Summary
- Jon Hetrick reported that a contract is in place to perform geotechnical testing at the pool, with results expected by the October meeting.
- There was mention of a potential delay in the next pool survey due to an unforeseen staffing issue.
- Hetrick also reported significant water loss testing results, indicating almost 16 inches of water lost in six days, which is greater than expected from evaporation
Full Text
Minutes of the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Meeting
September 9, 2021 Regular Meeting
The September 9, 2021 meeting of the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board was convened at 7:04 pm in the Oak Ridge Recreation Center Social Room.
Roll Call
Present: Mark Cantrell, Jake Greear, David Kitzmiller, Kelly Mccampbell, Melissa McMahan, Michele Thornton
Absent: Chris Melhorn, Dan Robbins, Brad Spears
Approval of the August 12, 2021 Meeting Minutes
Motion to approve: David Kitzmiller; second: Mark Cantrell. The August 12, 2021 meeting minutes were approved unanimously.
Appearance and Citizen Comments
- Doug Colclasure provided an overview of upcoming outdoor events in Oak Ridge, noting that the events relied on the City’s natural resources to provide economic benefits.
Updates and Observations (Non Action Items):
- None
New Business
- None
Unfinished Business
- None
Board Work Plan
Oak Ridge Swimming Pool:
- Jon Hetrick reported that a contract is in place to perform geotechnical testing at the pool. It is hoped that test results will be available to share with the Board at the October meeting.
- Due to an unforeseen staffing issue, the next pool survey may be delayed.
- Hetrick also reported that water loss testing after the pool indicated almost sixteen (16) inches of water lost in six (6) days, averaging about 2-1/2 inches per day. Readings were taken with the circulation pumps off and without any refilling taking place. This is significantly greater than would be expected from evaporation.
Rec & Parks CIP Review and Prioritization:
- Moved to the end of the work plan discussion.
North Boundary Greenway:
- Michelle reported that Westwood HOA representatives met with an official from DOE. They were informed by the official that DOE plans to remove the fence between homes along Whippoorwill Dr. and the North Boundary Greenway and “reclaim” the strip of DOE land between the fence and the private properties.
CIP
Greenway System:
- Rails to Trails Project
Jon Hetrick will provide the Board with an opportunity to view the PowerPoint update presented to City Council at the September Work Session. - Greenway Master Plan Support
No report. - Roadside Safety Evaluations and Advocacy
No report.
Blueways Initiative
- No report.
Parks & Recreation Stewardship, Maintenance and Trail Development:
- Jon Hetrick reported that the City will be working with the Legacy Parks Foundation on a project to develop a wayfinding system for Oak Ridge parks and greenways. Grant funding has been secured through UT Battelle for the project.
Secondary Objectives:
- Community Events
The Halloween Party on October 28th will be a walk-through event around the Civic Center. The scrapbooking event will be held September 16th through the 18th following strict COVID safety protocols. The Tree Lighting ceremony will take place December 2nd. The plan is to hold the event outdoors at the tree and the pavilion. Melissa McMahan will look into possible sponsorship from Y12 Federal Credit Union. - Development Opportunities for Disc Golf & Soccer on Tuskegee Dr.
No report. - Jon Hetrick provided an overview of the projects listed for the CIP ranking and answered questions from the Board. Members will now work on rating the projects based on the criteria listed on the spreadsheet.
Director’s Report:
- None.
Future Agenda Items:
- A presentation by City Manager Mark Watson and City Clerk Beth Hickman on updated bylaws, rules & procedures for the Recreation & Parks Advisory Board in October.
- Planning for Park Board Achievement Awards. September- nominations, October -vote.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 PM.
