Summary

• Public input session at Oak Ridge Pool gathered 133 comment cards supporting keeping the pool as it is.
• Concerns raised about significant water infiltration under the pool, potentially leading to sinkhole development.
• Geotechnical testing by a firm from Knoxville confirmed water saturation issues under the pool.
• Consultants are compiling cost estimates and planning more public input sessions, including concept plan presentations.
• Decision to keep the pool’s current state remains popular among attendees.
• Future updates and reports on pool conditions will be posted on www.oakridgeoutdoorpool.com.

Full Text

The July 20, 2023 meeting of the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board was convened at 7:00 pm in the Oak Ridge Recreation Center Social Room with Chairman Jake Greear presiding.

Roll Call

• Present: Jake Greear, Doug Bataille, Terri Daugherty, Dan Robbins, Michele Thornton, Alissa Jones
• Absent: Kelly Mccampbell, Chris Melhorn
• Also Present: Seth Rodgers, Recreation & Parks, Special Projects, staff liaison Jon Hetrick, Recreation & Parks Director, staff liaison Ann Miller

Approval of July 20th Agenda

Moved item #9 up to item #5. Agenda approved.

Approval of June 8, 2023 Meeting Minutes

Approved as drafted (unanimous).

New Business:

• New board member Ann Miller.
• New process for identifying community members that have comments or interest in meeting.
• Community member Doug Colclasure discussed the importance of trails and community involvement.
• Nathan Mullins expressed concerns about the future of the outdoor pool.
• Sarah Corcoran from ACAC expressed interest in the pool discussion.

Board Work Plan:

• Oak Ridge Pool:
• Public input session indicated strong support for keeping the pool as it is.
• Concerns raised about water infiltration and potential sinkhole development under the pool.
• Consultants gathering cost estimates and planning more public input sessions.
• Future updates available on www.oakridgeoutdoorpool.com.

Other Agenda Items:

• CIPs Review
• North Boundary Greenway update
• Greenway System grant application
• Parks & Rec Stewardship, Maintenance and Trail development updates
• Secondary & Long-Term Objectives including community events and specific projects
• Announcements and Director’s report

Unfinished Business:

• Jake working on renaming North Ridge Trail motion.

Next meeting: August 10, 2023.