07-15-2021 Agenda Packet and minutes
Parks & Recreation
Advisory Board
July 21, 2021
4:00 pm
300 W. Ash St. Salina, KS
Room 107, City-County Building
Proposed Agenda
1. Call to order and roll call
a. Request staff confirmation that Kansas Open Meeting Act required notice has
been properly provided
b. Roll call
2. Introduction of Guests
a. Misty Serene – Executive Director of the Salina Art Center
3. Citizens Forum
Citizens are welcome to give presentation or ask questions of the Park & Recreation
Advisory Board. (Strictly limited to 5 minutes)
4. Approval of Agenda
5. Approval of Minutes
6. Activity Reports
7. New Business
a. Salina Art Center – Misty Serene
8. Old Business
9. General Announcements
10. Adjournment
MEETING MINUTES
Parks & Recreation Advisory Board
Wednesday, 05/19/21, 4:00 p.m.
Meeting called time: 4:01 p.m.
1. Call to Order and Roll Call
Mary Bender
Jim Fletcher
Matthew Smith
Gabe Grant
Melanie Hedgespeth
Dennis (Denny) Wahlgren
Staff Present:
Chris Cotten – Parks & Recreation Director
Jeff Hammond – Deputy Parks & Recreation Director
Brett Lamer – City Forrester
Troy Reinert – Facilities Superintendent
Travis Scheele – Recreation Superintendent
Morgan Johnson – Administrative Assistant II
Gabe Grant, the chairperson, asked for verification that notice had been sent for today’s Parks & Recreation Advisory Board
meeting. Morgan replied yes, it has.
2. Introduction of GUESTS: There were none.
3. Citizen Forum: There was none discussed.
4. Approval of Agenda: Motion: Mary 2nd: Melanie (motion passed) 6-0
5. Approval of Minutes: Motion: Mary 2nd: Dennis (motion passed) 5-0
*Melanie temporarily stepped out into the hallway, unable to make her vote*
6. Activity Reports:
Chris Cotten brought up the Centennial Park Meeting that was held on Thursday, May 13th at the Friendship Center. The
meeting was open to the public for their input on ideas for Centennial Park. The turn-out for that meeting was actually larger
than the meeting for the Master Plan. The residents in that area are very committed to redeveloping that park and they did have
legitimate concerns.
Dennis stated that he thought it was very informative, there were issues discussed that he wasn’t aware of in. One thing
that stood out to him was the fact that there are no sidewalks at that park for people to walk on. He believes that they do need a
path to be able to walk on in the park.
Mary stated that she thought it was good that there was a third-party (Jon Blanchard) running the meeting so it wasn’t
weighted too heavy one side or the other.
Chris reiterated that he thought it went pretty well. Staff will keep moving forward and see where it goes. Mary stated
that as long as the residents see some type of action, she thinks they will be very pleased. Chris replied that staff had started on
the project after the Master Plan was completed – removed foundations and removed driveways, but stopped based on the fact
that potential housing status was unknown. Staff didn’t want to put money into a project if it was going to have to be removed.
Now that everything is back up and running, progress at the park can be made.
Mary wanted to follow up on the interviews for the Senior Recreation programming position. Jeff stated that there were
3 interviews set up for that position – one declined the interview, they found another opportunity. The second declined the
interview as soon as they were contacted for that interview – they were pursuing other opportunities. The third person, staff did
interview but the applicant was more interested in another position (Recreational Leader at the Fieldhouse.) The position is open
and we are accepting applications again. Mary asked if there has been any feedback from the Salina Citizens on whether or not
programs would be open for the kids. Travis spoke up and said that staff has received several phone calls and walk-ins concerning
sports and recreational programs. He stated that staff answers their questions and lets them know we are seeking applications
and are currently looking to fill that position. Mary stated that she believes it would be a wonderful job – there’s a lot of
creativity in it.
7. New Business:
a) Vanier Family Pavilion naming – Chris reminded the board members that Byron Tomlins came to the last meeting and
asked the board’s permission to move forward with naming the pavilion at Dean Evans Stadium the Vanier Family Pavilion. Part
of the process is advertising to the public and giving them the opportunity to voice their opinion on the matter, whether it is in
support or non-support. The announcement was published to the public and no one showed up – the next step is to take the
board’s approval to the City Commission and hopefully get their approval as well. He will also have a rendering of what the sign
will look like at that time.
b) Jerry Ivey Memorial Park public open forum - Chris stated that once the meeting is adjourned, the public forum for
Jerry Ivey Memorial Park’s pond will begin.
8. Old Business: There was none.
9. General Announcements/Discussion:
Chris stated that all the waterslides are working at Kenwood Cove. Jeff followed up with a brief summary stating that
Kenwood Cove will open on Saturday, May 29th at 12:30pm, weather pending. The facility is looking pretty good considering it
has been closed for 1 year and 9 months. Everything is running smooth mechanically, but there are still some cosmetic fixes that
are being done. The Parks Department has been spending time putting up the sun shades and the Facility Maintenance
Department has been helping out with painting. By the end of the week, you’ll be able to see the iconic sunshade over the slide
tower, indicating that it will open soon. There is still some edging and trimming that needs to be done, but things are coming
along.
Mary mentioned driving by Hawthorne Playground and how amazing it is. Chris stated that the construction is done,
staff is waiting on a few more things to complete the project. The playground safety engineered wood fiber needs to be spread
and it will be ready to go. Mary stated it has some unique features that you don’t see often so she thinks that will be a bonus.
Chris stated that Brett Lamer oversaw the RPF process and made the selection and Troy Reinert’s staff actually put it together.
Mary said it looks great.
10. Adjournment Motion: Motion: Melanie 2nd: Dennis (motion passed) 6-0
Meeting adjourned at 4:11PM.
06-16-21 Salina Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Activity Reports
Parks Accomplishments
• Cheney Overhead door repaired door opener for the Oakdale tennis court facility
• Inventoried park signs (blue ones) that need to be replaced/updated
• Assisted a young woman at Oxbow Park that was having issues that were drug related. PD and EMS
were called
• Met with Purple Wave representatives to advertise surplus equipment
• Met with two families about memorial benches
• Made plumbing repairs to the Sunset Waterfall to get it operational after sitting idle for almost two
years
• Seasonal staff got caught up on mowing athletic fields and parks
• Investigated a call from PD that a grave that had collapsed at the cemetery due to the recent rains. No
issues found, dirt had only settled around the cement vault
• Attended operational budget meeting with City manager
• One new mower was delivered
• Attended the Centennial Park public meeting at the Friendship Center
• Met with Larry Pankratz to discuss improvements at the Sound Garden in Oakdale Park
• Conducted six interviews for four open Park Technician positions
Forestry and Landscaping Accomplishments
• Worked on preparing landscape beds in Oakdale Formal Garden area, tilling, applying pre-emergent,
• Responded to several low limb complaints, trees blocking traffic signs, trimming trees in parks, general
cleanup projects
• Considerable time spent on getting all 30 irrigation systems operational
Cemetery Accomplishments
• Prepared for Memorial Day weekend
• Sold 13 Spaces
• 10 monument permits
• 12 burials for the month of May
• Cleaned up down tree limbs from storms on May 27th
• Completed the first round of spraying
Lakewood Accomplishments
• Started spring programs after having last year “off” due to COVID. Staff and participants were excited
to get back to a somewhat normal schedule
Tree Board Notes
• Held a meeting and discussed being back to full staff in the Forestry Division and efforts to train the
new staff and begin tree trimming and some tree removals again
Vandalism
• Eric Stein stage reservation board destroyed. Decision was made to not replace it due to repeated
vandalism.
Public Programs held in the parks
• SOLO races at Berkley Family Recreational Area
• Centennial Park public meeting held at the Friendship Center
• Street Eats & Beats festival at Eric Stein Stage
Animal Shelter Accomplishments
• Backup generator was installed on 5-26-2021
• Two Animal Control Officers were certified as an ACO 1
Instructional/Therapeutic Recreation/Special Events Accomplishments
• All Special Events, Instructional & Therapeutic programs are on hold. A full-time Recreation Supervisor
position is currently being advertised and recruited to implement those programs.
Kenwood Cove Aquatics
• Andrea taught multiple days of lifeguard certification training to make sure the staff would be certified
before the season started.
• Staff finished the hiring process to be prepared for opening on May 29th.
• Staff helped with cleaning the facility and keeping the pools clean to prepare for opening day.
• The slides were buffed and waxed to prepare for the summer season.
• Continued selling season passes and started taking cabana and birthday party rentals.
• Kenwood Cove was unable to open for the first 4 days of the season due to cold temperatures and
rain.
Salina Municipal Golf Course Accomplishments
ROUNDS
• 4,026 for the month of May. 5 Year Average for May is 3,739 rounds.
First Tee Programming
• Summer Classes began May 31 and will continue until the end of July
• Currently there are approximately 250 participants, aged 6-18 years old, with more expected to sign up
throughout the summer
Major Events
• The Course hosted 9 major events throughout the month. Some of the events included AMBUCS,
Salina Rescue Mission, and the Saline County Golf Association 2 Person Scramble.
• Hosted for the 4th consecutive year the Boys KSHSAA Golf State Championship. There were a total of
89 participants who traveled with their families for the two day event. This event had an estimated
economic impact for the city close to $100,000.
Joe Milbradt Pavilion
• The pavilion officially opened May 16th and had been used for some of our bigger events. Guest are
impressed with the space and have had many positive comments. It’s been a great addition to our
facility.
Course Conditions
• Guest continue to comment on courses great condition
• Maintenance staff continues to improve on these conditions by top dressing greens and trimming
trees.
Fieldhouse/Athletics Accomplishments
• Some activities and all tournaments are up in full swing. Youth baseball/softball league off to a rough
start being rained out 6 out of the first 8 evenings due to weather, but there are 82 league teams
participating this season. This is 10 more teams than the volunteer 2020 summer season, but
considerably down from consistent 110-120 league teams in the past.
• Eight outdoor tournaments were schedule in May with over 100 teams participating including the
KSHSAA State Baseball & Softball tournaments. However, the USSSA baseball tournament was rained
out involving 40 teams with the KSHSAA State softball tournament being delayed 1 day on non-turfed
fields.
• Youth outdoor soccer league finished their season with 16 teams participating in the spring with 3v3,
5v5, and 7v7 options available in the summer.
• The Fieldhouse also hosted events including a huge 3-day AAU Gymnastics Event (involving 620
registered gymnasts representing 29 Clubs throughout the state) and 38 team MAYB Basketball
tournament.
• Groups such as Salina Liberty and youth baseball/softball teams continue to utilize the turf portion of
the Salina Fieldhouse for practices.
• Women’s and coed volleyball leagues finished the spring season with 22 teams. Coed & Women’s
leagues are available in the summer with 18 teams on the horizon.
• Full-time staff are very busy trying to hire PT staff and 2 Full Time positions with application pools
lower than normal. One Recreation Leader position was filled with the other Recreation Supervisor
position still seeking qualified candidates. For the first time in 15 years, youth baseball/softball games
were postponed due to not having enough umpires available for the 1st week of league.
• The Salina Fieldhouse Summer Camp staff are being hired and trained with 1st day of camp set for June
14th.
Facility Maintenance
• Maintenance staff completed 25 requested general maintenance work orders and P.M.’s
• The Joe Milbradt Pavilion at the Salina Muni Golf Course opened to the public
• Maintenance staff in cooperation with Parks staff continued work on the Hawthorne Playground
• Maintenance staff completed seasonal start up work and de-winterizing at Kenwood Cove
• Maintenance staff assisted Summit Plumbing in replacing the 5 vandalized toilets & 2 urinals at Bill
Burke south bathrooms
• Maintenance staff continued group meetings with Salina Net Generation, discussing the future
development of a tennis complex.
• Maintenance staff met with electricians to discuss replacing recalled electrical panels in in Salina Police
Department facility
• Maintenance staff completed the Facility Maintenance budget and Buildings and Facilities Sub-CIP
requests for 2022.
• Compiled bids and awarded contract for making final repairs from the 2020 hail storm.
• Facility Staff met Contractors at Fire Station #4 to solicit bids to make repairs to west overhead
opening. Bids were turned over to Fire Chief to execute.
• Facility Maintenance staff assisted in the construction and installation of the new generator to be used
at the Salina Animal shelter. Final hook-up will be completed in June.
Hawthorne Playground
Joe Milbradt Pavilion Animal Shelter Generator
Highlights from the Custodial Division
• Continued to clean and sanitize the city occupied facilities
• Custodial Staff performed mid-day, daily, sanitizing (fogging) at the Salina Municipal Court, SPD
interrogation room & holding cells in efforts to ensure a safe public environment
• Facility Maintenance continues to advertise for the 3 open custodial positions
• Started utilizing Express Employment staff to bridge the gap in our custodial staffing shortage
*The above expense report reflects the following categories: custodial labor & material, maintenance labor & material, sub-contract expenses,
electrical, and gas expenses.
07-21-21 Salina Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Activity Reports
Parks and Forestry Accomplishments
• Staff completed the installation of the weed barrier fabric and Engineered Wood Fiber mulch for the
Hawthorne Playground. Playground is now open for the public.
• Staff removed six broken sidewalk panels at Hawthorne Playground for contractor to replace.
• Attended the City staff only KKOA meeting to discuss priorities for this year’s event
• Contacted Precision Electrical to make repairs to the Eric Stein Stage, Sunset Waterfalls, and tennis
court lights in Oakdale.
• New LED light fixtures were added to the Thomas Park restroom
• Contacted Express Employment to try to get seasonal staff. One was hired.
• Staff cleaned the Eric Stein stage for the Municipal Band and the Central Kansas Pride organization
• Staff started cleaning out the old pool to prepare for the new tennis facility
• Staff prepared for the SOLO races at BFRA
• Called PD to report an attempted break-in at the Bill Burke north storage shed
• Attended the KKOA meeting with KKOA
representatives
• Forestry division had several callouts for tree limbs
blocking streets
• Conducted two more interviews for summer and full
time positions
• Contacted Precision Electrical to check all facilities in
Oakdale to prepare for the KKOA event in July
• Staff worked on BRFA to remove limbs from trees to make it easier to mow underneath, and worked to
clear limbs behind the fences in the outfield.
Landscape and Downtown Accomplishments
• 17,000 annual flowers were delivered and planted during the month of June
• Landscape Consultants made repairs to the downtown irrigation at Walnut and Santa Fe, all irrigation
is now on Downtown
• Staff turned on the irrigation for Wilbur Field at BFRA
• Landscape staff added three new employees
Cemetery Accomplishments
• 13 Burials for the month of June
• Sold 5 spaces
• 7 marker permits
• Second round of spraying has been complete
• Staff cleaned up tree limbs that were down from the wind storm
Lakewood Accomplishments
• Lakewood completed a full month of summer programs, which includes 33 programs.
• Lakewood had 128 walk-in visitors
• Staff repaired trails, trail steps, and garden boxes
• Staff planted summer gardens with flowers
• Greenhouse efforts are producing many vegetables for animal food.
Tree Board Notes
• There was no meeting held in June.
Vandalism
• One 15 year old that vandalized the Eric Stein stage completed 10 hours of community service.
Projects (not a complete list):
• Central Kansas Disc Golf Association removed and replaced all of the Disc Golf baskets at Lakewood
Park
• Boy Scout Troop #214 cleaned up Oakdale Park and along the river channel
Animal Shelter Accomplishments
• Two Animal Control Officer’s finished training and certification
for NACA 2.
• One Animal Control Officer finished online NACA 1 training
and is now certified.
• Intakes for June
o 96 Cats
o 104 Dogs
• Adoptions for June
o 79 Cats
o 34 Dogs
Instructional/Therapeutic Recreation/Special Events Accomplishments
• All Special Events, Instructional & Therapeutic programs are on hold. A full-time Recreation Supervisor
position is currently being advertised and recruited to implement those programs.
Kenwood Cove Aquatics
• Kenwood Cove couldn’t open for the first few days of the season due to cold weather. We were able
to open for the season on June 2nd.
• Admission and membership revenue for the month of June was $174,706.50
• By the end of June we had sold: 23 adult memberships, 1079 group memberships, 4 senior
memberships, and 110 youth passes. Those memberships were then scanned 7,828 times in June.
• We had 33 cabana rentals and 12 birthday party rentals.
• We sold 9,350 adult day passes, 407 senior day passes, and 1,520 youth day passes
• The first two sessions of swim lessons had 314 total unique participants.
• We have sold 7,320 water walking passes between the day pass and punch pass options.
Salina Municipal Golf Course Accomplishments
ROUNDS
• 4,105 for the month, 5 Year Average for June is 4,770
First Tee Programming
• Summer Classes are going well with a good turnout. Lots of positive comments about our coaches and
program.
Course Conditions
• Course continues to be in excellent shape. Improvements include: New Par 3 tees, they will be utilized
in the off season. Courtesy cut has been added to all fairways. Greens are being top dressed on a
monthly/bi-monthly basis. This keeps them firm and more easily absorbing moisture.
• We continue to get many positive comments on the course from customers/patrons.
• Future improvements will be updating yellow and red tees. Also, improving the rough areas.
Joe Milbradt Pavilion
• Tournaments have been utilizing the pavilion for staging/checking in participants and gathering after
finishing. Again, many positive comments.
Looking Ahead
• Ribbon cutting ceremony with the Chamber of Commerce for the Joe Milbradt pavilion will be held July
22, from 5-7pm
• Pinwheels for Allie tournament in September.
• State High School Girls Golf Championship in Oct.
Fieldhouse/Athletics Accomplishments
• All summer activities and tournaments are up in full swing. Youth baseball/softball league consists of
82 teams. For the first time in 15 years, games were postponed due to the shortage of staff, mainly
umpires. Fields are fortunate to have 1 umpire/field, let alone 2 umpires this season.
• Four outdoor and 2 indoor tournaments were held in June. Number of teams have been down so far
since coming out of COVID.
• There are 14 youth 3v3 and 9 adult 7v7 outdoor soccer teams participating at the Salina Soccer
Complex this summer.
• The Fieldhouse has been relatively busy hosting traditional summer basketball league, adult volleyball
leagues and youth volleyball camp. Summer Day Camp and Lunch Program got back going after being
closed last year due to COVID. Numbers are lower (40+ compared to 60+), but still a great camp for
the participants. Unfortunately, the camp was shut down late June/early July due to two positive
COVID cases. The camp is set to reopen middle July with finishing late July.
• New to the Fieldhouse was an XWE Pro Wrestling event. Over 200+ showed for the event. The
organization scheduled more events in August and October.
• Also new to the Fieldhouse was the Point Guard University Basketball Camp. Over 200+ attending the
4 day camp each day in which directors were very happy and already discussing dates for next year.
• The full-time position of Recreation Leader started in the month of June. That position is temporarily
overseeing Summer Day camp this year until the Recreation Supervisor position gets filled. He will be
supervising adult & youth sports along with the Berkley Family Recreational Area moving forward.
Facility Maintenance
Highlights from Maintenance
• Maintenance staff completed 90 requested general maintenance work orders and P.M.’s
• Maintenance staff completed work on the BFRA irrigation pit
• The Facilities Superintendent met with demolition contractors at the existing county rodeo grounds in
preparation for the new tennis complex.
Highlights from the Custodial Division
• Continued to clean and sanitize the city occupied facilities
• Facility Maintenance continues to advertise for the open custodial positions
• Utilized Express Employment staff to bridge the gap in custodial staffing shortage
*The above expense report reflects the following categories: custodial labor & material, maintenance labor & material, sub-contract
expenses, electrical, and gas expenses.
Larry Pankratz sent this email in regards to the newly installed Disc Golf baskets at
Lakewood Park:
Gentlemen:
All 18 new disc baskets are installed. The attached picture is of a disc player from
Hays. We had just installed the last basket, #7 on the north side by the restroom. This
guys throws a drive for a Hole in One. The first time the basket got a disc in was an Ace
and it was his first ever Ace. Great way to christen the new baskets.
All the old baskets are stacked in the concrete building on the south side of
Lakewood. Sacred Heart and the YMCA are interested in them. We will have to get new
galvanized sleeves and weld a piece onto them to be able to lock them down at their
new locations. Hope to have Sacred Heart installed this fall and the YMCA in the
spring. The old sleeves with concrete are south of the concrete building as you
instructed us to put them.
Thank you Salina Parks and Recreation for your support of disc golf in Salina. The
influence of this course has generated many other courses in the surrounding region.
Larry