Summary

• Michelle suggested the Board consider forming a subcommittee to address the planning.
• Staff will begin the process by providing historical data on the pool. David requested financial data from the last five years.

Full Text

The September 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, Ken Rueter, Brad Spears, Michele Thornton
• Absent: Dan Robbins

Approval of the August 20, 2020 Meeting Minutes

• Motion to approve: Jake; second: David. The August 20, 2020 meeting minutes were approved unanimously.

Appearance and Citizen Comments

• Doug Colclasure provided a recent photo of overflowing parking at the North Boundary Trailhead west of Wisconsin Avenue. He requested that the Board assist in finding a solution for parking improvements at that location, which often sees large numbers of vehicles.

Updates and Observations (Non Action Items)

• Rusty Bittel, developer of the proposed Motorsports Park at the Horizon Center, provided an overview of the project and answered questions from the Board.

New Business

• The Board discussed options to address parking concerns at North Boundary Greenway trailheads along HWY95.

Unfinished Business

• None

Board Work Plan

• Rails to Trails:
  • TOOT has approved the NEPA phase. They are currently reviewing Preliminary Plans. Once approved, the project will receive a Notice to Proceed to final design.
  • Jon Hetrick noted that the trail does not have an official name and requested that the Board assist in developing a unique name.
• Blueway Development:
  • At Michelle’s request, the Position Statement of AFORR and TCWP – August 10, 2020 was entered into the meeting minutes (attached). The position Statement addresses blueway development in the city.
  • Ken discussed the opportunity to partner with Roane County on the TN Riverline project and with TWRA on a Poplar Creek boat launch.
• West BORCE Resolution:
  • No report
• Oak Ridge Outdoor Swimming Pool:
  • Michelle suggested the Board consider forming a subcommittee to address the planning.
  • Staff will begin the process by providing historical data on the pool. David requested financial data from the last five years.
• City Position & Policy on E-Bikes:
  • Brad will take the lead on researching the subject for Board review.
• Parks & Recreation Stewardship, Maintenance and Trail Development:
  • Brad announced the Grand Opening of the Dirt Lab at Haw Ridge Park on Friday, September 25, 2020 at 10AM.
• CIP Review:
  • Staff will send data to David for incorporation into the rating spreadsheet used previously. He will try to have it ready for Board review by the November meeting. This will allow the Board to develop a finished work product for use in the CIP planning process, which typically starts in February.
• Secondary Objectives:
  • Velodrome:
    • No report
  • Community Events:
    • Staff reviewed plans for a drive-through Halloween Party in place of the party usually held in the Rec Center. Options for the Holiday Tree lighting Ceremony are being evaluated.
  • Development Opportunities for Disc Golf & Soccer on Tuskegee Dr. Parcels:
    • No report

Director’s Report:

• The Board was provided an update on facility reopening plans for the Department.

Future Agenda Items:

• A discussion of potential impacts of the proposed motorsports park on the adjacent greenway.
• Develop a plan to approach DOE about parking improvements at North Boundary Greenway trailheads.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:42 PM.