $5.00 entry fee, with part of the proceeds going to something in the community. 

 

Mr. Seymour moved to endorse the golf course, seconded by Ms. Dwertman and the question put, stood:

 

Mr. Jones  YES  Ms. Groat  YES  Ms. Rodenberger  YES  Ms. Dwertman  YES

Mr. Seymour  YES

 

Motion passed.

 

The public will be notified by the newspaper if and when this course will be built.

 

COMMENTS OF INDIVIDUAL COMMISSIONERS:

 

Mr. Conley noted there was an assault in Lewis Park the other night.  Two teens were caught.   Parks close at dark unless a park at lighted tennis courts or basketball areas. 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT:  There being no further business to come before Parks & Recreation, the meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m.