Summary

Discussed future redevelopment possibilities presented by Aquatics Manager Vonda Wooten. Various options were evaluated, including their pros and cons, with examples of recent pool projects also highlighted. Board members engaged in a question-and-answer session with Vonda regarding these potential developments.

Full Text

Minutes of the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Meeting

December 10, 2020 Regular Meeting

The December 10, 2020 meeting of the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board was convened at 7:00 pm in the Social Room of the Oak Ridge Civic Center.

Roll Call

Present: Mark Cantrell, Jake Greear, David Kitzmiller, Melissa McMahan, Chris Melhorn, Dan Robbins, Michele Thornton

Absent: Ken Rueter, Brad Spears

Approval of the November 12, 2020 Meeting Minutes

Motion to approve: Jake; second: Michelle. The November 12, 2020 meeting minutes were approved unanimously.

Appearance and Citizen Comments

• Doug Colclasure, Greenways Oak Ridge, thanked the Recreation & Parks Department staff for their efforts to keep recreation available during the pandemic.

Updates and Observations (Non Action Items):

• Dan Robbins reported that he has treated approximately 119 fire ant mounds on Melton lake Greenway Phase IV this year.

New Business

• None

Unfinished Business

• The Board continued discussion about the Recreation & Parks Achievement awards. Michelle recommended the awards be presented at a future City Council meeting. Members in attendance expressed agreement, though no formal vote was made. Jon Hetrick will request that the item be placed on a future City Council agenda.

Board Work Plan

Rails to Trails:

• Preliminary plans are under review by TDOT; the City’s design contractor, AMT, is addressing comments as they are received.
• Preliminary plans have also undergone an initial site review by City staff; AMT is also addressing comments from staff as they are received.
• Staff provided an overview of the proposed route.
• Future plans for greenway development were discussed, including continuing down Scarboro Rd and eventually linking to ORNL, Solway and Melton Lake Greenway.

Blueway Development:

• No Report.

West BORCE Resolution:

• No report

Oak Ridge Outdoor Swimming Pool:

• Aquatics Manager Vonda Wooten provided an overview of some of the future possibilities for pool redevelopment. Pros & cons of different options were discussed and examples of other recent pool projects were presented. Vonda then answered questions from the Board.

City Position & Policy on E-Bikes:

• No report.

Parks & Recreation Stewardship, Maintenance and Trail Development:

• CVTA is developing a new connector trail from the Dirt Lab into Haw Ridge Park.

CIP Review:

• An evaluation of the CIP will be continued into next year.

Secondary Objectives:

• Velodrome
  • No report
• Community Events
  • The Chamber of Commerce will hold a reverse holiday parade on Lafayette Dr. this Saturday, December 12th, as a safe alternative to the traditional holiday parade. The City is assisting in the effort.
• Development Opportunities for Disc Golf & Soccer on Tuskegee Dr. Parcels
  • No report

Director’s Report:

• Thanks to the Park Board for their efforts through this trying year. Looking forward to a better 2021.

Future Agenda Items:

• None

The meeting was adjourned at 8:07 PM.