RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD
MINUTES
June 29, 2016
Lake Oliver Marina
12:00 noon
Members Present: Irene Pate, Mike Peacock, Derrick Greene, Gary Bruce,
Hayden Barnes, Vanessa Jackson, Jeff Battles, Andre Dye
Members Absent: Carl Brown, Willie Dickerson
City Staff Present: Teresa Snellings, James Worsley, Michael Britt, Becky
Glisson, Holli Browder
Call to Order: Irene Pate called the meeting to order at 12:05
James wanted to clarify responsibilities of the Advisory Board. The role is
advocating for parks, TR, Seniors or any area of the department that citizens
are involved in.
Gary Bruce inquired as who the board is advocating to?
James explained about social media, going out into the community to champion a
specific area, park champions and advising and helping department and citizens
with park issues.
Mr. Bruce stated that the board had no real authority and that it was pointless
to listen to the department go around the room and talk about needing
lawnmowers. Mr. Bruce stated that he didn?t see the reason for the board or
why it was worth the board?s time.
James then yields to Irene Pate, Board Chairperson, to continue the
conversation. Irene and other board members held open discussion discussing
their roles and what they do for the community. Each board member shared their
experiences during their tenure on the board.
Roll call was taken.
Minutes of May 25th, 2016 meeting were approved.
Director/Staff Update
Millie Deltoro (Community Schools): Thanks to board member Derrick Greene for
participating in the camp Career Day. It was for children in all camps and it
was very successful.
Different clubs such as Spanish Club and Sign Language Club are starting up.
They are working to get ready for next school year.
Michael Britt (Community Schools): Next year we are looking to incorporate a
sports program in the after school program.
Andre Dye inquired as to whether it will be like before. Mille stated that it
would be a lot like it was before and will include sports and health and
welfare.
Teresa Snellings (Recreation Services): We did not receive the Crime
Prevention Grant again this year for Boxwood. Luckily, we saw this coming and
put that money in the FY17 Recreation Services budget.
We are starting basketball again. It will be during normal hours of
operation. We will have it at Frank Chester, Psalmond Road and 29th Street.
July 16 we are partnering with AmeriGroup for a city-wide back to school
program. It will be from 10am ? 2pm at the Civic Center. The Muscogee County
School District will be there and will help with registration forms, requests
for certain school, shots, etc.
July is Parks and Recreation Month and the various centers will be doing
programs. This year the theme is Super Heroes.
Holli Browder (Assistant Director): Effective July 1st, we will start charging
rental rates for our outdoor pavilions. There will also be a small increase in
tennis fees at Cooper Creek.
The Columbus Aquatic Center new hours will begin this Friday, July 1st. We
will extend current memberships.
Outdoor pools will close on July 31st.
James Worsley (Director): We were very successful with a grant for four
neighborhood playgrounds. The new playgrounds have been installed at Britt
David Park, Theo McGhee Park, Pop Austin and Frank Chester.
Mr. Battles presented our Learn to Swim Program to the school board and it
received great reviews. We served over 200 elementary school children.
Because of the good job that was done, AFLAC has doubled the money and schools
for this upcoming school year.
Board Updates
Andre Dye: Expressed concern over the recreation center hours and would will
they be open at others times if budget allows.
Becky explained the history of reducing the recreation center hours due to
budget cuts and they will not see an increase in hours until the budget
improves significantly.
Andre also expressed concern about adult basketball time in the rec centers and
that they are not letting the badminton group in there.
Teresa explained that she has to give equal time and be fair to all user groups
that use the centers.
(Teresa to send Vanessa Jackson more information about the back to school
city-wide program)
Mike Peacock: Park looks good. All Start team will keep practicing as well
as the travel team. There is still a lot of use on the fields. Psalmond Road
park, pool and recreation center seem to be real busy.
Derrick Greene: Career Day was a great success and he enjoyed being a part of
it.
Hayden Barnes: He went to the Ham Radio event at Flatrock Park. There was a
very diverse crowd and it was a great use of the park.
Mike Peacock: Reports that black bears are starting to make an appearance in
public parks.
Irene Pate: She lives off Double Churches and either a bobcat or coyote has
been taking small pets from neighborhood yards. Also Cultural Arts is adding
more classes.
James Worsley: Wanted to mention the unfortunate circumstances of the young man
being murdered in Double Churches Park. James went to scene and his role was to
act as media person and answer questions.
Holli stated that it was our employees who were the first responders and we had
Pastoral Institute come in and speak with staff.
Our next meeting will be July 27th at the Columbus Aquatic Center.
Meeting adjourned at 1:18 pm
Becky Glisson
Board Secretary
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