City of Lawrence

Parks & Recreation Advisory Board                                       

June 8, 2004 Minutes

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Chair Alice Ann Johnston, Tom Bracciano, Richard Konzem

 

MEMBERS ABSENT

Sharon Spratt

 

STAFF PRESENT:

Fred DeVictor, Ernie Shaw, Mark Hecker, Roger Steinbrock, intern Michael Bickimer

 

PUBLIC PRESENT:

Amy Bartle, Ron & Joyce Wolf

 

 

          The meeting at the Outdoor Aquatic Center was brought to order by Chair Johnston.

 

          The Board brought up recent newspaper articles about a child molesting incident in Naismith Valley Park.  Staff indicated they had visited with the Police Department representatives and the Douglas County Rape Victims organization to discuss safety in our parks and these incidents in Naismith Valley Park.  During last fall and winter, LPRD staff spent hundreds of hours pruning trees to open the view from 27th Street south to the trail bridge and will cooperate with the Police Department for signage needs and the neighborhood association to help educate neighbors via their newsletter.

 

          Amy Bartle, West Lawrence Neighborhood Association representative presented their request to have a master plan completed for the 40-acre neighborhood greenbelt park east of Langston Hughes Elementary School.  This item was discussed at the June meeting, which did not have a quorum.  Staff indicated they did not have funds to develop this park but were willing to hold public meetings to help develop an overall master plan for what could be developed in the future.  Bartle indicated there may be interest from the neighborhood to help with raising funds.  On a motion by Konzem, 2nd by Bracciano the Board voted to recommend we develop a master plan with the West Lawrence Neighborhood Association for this future greenbelt park.  Passed unanimously.

 

          Staff reported on the process for the 2005 budget and noted there were requests for pool fee daily admission and golf fee increases.

 

          Staff reported on the change in ownership of land west of Prairie Park and Mary’s Lake and how 15 acres may be developed with residential homes, which would dramatically affect our nature center and natural environment of Prairie Park.  Current owners were willing to sell to the City some of the property adjacent to Mary’s Lake, where a concrete trail has been permitted on the private property via written agreement from the previous owner, Honeywell Inc.  On a motion by Bracciano, 2nd by Konzem the Board approved recommending the City purchase or obtain a minimum of six acres including the trail to add to the park and maintain the trail system around the lake.  Motion passed.

 

          Hecker reviewed park projects; Shaw reviewed recreation programs and Steinbrock reported on marketing efforts with the news media.

 

          The Board was told about the successful June 4th Chamber mixer at Eagle Bend and was invited to the June 17th opening of “Junior Bend”.  They were told the June 18th 1st Annual Coach Bill Self/LPRD Youth Scholarship Golf Classic hoped for about 100 golfers.

 

          Meeting adjourned at 1:15P.M.  Next meeting July 13th at 947 New Hampshire.