City of Pierre
Park and Recreation Advisory Board
Minutes of 5/17/12 meeting
Tom Rounds called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. Board members present were Rounds, Lewis, Mehlhaff, Dr. Rasmussen, and Judson. Absent was Hofer. Also attending were Commissioner Jeanne Goodman, Director Tom Farnsworth, Jeff Filipek of the YMCA, and Recreation Supt. Mindy Cheap. Motion to approve the April meeting minutes – Dr. Rasmussen, seconded by Judson. Motion passed, 5-0.
Capital Outlay Proposal: Sand Soccer Court – No discussion or action was taken regarding the sand soccer court because no new information was available. The board, during the bus tour of the parks, reviewed the proposed site in Griffin Park.
Capital Outlay Proposal: Tennis Hitting Wall – The board visited the area where the hitting wall is being proposed. The board took note of the court layout and some discussion took place regarding which court would be ideal for the hitting wall. Farnsworth will notify the PTA of the location to establish the hitting wall.
Public Facility Task Force – Rounds gave an update on the Public Task Force’s efforts in identifying what is need for a public facility for sports, multi-use, recreational activities. Tom discussed the committee has broken up into two sub committees, one focused on city hall and the other on gym/multi-use space.
4th Street Trail and Pond Project – Farnsworth provided an update on the project. The board briefly discussed motor use on the pond. The board was also updated on the fishing platform and pier for the pond.
State Hershey Track Meet – Mindy provided an update on the progress for preparing for the State Hershey meet. Mindy stated the local qualifying meet is June 2 and the state meet is June 23 and volunteers are appreciated.
Twins Community Fund Grant – Farnsworth presented the board with a grant from the Twins Community Fund grant, which provides $10,000 to rehabilitate Pony field. The money is specific to Pony field and the grant requires a $10,000 match. The completion of the restoration to Pony field is expected in October of this year pending some underground drain work to be done.
Outdoor Pool – Mindy gave an update on the pool with a projected opening date of June 4th. The pool is receiving some upgrades: handicap lift chair, steps, and a pool toy. Mindy indicated the pool looks dark/black because of the sediment from the Pierre water and the sediment settling to the bottom, but the water is clear because of the chemicals added. The pool floor just needs to be vacuumed.
Bus tour of flood impacted parks and other park projects – The board along with Farnsworth, Goodman, Filipek, and City Administrator Leon Schochenmaier toured several areas along the park system where the flood severely affected the parks. The bus tour stopped by Griffin Park and looked at the potential location for the hitting wall. The bus tour also went by the Pony field and the other softball fields that were affected by the flooding.
Being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 5:02 pm.
Next Park and Recreation Advisory Board meeting is scheduled for June 21 at 4 pm.
Sincerely,
Jeff Mehlhaff, Recording Secretary