Summary

• Jon Hetrick updated the board on the new pool survey, currently ongoing for eight weeks.
• Planning for a public input session at the pool was discussed, aiming to visualize space and address concerns.
• The pool is preparing to open soon with sufficient lifeguards.
• A historical marker for the outdoor pool will be installed, with a tentative ribbon-cutting scheduled for May 26 at 4 PM.

Full Text

The May 12, 2022 meeting of the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board was convened at 7:08 pm in the Oak Ridge Recreation Center Social Room with Chairman Jake Greear presiding.

Roll Call

Present:

• Mark Cantrell
• Jake Greear
• Kelly Mccampbell
• Melissa McMahan
• Dan Robbins

Absent:

Also Present:

• Alissa Jones
• Chris Melhorn
• Brad Spears
• Michelle Thornton
• Jon Hetrick, Recreation & Parks Director, staff liaison

Approval of the April 14, 2022 Meeting Minutes

Motion to approve: Mark Cantrell; second: Kelly Mccampbell. The April 14, 2022 meeting minutes were approved unanimously.

Board Work Plan

Oak Ridge Swimming Pool:

• Jon Hetrick provided an update on the new pool survey. Has been out for two weeks now; will be out for a total of eight weeks.
• Planning for the public input session will follow distribution of the survey; currently considering on site at the pool. Discussed that it would be a good way to visualize, discuss space and issues.
  • Would want to advertise a couple of weeks before the session and then a reminder right before.
  • Wait until we see the results that we’ve had by our June meeting to further bust out what the session materials or presentation would look like or flow.
  • Between now and next meeting, Jake Greear asked that the Board review the survey; it can be found via the most recent city newsletter that came out. That way the Board is aware and can hold relevant conversations when the public input session occurs.
• Jon reported that the pool is readying to open up; we hope to be fully staffed by way of lifeguards since we’ve had a good response for those positions.
• Historical marker was created for the outdoor pool and will be installed over the next couple of weeks; ribbon cutting tentatively scheduled on 5.26 at 4 PM.

North Boundary Greenway:

• The letter that the Board drafted was distributed to city council.
• 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.
  • Discussed that the Industrial Board may be the right contact if we wanted to open a conversation on this.
  • Jon Hetrick shared that the gravel road between 6A and 6B was never part of the greenway and that the road is going to be blocked by the purchaser.

Greenway System:

• Rails to Trails Project
  • Jon Hetrick shared progress, including extensions to the contract, discussions on an updated time frame and updated cost. Hopefully close to issuing the notice to proceed.
• Greenway Master Plan Support
  • No new updates
• Roadside Safety Evaluations and Advocacy
  • No report

Blueways Initiative

• No report

Parks & Recreation Stewardship, Maintenance and Trail Development:

• UT engineering students wrapped up the 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. Jon Hetrick has not yet received the plans; hopeful we will have enough funding in the next fiscal year to put out to bid.

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.
  • Jon Hetrick has had some communication with the club; discussions included working with the Knoxville Club, funding, and volunteers to do some construction on the course.

Unfinished Business

• Jon Hetrick reported last month 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.
  • Jon Hetrick should be involved in the process and will provide regular updates throughout the process.
  • This week an engineering firm came in to evaluate electric and heat and air systems; what’s here and what’s needed, so moving along with the evaluation stage at this time.

New Business

• None.

Appearance and Citizen Comments

• Doug Colclasure thanked the board for the letter to the council supporting preservation of the Northern Boundary Greenway in looking at alternatives for electricity. One request of the board; showed map, at the guardhouse, new trails that were developed- moderate, appealing to many; discussed about adding an additional three more miles to the area.
  • DOE has to grant the easement; they grant for each individual trail more than likely to Legacy Parks.
  • Had been working on this prior to pandemic but logging steps was stalled due to COVID.
  • Jurisdiction now with the Environmental Management Office.
  • The Board discussed parking considerations since that routinely comes up for this area.
  • The Board asked to add this as a future agenda item for consideration.

Updates and Observations (Non Action Items):

• Code of Ethics review; no formal action needed, Board members just need to be aware.

Director’s Report:

• None.

Future Agenda Items:

• Trail development at Northern Boundary as discussed
• Retreat scheduling in progress

The meeting was adjourned at 8:06 PM.