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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - May 15, 2025, Regular Meeting of the Ames Parks and Recreation Commission MinutesCITY OF AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DATE May 15, 2025 COMMISSION PRESENT ABSENT STAFF Keith Abraham, Courtney Kort, Presha Matticks, Joshua Thompson 1. CALL TO ORDER: 4:00 PM Abraham introduced Presha Matticks, who began work with the department in 2024 and became Office Manager in 2025. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION: (Reeves/White) to approve the April 17, 2025, meeting minutes. MOTION PASSED: (7-0) 3. PUBLIC FORUM None 4. PARK POLICIES – SAMPLE SURVEY DISCUSSION Abraham reviewed recent Commission discussions regarding park policy updates and feedback from a recent public input session and via correspondence. Staff plans to bring draft policy update recommendations to the Commission’s July 17 meeting. A sample park policy survey was presented for commissioner feedback. Sappenfield suggested revisions for safety and speed limit questions that seemed leading. White suggested adding questions related to speed limits in proximity of pedestrians, since trails are sometimes open and higher speeds are appropriate. Abraham replied some communities allow users to self-monitor and go faster than a set speed limit with no one around. Staff would want to avoid a need for extra explanation and prefers a set speed limit. White said enforcement of speed limits would be difficult, so encouraging common sense and courtesy is important. Abraham said staff shared with City Council staff’s intention to put graphics and signage on trails and to have an educational campaign. Sappenfield noted e-bikes are heavier and prone to go faster due to electric motor assist. She suggested reaching out to e-bike owners if park policies allow e-bikes on trails and some sort of speed limit is set for trails. White thought a draft survey question regarding awareness of park rules seemed ambiguous – he offered alternate wording. Sappenfield suggested matching it to a subsequent question for greater specificity. 2 Rathe asked if trail speed limits would be posted with signs like those used along roadways. Abraham said yes, along with posted indications showing pedestrians are to be on the inside portion of the trail, and bicycles on the outside. Abraham indicated the survey, when distributed, would be open for public feedback for a couple of weeks. He invited further comment or suggestions from commissioners in the meantime. Sappenfield suggested adding a response option for designated foraging areas in parks. 5. PROJECT UPDATES a. Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center Abraham and Thompson visited the site the previous week for sample approvals and a walk-through. Abraham reported on wellness pool progress and lap pool basin digging. For the first time, ground water was hit – sample results are expected soon. Abraham noted indoor progress with electrical conduit installation, trench drains, and mechanical and electrical room concrete pours. Outdoor accomplishments include roof completion, milling removal from the site’s northwest corner, and preparations for installation of underground stormwater components. Staff are excited about the Commission site visit planned for June 19. The target date for substantial project completion is January 23, 2026. Staff planning for training and facility opening is underway. b. Steven L. Schainker Plaza Henkel Construction submitted a proposal for correcting the ice ribbon surface. Abraham reported staff responded with a list of questions and information requirements needed to make a decision and give direction. Issues with the spray pad became apparent during training with maintenance staff. Staff will work with the designer and contractor to resolve the problems. The spray pad is unacceptable now. Thompson indicated plant material installation and landscaping will occur the week of May 19. c. Agility Course at Carr Park Thompson reported paving is done and equipment installation is nearly complete. Next steps include installation of safety surfacing and the shelter. The project is progressing smoothly and is expected to be completed by the end of June. d. Mini-Pitch Kort reported the project is nearly complete – concrete poured, pathways done, fencing and lighting installed, and court surface painting done. The project should be finished by the end of May. Staff is working on donor recognition plaques plus separate signage and court painting naming the facility “The Friedrich Pitch.” A June ribbon cutting is likely. Abraham provided an update on the May 13 City Council meeting, noting approval of the Daley Park Splash Pad, Ada Hayden Heritage Park Path Replacement, and Parks and Recreation Maintenance Facility Expansion plans and specifications. Construction documents have been distributed and are due June 11. Abraham reviewed available project funds and options for covering projected funding shortfalls. Reeves asked if there is real interest in the Daley Park Splash Pad. Abraham said there is a lot of public excitement about the project. Rathe agreed. Reeves wondered if the million-dollar cost is worthwhile, citing questions about replacing worn playground equipment and perhaps using funds there instead. Abraham spoke about playground equipment life expectancy (generally 20 years), equipment inspections, and replacement schedule flexibility due to varied usage and 3 wear. Rathe spoke in support of the Daley Park Splash Pad, citing it as a different amenity that will be used by many. Abraham commented on efforts to diversify what is available in parks. 6. MONTHLY REPORT Thompson thanked Holub Greenhouses for donating flowers for the Adopt-a-Flower Garden program for over 25 years. Volunteer gardeners plant and maintain more than 40 flower beds. Two Furman Aquatic Center basins are ready, Thompson reported. The Lazy River basin has a leak requiring a contractor to identify the cause. Abraham indicated the repair is a priority before opening the facility because the leak is bringing in dirt making the basin water murky. Kort noted the Miracle League kickoff and encouraged community members to support the league by serving as buddies to league participants. 7. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS Reeves noted the positive response to the community gardens located on Delaware Avenue. Rathe praised new playground equipment installed in the park system. Sappenfield agreed and spoke about using the new playground at Stuart Smith Park. Shimanek said he is excited about the Agility Course and noted rapid construction progress. 8. NEXT MEETING: Thursday, June 19, 2025, 4:00 PM (Parks and Facilities Tour) 9. ADJOURNMENT MOTION (Rathe) to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 4:48 PM.