Summary

• Jon Hetrick provided an update on a new pool survey awaiting approval from the City Manager.
• Plans for a public input session were discussed following the survey’s distribution.
• Adjustments to the pay scale for seasonal positions were noted, resulting in increased lifeguard and seasonal applicant numbers.

Full Text

Minutes of the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Meeting
April 14, 2022 Regular Meeting

The April 14, 2022 meeting of the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board was convened at 7:07 pm in the Oak Ridge Recreation Center Social Room with Chairman Jake Greear presiding.

Roll Call

Present:
Mark Cantrell, Jake Greear, Alissa Jones, Dan Robbins, Michele Thornton

Absent:
Kelly Mccampbell, Melissa McMahan, Chris Melhorn, Brad Spears

Also Present:
Jon Hetrick, Recreation & Parks Director, staff liaison

Approval of the March 10, 2022 Meeting Minutes

Motion to approve: Mark Cantrell; second: Alissa Jones. The March 10, 2022 meeting minutes were approved unanimously.

Board Work Plan

Oak Ridge Swimming Pool:

• Jon Hetrick provided an update on the new pool survey. The survey will be distributed once the latest iteration is approved by the City Manager
• Planning for the public input session will follow distribution of the survey.
• Jon reported that the pay scale for seasonal positions has been adjusted, which has resulted in an increase in the number of applicants for lifeguards and other seasonal positions.

North Boundary Greenway:

• Jake Greear reviewed the letter from the Park Board to City Council outlining the previously approved Board position on providing additional power to the Horizon Center.
• The Board discussed ongoing concerns related to the long-term continuity of the greenway when parcels 6A and 7 are developed. No action was taken on that item.

Greenway System:

• Rails to Trails Project
  • Jon Hetrick reported that the grant contract with TDOT is nearing its end date. He is working with the project engineers, City staff and Knoxville Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) staff to develop a request for a contract extension.
  • Jon also reported that a floodplain development permit application has been submitted to address TDOT concerns related to the crossing of Ernie’s Creek.
• Greenway Master Plan Support
  • Jon Hetrick reviewed the draft concept plan for greenway connections across the city, developed by the Knoxville TPO. The concept plan will provide a starting point for more detailed planning.
• Roadside Safety Evaluations and Advocacy
  • The Board had a brief discussion about options for creating a vehicle barricade between Melton Lake Drive and Melton Lake Greenway.

Blueways Initiative

• No report.

Parks & Recreation Stewardship, Maintenance and Trail Development:

• The Clinch Valley Trail Alliance has funded approximately $12,000 of recent trail improvements at Haw Ridge Park. Improvements include improved water management on Lake Rd, A new beginner entry trail from Melton Lake Greenway near the Dirt Lab and resurfacing of the Washing Machine trail. Additional improvements are planned.
• UT engineering students are progressing on plans to create an accessible route from the parking lot on the west side of the Civic Center to the walking trail in AK Bissell Park. Completed plans are expected by early May.

Secondary Objectives:

• Community Events
  • Jon Hetrick provided a list of all events currently on the Rec & Parks Department calendar, including City events and events by outside organizations.
• Development Opportunities for Disc Golf & Soccer on Tuskegee Dr.
  • No report

Unfinished Business

• Jon Hetrick reported that City Council voted to extend the contract term and funding for Clark Nexsen Architects for Conference Center design. The scope of work has expanded to include construction documents, cost estimates and construction administration for the proposed Conference Center at the Civic Center.

New Business

• None.

Appearance and Citizen Comments

• None.

Updates and Observations (Non Action Items):

• Dan Robbins provided a report on the Greenways Oak Ridge shoreline cleanup effort held on April 2nd.
• Dan also provided a reminder that he will be leading an ORICL bird walk on June 13th on Melton Lake Greenway.

Director’s Report:

• None.

Future Agenda Items:

• Scheduling a work session in June or July to develop a new work plan.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:22 PM.