Summary

City Council Member’s Comments: Jim Dodson mentioned applying for a historical marker for the outdoor pool, indicating ongoing recognition and support from city officials.

Public Comments – George Smith: Expressed the community’s interest in keeping the outdoor pool open and maintaining its current design, highlighting local sentiment and priorities regarding the pool’s future.

Updates and Observations:

Timeline for Outdoor Pool Discussion: Staff liaison Jon Hetrick provided a draft timeline aiming to recommend a course of action to the City Council by late 2021 or early 2022, underscoring ongoing planning and decision-making processes.
Informal Survey: Hetrick updated the board on an informal survey conducted among pool users during the summer, suggesting community engagement in planning decisions.

Board Work Plan – Oak Ridge Swimming Pool:

Discussion centered on the design and infrastructure needs of the outdoor pool, emphasizing the importance of these factors in budgeting for the project.  Overall, the minutes reflect ongoing discussions and community interest in the future of the outdoor pool, with updates and planning activities aimed at informing future recommendations to the City Council.

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Minutes of the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Meeting

August 12, 2021 Regular Meeting

The August 12, 2021 meeting of the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board was convened at 7:02 pm in the Oak Ridge Recreation Center Social Room.

Roll Call

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

Absent: Kelly Mccampbell, Chris Melhorn, Brad Spears

Approval of the July 29, 2021 Meeting Minutes

Motion to approve: David Kitzmiller; second: Michelle Thornton. The July 29, 2021 meeting minutes were approved unanimously.

Appearance and Citizen Comments

• City Council member Jim Dodson thanked the Park Board and the Recreation & Parks Department for all that they do. He also reported that he has applied for a historical marker from the State Historical Commission for the outdoor pool.
• Doug Colclasure expressed his appreciation for the work that was done by the department to clean up the vegetation along the shoreline in preparation for the Masters National Regatta. He noted national media coverage of the event on ESPN. He also provided comments on the value of the BORCE to the community.
• George Smith provided comments on the outdoor pool, including the need to keep it open and maintain the current design.

Updates and Observations (Non Action Items):

• Staff liaison Jon Hetrick provided a draft timeline for the outdoor pool discussion, with the goal of arriving at a recommendation to City Council by the end of 2021 or early 2022.

New Business

• None.

Unfinished Business

• None.

Board Work Plan

Oak Ridge Swimming Pool:

• Hetrick provided an update on the informal survey conducted among pool users over the summer.
• Hetrick also provided an overview of the scope of work for the project. While the Board is focused on a recommendation for the design of the pool, the supporting infrastructure (locker rooms, offices, etc.) will play a significant role in the budgeting of the project.

Rec & Parks CIP Review and Prioritization:

• David Kitzmiller distributed the updated project list for the Board’s review. The projects will be discussed in detail (as needed) at the September meeting so that Board members have sufficient information for ranking the projects.

North Boundary Greenway:

• The Board reviewed information from a recent Industrial Development Board (IDB) meeting where development concepts for the undeveloped tracts, provided by TVA, were reviewed. The subject of the proposed power line along the North Boundary Greenway to the north side of the Horizon Center was brought up. Doug Colclasure reiterated his concern that the greenway has not been properly valued when evaluating options for providing power.
• It was also reported that National Nuclear Security Agency (NNSA) has purchased the former LeMond building in the Horizon Center.
• Michele Thornton reported that she thought the Environmental Quality Advisory Board (EQAB) had done an evaluation of the value of the North Boundary Greenway at one time.

Greenway System:

• Rails to Trails Project
  • Jon Hetrick reported that the design and engineering firm for the project, AMT, would provide a project update to City Council at the August 17, 2021 Work Session. City staff are planning to follow up with a public input session in early September.
• Greenway Master Plan Support
  • No report.
• Roadside Safety Evaluations and Advocacy
  • No report.

Blueways Initiative

• No report.

City Position & Policy on E-Bikes:

• Action has been taken – item to be removed from future agendas.

Parks & Recreation Stewardship, Maintenance and Trail Development:

• No report.

Secondary Objectives:

• Community Events
• Development Opportunities for Disc Golf & Soccer on Tuskegee Dr.
  • Disc Golf – improved communication between City staff and the disc golf club. The club has received permission to move forward with the installation of additional concrete tee pads on the course.

Director’s Report:

• The Department, like many employers, is experiencing significant hiring challenges. Parks Maintenance and the Golf Course are significantly impacted.

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.
• Planning for Park Board Achievement Awards. September – nominations, October – vote.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:27 PM.