COVENTRY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES THURSDAY, JANUARY 10 TH, 2019

Transcription

1 COVENTRY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES THURSDAY, JANUARY 10 TH, 2019 The Coventry Parks & Recreation Commission held a regular meeting on Thursday, January 10 th, 2019 at Town Hall Conference Room B. Jennifer Rodgers called the meeting to order at 7:02pm. Bob Martin was seated for regular member Todd Messier. Members Present: Marie Gallo-Hall, Jennifer Rodgers, Bob Martin, Jennifer Bynes and Jillian Miner (arrived at 7:06pm). Members Absent: Todd Messier. Others Present: Wendy Rubin, Director of Parks & Recreation, Caterina Merriam, Recreation Supervisor and Karl Molitoris, Disc Golf Course Designer. Audience of Citizens: Brian Hastings, 123 Trowbridge Road: o Mr. Hastings explained that he has safety concerns with the proposed disc gold plan, as many of the tees and baskets are right on a marked walking trail around the pond. He noted that most people who go to Creaser Park to walk, or bring their dogs end up walking around the pond, since it is flat. o He said he ed a disc golf course designer he found online, names James Lane out of Bristol who noted that the baskets should be placed considerably away from where people walk and placed so the players are throwing away from where people may be. Mr. Hastings also noted that he would be willing to help work on the design, as a user of the park. Ms. Gallo-Hall asked if he had the credentials of the course designer he spoke to, to which Mr. Hastings said he was the only designer in CT listed on this particular website. Ms. Gallo-Hall also asked how often Mr. Hastings uses the park. Mr. Hastings responded that he is there 2-3 times a day. He noted that due to breathing problems he prefers Creaser Park because it is flat. Kim McKeon, 307 Cedar Swamp Road: o Ms. McKeon has concerns regarding the disc golf course design. She goes to Creaser Park 3-5 times a week, and sees 3-5 cars there at a time. She said that the area around the pond is the most used area within the park, as it is the most accessible. She noted that there are a lot of great programs going on at Creaser Park including a painted rock program, trails, bird habitats, letterboxing, jogging and fishing that brings both individuals and families to the park regularly. She is concerned with the placement of the tees around the pond and wondered if the area behind the buildings was considered? She noted that that area is also accessible, but has fewer people walking there. o She noted that she never saw anything posted at the Park announcing the plans, nor does she have the time to read meeting minutes. She provided the Commission with photos taken of the marked tees & baskets by the pond, particularly #2 is of concern. Ms. Rubin explained that #2 is being moved due to wetlands issues. o Lastly, she asked if the Town was considering port-o-potties as she would be concerned that for those coming to play disc golf, due to the length of the game, will we have people relieving themselves in the woods if there are no facilities?

2 Ted Podolski, 270 Sam Green Road: o Mr. Podolski also had concerns regarding the proposed disc golf course. He noted that prior to recent hip surgery, he was not able to walk for 20 years. He walks at Creaser Park for rehab. He too walks around the pond because it s flat. He said he sees families there a lot teaching their kids to fish, which is a great thing to see. He explained that he works at a college, and he understands Frisbee golf. Some Deans of Colleges banned them because some players do get careless, they hit professors. o He said that it is not your standard Frisbee and he wouldn t want to get hit by one. They are spending big bucks. Some of them are spending hundreds of dollars. He understands that the course has to be challenging to attract disc golf players, but that causes concerns about safety. o He said that he wants to continue seeing dogs cooling themselves in the pond at Creaser Park since they have been banned at both Patriots Park & Lisicke Beach. The Town should honor the promise they made to the dog walkers that Creaser Park is a place that they can go. He said there needs to be a balance between all the users, and doesn t believe that the walkers or dog walkers should be punished. Kyle Macsuga, 92 Daly Road: o Mr. Macsuga explained that he is an avid disc golfer, and is new to Town. He said that it sounds like some folks may be misinformed, and explained that he enjoys disc golf as it is a way to get outside with friends, and that a disc golf course would attract many more users to the park. He mentioned Nichols Park, in East Haddam is another course designed by our course designer, Karl Molitoris. He explained that what is so great about that park is that it plays to its strengths and the things the park has to offer, which is what this course design also does by incorporating challenges like the pond. He said that disc golf is inexpensive to play, the $100 disc totally ridiculous doesn t spend more than $15 dollars on a disc. o He said that he goes to the disc golf course in Cross Farms in Tolland & Eckert Hill in Vernon and noted that the players and dog walkers there co-exist very well at both locations, with players waiting for walkers to pass before throwing. Center Springs Park in Manchester was not so good until disc golf was installed and that helped clean up the area. He did suggest that trash & recycling receptacles would be a good addition to the plan, and that we could partner with the Library to loan out discs. Donna Hutchins, Main Street: o Ms. Hutchins asked why can t it just be a park? She said that there are so many other disc golf courses in the area, why do we need another one? She also noted that there are 2 blue herons that come to Creaser Park, which is so awesome and rare. Kent Ough, 143 Brewster Street: o Mr. Ough noted that he discovered Creaser Park recently, and now goes there 3-5 mornings a week. He asked about whether the Town has an integrated plan for the park, regarding how all the different users and activities are being incorporated into the long-range plan for the property. Ms. Rubin noted that the State of CT DEEP did do an Environmental Review with recommendations on potential use, which is fairly limited as an open space area. The Town is currently in the process of updating the Plan of Conservation & Development that the Recreation Commission will be providing input, and the Recreation Commission is working on their Strategic Plan. Ms. Bynes noted that she used to live on a property that abuts Creaser Park, and that she loves that so many people are so passionate about the Park, and who have come together through

3 that appreciation for the park. She also noted that she is happy to see a younger population taking interest in the park as well. Mr. Hastings spoke again, saying that according to his research, many disc golfers think they have control when they don t, and people have gotten hurt. The disc can go mph. He also said that he hear the Transfer Station is being moved; if so, why can t that location be used for the disc golf course? He noted that it would be ideal since no one goes there. Mr. Macsuga asked about the timing of the project and if volunteers are needed? He also wondered if there is a plan yet for the back 9. o Ms. Rubin said that DPW is currently doing much of the work, but that volunteers would be needed in the future. She said for Mr. Macsuga to her and she will keep him updated as to work that needs to be done. o Ms. Rubin added that the Commission has yet to discuss the plans for the back 9. Mr. Molitoris has a plan for the back 9 in his head but that nothing s been put to paper. When hearing no other comments, Ms. Rodgers closed Audience of Citizens and then opened up an opportunity for any questions about the course design to be directed to Karl Molitoris, Course Designer who was also present at the meeting: Ms. McKeon asked whether cement would be used for the pads for the tees/baskets. o Mr. Molitoris noted that he understands that the Town does not want to use concrete, so it will probably be a gravel pad with a rubber base. o Ms. Rubin added that the baskets we are planning on installing are movable so they won t be permanent. Matt O Brien, 98 Timber Trail: o Mr. O Brien asked if the Commission is considering alternative courses. Ms. Rubin noted that they have not needed to; they had considered Laidlaw Park briefly in the early stages of the project when DEEP was not getting back to us quickly to renew the lease. o Mr. O Brien said that he understood that 3 of the holes are ADA compliant (accessible); how is that designated? Ms. Rubin explained that we have contacted CT ADA, and it just needs to be a packed surface, and no paving is required. o Mr. O Brien explained that he is in favor of disc golf, as long as the area can be shared and everyone s needs are being addressed. Joan Lewis, 48 Antrim Road: o Ms. Lewis explained that the Parks & Recreation Commission has been working for several years to build new softball fields in Town, and that space is hard to come by. The current location for the Transfer Station is a location that is being looked at for softball fields. She noted that is hard to find adequate spaces for different projects, and that space is often needed to be shared. Anita Baldwin, Pine Lake Shores: o Ms. Baldwin asked if people are there walking their dogs on the trails, how do you design a course with proper visibility? Mr. Molitoris explained that you either avoid walking trails altogether, or you place them down the trails that are long enough, i.e. are longer than the length of the hole. He noted that Creaser has very few long and straight trails, so very few holes in the woods will be designed with trails in the way. Ms. McKeon asked if the area behind the buildings have been considered. Mr. Molitoris said that he has designed the course with other park users in mind; i.e. he would love to put a hole next to the pavilion but has not due to pavilion usage. Ms. McKeon said that the pavilion is never used.

4 Mr. Hastings asked for Mr. Molitoris credentials, and why he wasn t able to find him online? Mr. Molitoris explained his background, that he is a course designer and noted the many courses he s designed both in the Mid-Atlantic in the U.S. and in Europe. East Haddam is the first course he designed in CT. He also noted that all of the concerns that have been raised here are legitimate and will be taken into consideration. Ms. Rodgers then read a statement from former East Haddam Parks & Recreation Director, Tiffany Quinn who worked with Mr. Molitoris years ago when they were planning their disc golf course. She also noted that the Commission will be discussing the issue later on in the meeting, and will take all of the concerns raised into consideration. Ms. Gallo-Hall also thanked those in attendance for coming to the meeting and expressing their concerns. She also wanted to reiterate that when the Commission saw the plans back in October that many of the same issues were discussed then too. Debbie Locke, Bishop Lane: o Ms. Locke explained that she too frequents Creaser Park like many others, and that rather than being at each other s throats she would like everyone to work together and make it a shared space that works for everyone. Mr. Ough asked about the plans for the back 9. Mr. Molitoris said he has a sense of where the holes will go, but that he hasn t put it down on paper yet. Mr. Ough noted that he walks the red trail a lot; are we creating a new trail for the back 9? Mr. Molitoris noted that there will be a few trees that will need to come down (He is hoping to avoid big trees) to accommodate the length needed for the fairway, but that he is planning for a combination of new places to walk and the existing trails. o Ms. Gallo-Hall said that we should wait to see the plans once they ve been documented, but that the Commission would love everyone s opinion on those as well. Laurie Hebert, Daly Road: o Ms. Hebert asked if the Commission researched other parks in terms of attendance when Disc Golf is played. Acceptance of Minutes: Marie Gallo-Hall moved to accept the November 8 th meeting minutes. Jennifer Bynes seconded. Motion voted in the affirmative by Marie Gallo-Hall, Jillian Miner, Jennifer Rodgers and Bob Martin. Motion carried. Marie Gallo-Hall moved to move Disc Golf at Creaser Park Karl Molitoris up in the agenda from Old Business. Jennifer Bynes seconded. Motion voted in the affirmative by Jennifer Rodgers, Marie Gallo- Hall, Jennifer Bynes, Bob Martin and Jillian Miner. Motion carried. Old Business: Disc Golf at Creaser Park Karl Molitoris: o Ms. Gallo-Hall said that we have spoken about shared usage. She asked Mr. Molitoris if there are changes that can be made to the current design based on the concerns raised tonight. Mr. Molitoris said that you can put a disc golf course anywhere but that diversity is key in attracting players. He asked how proud Coventry wants to be in their course. He said that safety is the #1 concern, and that he understands everyone s concerns but that they have already been taken into consideration. He said that the holes around the pond are very short, and not visually obstructed since the brush has been cut back. Due to that shortness there is no forced carry. He went on to say that disc golf is a game for 8-80 in that everyone can play, and that his goal in designing the course is to accommodate

5 o all ages and level of play. He said that he understands that it is a community space. He also said that disc golfers know that discs hurt if you re hit by them and that no one wants to hit anyone, so common practice is to be aware and wait until the area is clear of pedestrians before throwing. Ms. Gallo-Hall asked about the environmental impact. Mr. Molitoris noted that he has a degree in biology, and that there is very little impact. He also noted that the liability associated with getting hit by a disc is no different than getting hit by a foul ball at a baseball game. Ms. Rubin added that CT DEEP had to approve the use based on the environmental impact, and they did not have any concerns. Marie Gallo-Hall moved to table the discussion to allow staff to work with the Course Designer to make recommendations on the course design in time for the February meeting. Jennifer Bynes seconded. Motion voted in the affirmative by Jennifer Rodgers, Marie Gallo-Hall, Jennifer Bynes, Bob Martin and Jillian Miner. Motion carried. Correspondence: None Staff Report: A written Staff report for July-August was distributed to the Commission for their review. Ms. Rubin & Ms. Merriam further explained a few noteworthy items: Quarterly Report: o Staff will out the newest Quarterly Report for the Commission s information; Public Hearing: Caretaker House: o Ms. Rubin reminded the Commission about the Public Hearing on January 22 nd to discuss plans for the Caretaker House at Patriots Park. It is at 7pm prior to a regular Town Council Meeting and Commission members are encouraged to attend. FY19-20 Budget Proposal: o The CIP and Operating Budget proposals were ed to Commission members back in December. Staff will be meeting with Finance Director & Town Manager in a few weeks. If there are any questions, please let staff know. Basketball: o Ms. Bynes reported that the season is well underway and running smoothly. She said that it seems like the current Board is actively seeking new Board members to take over. Ms. Rubin asked if the Board is looking to become independent. Ms. Bynes noted that she has not heard that, however she would recommend that they begin planning to do so. Ms. Rubin explained that more defined roles (Board vs. Staff) would be helpful, if they want to continue to fall under our umbrella. Open Space Stewardship Committee: o Ms. Rubin introduced Eric Thomas, who briefed the Commission on the Committee s activities and interests. He noted that he would like to work with the Parks & Recreation Commission on future projects and invites any feedback on projects that the Committee may be able to help with. He also noted that they are always looking for volunteers to help with clean-up projects. Sailing Club: o Ms. Rubin explained that there has been a change in leadership, and that the new Board is planning on attending the Commission s February meeting. New Business: Elections:

6 o Nominations: The Commission discussed the recent resignations of both Todd Messier, Chair and Sean Butler, Vice Chair and the need for new nominations of officers. Jennifer Rodgers moved to nominate Marie Gallo-Hall for the position of Chair. Jennifer Bynes seconded. Marie Gallo-Hall accepted the nomination. Motion voted in the affirmative by Jennifer Rodgers, Marie Gallo-Hall, Jennifer Bynes, Bob Martin and Jillian Miner. Motion carried. Marie Gallo-Hall moved to nominate Jennifer Bynes for the position of Vice-Chair. Jillian Miner seconded. Jennifer Bynes accepted the nomination. Motion voted in the affirmative by Jennifer Rodgers, Marie Gallo-Hall, Jennifer Bynes, Bob Martin & Jillian Miner. Motion carried. Marie Gallo-Hall moved to accept the nomination of Jennifer Rodgers as Secretary, as nominated at the November 8 th meeting. Jennifer Bynes seconded. Motion voted in the affirmative by Jennifer Rodgers, Marie Gallo-Hall, Jennifer Bynes, Bob Martin & Jillian Miner. Motion carried. Adjournment: With no other business to discuss the meeting was adjourned at 8:34pm. Respectfully Submitted, Caterina Merriam, Recreation Supervisor Please note: These minutes are not official until approved by the Parks & Recreation Commission at the next Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting. Please see the next Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes for approval or changes to these minutes.