LAWRENCE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD

February 10, 2004

 

Board members present:  Chair Alice Ann Johnston, Vice Chair Sharon Spratt, Tom Bracciano, Richard Konzem and Bill Penny.  Staff present:  Fred DeVictor, Ernie Shaw, Roger Steinbrock and Gary Hines.  Guests present:  Mary Burchill and Clenece Hills, Lawrence Sesquicentennial Commission; Meg Babani, Landplan Engineering; Mike Wildgen, City Manager and Joel Mathis, Lawrence Journal World reporter.

 

Meeting brought to order by Chair Johnston.  Minutes of the January 20th meeting approved on a motion by Bracciano, 2nd by Konzem.

 

Konzem thanked the staff and City for their work on snow removal the last week or so.

 

Mary Burchill, Chair, Horizon Committee and Clenece Hills, Chair, Lawrence Sesquicentennial Commission were introduced to discuss the plaza concept at the Clinton Lake leased area.  Mary introduced Meg Babani, consultant from Landplan Engineering, who presented updated conceptual drawings for the plaza, explained its interpretation and answered questions.  On a motion by Bracciano, 2nd by Spratt the Board voted to support the conceptual design for the Plaza, which will be a gift to the community.  Hills invited the Board to the next LSC meeting on that site at 4:00 P.M., March 31.  Burchill discussed their interest to name this location and a wide variety of names have been submitted to date.  She hopes to have recommendations for the Board to consider at the March 9th meeting.

 

DeVictor reviewed the 2003 golf course operation, which ended the year with 32,694 rounds, down about 12.5% from 2002 and $895,768 revenue, down about 8.5% from 2002.  Programs like leagues and lessons were popular and there were adjustments to the volunteer marshalling program.  He expressed concern with these drops and he and Steinbrock presented a marketing plan for 2004, which is anticipated to attract more patrons to Eagle Bend.

 

In addition to already reducing the 2004 golf budget by over $152,000, newsletters, advertisement, new programs such as “Junior Bend”, free clinics and a media day would be held to attract more golfers.  Cart fees will be reduced $2.00 to help bring the overall cost to play down and pricing more competitive with area course.

 

Staff indicated there were no guarantees when you rely on the weather however the charge is to work to bring in more patrons and more revenue.  The goal is 35,000 rounds and $1,013,055 revenue for the year.

 

Shaw reported on a recreation division retreat on February 17th and successful Daddy Daughter Date Night.  Gary Hines reported on snow removal and the park division was planning for spring work.  Roger handed out a report on his activities for the month.  The summer brochure will come out April 4th.

 

            Meeting adjourned at 1:15P.M.  Next meeting March 9th.  Location to be announced since its time for a tour and to visit various recreation centers.