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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/30/2001 - Special Minutes - Parks Board ***Minutes*** City e Station Parks and RecreationAdvisory Special Meeting/Public TuTuesday,January 30 9 2001 City 1101 Texas Avenue 7:00 pm Staff res t: Steve Beachy, Director of Parks and Recreation; Eric Ploeger, Assistant Director; Curtis Bingham, Park Operations Superintendent; Scott Hooks, Operations Supervisor, Pete Vanecek, Senior Park Planner; Shannon Waddell, Recreation Supervisor; Pamela Springfield, Senior Secretary; Mary Tucker, Action Center Coordinator; Kris Startz an, Board Secretary. Board e e s Present: Chris Barzilla, Chair; George Dresser, Co-Chair; John Nichols; Bill Davis; Glenn Schroeder; GlenDavis; Jon Turton; John Crompton, Alternate; Laura Wood, Alternate. nate. Visitor's Present: Visitor's Present Al Benavides, 1205 Village Drive Chase Sanford, (address not readable) Lisa Benavides, 1205 Village Drive Ryan Doyal, 2701 Longmire Drive, #706 Levi Peachey, 19119 Peach Creek Cut Off Erica Bogan, 2200 Lobo Charles Ahn, 2803 Brothers Blvd. Raymond Vogel, 2200 Lobo Samantha Rosin, 1201 Berkely Robert Cogbu , 1402 Caudill Matthew Blake, 1112 Winecup Jason Arechiga, 117 Sunset Drive Marshall Rowe, 1427 Stokes David Worley, 3 819 Stony Creek Eric Singleton, 4625 Greens Prairie Trail Cadie Archer, 806 Southern ills Court Chris Meyer, 9103 Waterford Amy Fairhurst, 1302 Haley Place Andrewey er, 9103 Waterford Tracy Borsnek, (address not readable) ScottMy e er, 9103 Waterford David M. Watson, 1013 Winding Road PJ Armstrong, 2600 Quail Hollow Peter Watson, 1013 Winding Road Sam inn9 1402 Village Drive Lindsey Moffitt, 4610 Colonial Charlesant, 5471 Timberline Drive Soni Stallings, 1205 Guadalupe ry Jessica Ledesma, 124ig e Loop Tracy Klusaeck, 801 Llano Phillip Latham,, 201 Highlands Street David Wellman, PO Box 132 Dean Perry, 2913 S. Pueblo Court John Fife, 3 005 Bluestem Samuel Urso, 1005 Laredo Aaron Loveless, 3001 Coronado Drive Holly Huffman, Eagle Street Sam Price, 1200 Walfon Drive g Michael Pird, Carmel Place Christy Elmendarf, 11121 N. Dowling Road David Robinson, Murifield urifield Village Noelle Koenig, 6018 Augusta Circle Jerrel Thomas, 3301 Bahia Charlie Doucet, 2409 B. Pedernales Derek Wedel (no address given) Garrett House, 2604 Clearwood Court Chris Farrell, 1803 Leona Katherine Core, 1809 C. Woodsman Chris Chalman, 2323 Trace Meadows Andrew Hajash, 6422 Barnwood John Hall, 2321 Trace Meadows John Hajash, 6422 Barnwood Larry Farnsworth, 4012 Hunter Creek Lindsey Rearick, 2100 Fairfax Court Page 1 of 8 Parks and Recreation Board Special Meeting/Public Hearing Tuesday,January 30,2001 Net Nuttin, 2912 Normand Drive David Barker, 4013 State Hwy. 6 South Will Mefferd, 1107 Ashburn Avenue Scott Bans, 407 Boyett, Apt. G. Jonathan Jensen, 2903 Durango Court Kyle Mcbrethy, 3415 Mustang Lane Derek Reed, 4905 Ingellwood Court Jesse Torres, 3404 Shire Drive Jason Odine, 908 North Avenue J.R. Torres, 3404 Shire Drive Chris Marshall, 2906 Wood Meadow Susan Meadors, 2713 Brothers Michael Proctor, 3917 Hawk Owl Cove Jon Meadors, 2713 Brothers Misty Callaham, 207 Augsburg Court, Jeromy Benavides, 1205 Village Drive Chris Vanlandingham, 2323 Trace Meadows P.J. Stone, 1207 Westover Street Jerod Hugghins, 312 Dunn Jason Logan, 6556 Olympia Buddy Road Jimmy Scales, 9200 Brookwater Circle Blake Carroll, 703 Concho Janet Dale, 3130 Norton Lane Josh Brown, 609 Yorkshire Drive Liza Martinez, 409 Live Oak Cody Dale, 3130 Norton Lane Gerald Mitchell, 1112 Winecup Jack Collins, 1209 B. Webb Hollow Susan Blake, 1112 Winecup Joe Williams, 1209 B. Webb Hollow Dakota Diehl, 2101 Barak Lane Jason VanDinter, PO Box 5937 Quinten Parmer, 4400 Green Valley John Barker, 4413 Texas Avenue South Cindy Sabesta, 302 Glade Michell Clyde, 3107 Lodgepole Drive Michael Clyde, 3107 Lodgepole Drive Michael Roe, 3307 Westchester James Stanislaw, 1101 Westover Peter Lammesti, 1502 Dominik Jessica Hardison, 602 Coachlight Court Mary Gail Buck, 1207 Westover Robert Malinak, 1114 Airline Vincent Perry, 2913 Pueblo Court South Todd Holbrook, 3620 Vienna Mark Rodgers Jr., 1115 Paintbrush Prudence Morris, 1606 Una Keith Arzac, 2011 Angelina Rodrigo Arzac, 2011 Angelina Ekhi Arzac, 2011 Angelina Barbara Rees, 4905 Inglewood Mike Jones, 1606 Una Justin Goss, 3523 Graz Austin Orand, 2321 Trace Meadows Matt Fisher, 126 Dunn Craig Joyer, 2321 Trace Meadows Josh Ralls, 1020 Puryear Drive Gabrielle Hodges, 1802 Medina Joe Rodriguez, 903 Montclair Michael Stewart, 508 Shire Drive Jennifer Smith, 12467 N. Dowling Meagan Lenard, 6603 Serenity Circle Carla Barker, 4013 State Hwy. 6 South Page 2 of 8 Parks and Recreation Board Special Meeting/Public Hearing Tuesday,January 30,2001 1. Call to order: The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. 2. Pardon — Consider requests for absences of members from meeting: There were no requests for absences submitted, and no pardons were made. 3. Discussion, consideration, and possible action concerning the possible installation of a roller hockey and/or skateboard rink at an existing College Station park: Steve Beachy took the floor. He thanked everyone for attending the public hearing, introduced the Parks and Recreation Department staff, and turned the floor over to Eric Ploeger. Eric took the floor and showed a PowerPoint presentation pertaining to the various aspects of and options for roller hockey rinks and skateboard parks. The presentation also suggested several potential sites to put such a facility (see attachment). Wolf Pen Creek was the recommended site by Parks and Recreation Department staff, due to the fact that: • It is on the College Station Bike Loop; • It has parking, open space, and restrooms; • Utilization of a roller hockey rink and/or skate park would probably not interfere with other activities at the Amphitheater. Eric stated that one hurdle might be that any changes to the Wolf Pen Creek area would have to be reviewed by the Wolf Pen Creek Design Review Board. He went on to say that if Wolf Pen Creek is chosen, the Parks and Recreation Department staff recommend that the park have Open Skate, and that Texas Municipal League Insurance cover risk. Eric opened the floor to the 1 oard for questions. Chris Barzilla asked if the facility would be fenced off or left open to the public if Open Skate were chosen. Eric replied that it could be done either way, but the facility would most likely be Open Skate. John Nichols asked if the facility would be lighted. Eric stated that the decision would probably have to be made after a location is chosen. He went on to say that lighting is an option, but the Development Services Department, the Design Review Board, as well as residents in the neighborhood surrounding the chosen park would have to have input. Chris opened the floor to the public hearing. Mary Gail Buck - Ms. Buck stated that on Thursday nights, high school kids get together on the basketball courts at Southwood Valley Athletic Park and set up ramps. She would prefer that the facility be at Southwood Valley Athletic Park instead of at Wolf Pen Creek or Central Park, due to the close proximity to the hospital. She went on to say that she has been to skate parks and has seen some terrible accidents. Ms. "uck stated that because of the Teen Center, kids are already at Southwood Valley Athletic Park. She requested that the facility also be open to BMX bikers as well. John Barker — Mr. Barker stated that he feels that the Open Skate is a good option. He said that Wolf Pen Creek and Southwood Valley Athletic Park are both good locations for the facility. Times of use should be between sunrise and 11:00 p.m., and there should Page 3 of 8 Parks and Recreation Board Special Meeting/Public Hearing Tuesday,January 30,2001 be a push timer to light the facility. He went on to say that he is a BMX biker, and he would like the facility to be open to BMX bikers as well. Chris asked if the ramps used for skateboarding and inline skates are the same ramps that are used by BMX bikers. Mr. Barker responded that they are. Chris asked if there would be a problem mixing skaters and bikers in the same facility. Mr. Barker responded that it would not be a problem. He went on to say that different sized ramps would have to be built to accommodate all levels of skill (beginners to advanced). John C. asked how this could be accomplished. Mr. Barker suggested not building ramps over twelve-feet tall. He recommended building three or six-foot tall ramps, and making them 20-feet wide. John C. asked Mr. Barker where he currently skated. Mr. Barker responded that he currently skates on the stairs and handrails at Texas A&M University. John Fife — Mr. Fife stated that a skate park would accommodate several different styles of sports and pointed out that a roller hockey rink would only support one style. Jon Turton asked for a show of hands from the citizens in the audience who were in favor of a skate park (the majority of the audience raised their hands). Jon then asked for a show of hands who were in favor of a roller hockey rink(few hands were raised). Jason Andrew (name/address not on visitor list) — Mr. Andrew, a student at Texas A&M University, asked about the planning of the facility. He stated that he has encountered cracks on the surface at the skating facility in Bryan, which makes it difficult to skate. He was also against a fenced rink because he has friends that have rammed and broken their fingers on them. John N. asked Mr. Andrew if he had any preferences to a location. Mr. Andrew stated that any location would be okay with him. He went on to say that he would highly recommend push button lighting. Chris asked if there is a wait to use the Bryan facility. Mr. Andrew responded that there is a network of players that decide times of play. He went on to say that this network helps to incorporate the neighborhood. David Barker — Mr. Barker stated that his family has acreage off of Rock Prairie Road. Four years ago, he built some dirt ramps for his son, John. He went on to say that people of all ages have seen the ramps from the road and come by and use them. He said that all of the age groups appear to get along together. Mr. Barker and his wife are concerned about the liability and have had the players sign waivers. He said that the facility needs to be designed to accommodate all age groups, beginners trhough advanced. John C. asked what has kept his son interested in the sport for so long. Mr. Barker responded that it is the challenge of the sport. David Worley — Mr. Worley and thirteen of his coworkers at Universal Computer Systems, signed a petition in favor of an inline hockey rink as opposed to a skate park (see attachment). He stated that the major limitation to the rink in Bryan is the distance from College Station. Currently, he and his friends are using the basketball court at Shenandoah Park due to the close proximity and the fencing there. Mr. Worley stated that roller hockey is a unique sport, and that there is a desire for it in College Station. He is also in favor of lighting at the facility. Page 4 of 8 Parks and Recreation Board Special Meeting/Public Hearing Tuesday,January 30,2001 Sam Price — Mr. Price stated that if there were to be a skate park, it would bring another culture into College Station. He believes that a skate park should be built due to the fact that College Station has a lot of over-eighteen establishments, and this park would be good for the younger crowd. Mr. Price went on to say that parking would not be a problem, due to the fact that a lot of the skaters and bikers don't own cars. Scott and Andrew Meyer — The Meyer's stated that they had submitted a petition (on file) with approximately 70 signatures on it for a skate park. The Meyer's feel that there shouldn't be roller hockey rink because people would have to wait to use it. If a skate park were built, it could be used by a lot of people at the same time. David Watson (name/address not on visitor list) — Mr. Watson would like to have a skate park and a roller hockey rink. He said that lighting is important, especially in the summer when kids sometimes play until midnight. He suggested having people sign release forms to reduce liability. Mike Jones — Mr. Jones stated that he has watched trends, and it seems like skateboarding is becoming more popular. He feels that it would be beneficial to the community to have a place for kids that are on the verge of being excluded from other activities where they can feel good about themselves. PJ Armstrong—Mr. A strong suggested that if such a facility is built, to have a separate day for skateboarding, roller blading, and BMXing for safety purposes. Levi Peachey— Mr. Peachey said that he is a supporter of a skate park. He has been involved in skateboarding for approximately seven years, and stated that there has never really been a place where people can go and skate, or just sit back and watch others skate. He suggested having a step-up system for ramps by putting smaller ramps in one section, and working up to the larger ones to accommodate all skill levels. Jon T. asked Mr. Peachey what maintenance problems he has encountered in other parks. Mr. Peachey responded that the only problems that he has seen have been with the rotting or damaged ramps. Jon T. asked what the chances of getting people to wear helmets in an unsupervised park would be. Mr. Peachey thinks that if a sign were posted requesting helmets, people would be respectful and probably wear them. Chris Marshall — Mr. Marshall stated that the City of College Station needs to seek input from skaters and bikers concerning the design of the facility. David Barker — Mr. Barker said that his son has had several accidents, and from a liability standpoint, he is in favor of kids wearing helmets up to the age of eighteen years old. Jeromy Benavides — Mr. Benavides said that he was got kicked off of, and suspended from the Texas A&M University campus for skateboarding. He feels that a skate park would be a good alternative to the campus. Mr. Benavides thinks that having a pro shop at the facility is also a good way for the City to recoup some of the construction costs. Samantha Rosin - Ms. Rosin stated that she is in favor of a skate park, but wouldn't mind having a roller hockey rink as well. She suggested that if the facility is going to be Open Skate, it be Page 5 of 8 Parks and Recreation Board Special Meeting/Public Hearing Tuesday,January 30,2001 "skate at your own risk" and it should be optional for people to wear helmets. She also suggested having separate days for skateboarding, rollerblading, and BMXing. William Allen (name/address not on visitor list) — Mr. Allen is a member of the Brazos Valley Cyclists. He would like access to the facility to be primarily through bikeways. He thinks that a pro shop is a good idea, and feels that a pro should be on site to supervise the facility and to teach others. He also suggested that the facility address multi needs (skateboarding, rollerblading, and BMXing), or have different sites for different needs. Chris B. asked how the City could find a pro. William suggested that the City could post the position, visit competitions, put an ad in the newspaper, or ask around. Chris asked what certifications a pro would need. Mr. Allen could not address the question in terms of skateboarding, but pointed out that in order for cyclists to compete in various events, they have to join the national organization and pay a special fee. P.J. Stone - Mr. Stone said that his mother recently took six hours out of her day to take him and some friends to a skateboard park out of town. He stated that he too, had been kicked off of the Texas A&M University campus for skateboarding. He thinks that a local skate park is a good idea, so that kids don't have to travel out of town to hang out with their friends. He stated that he has visited a skate facility in New York where it is a rule for people to wear helmets and the police often drive by the facility to ensure that the rules are being followed. Mr. Stone stated that he wears a helmet and feels that helmets should be required. Levi Peachey— Mr. Peachey thinks that the City wants a cost-effective facility, and that hiring a pro would defeat that purpose. He went on to say that he doesn't feel that the City needs to hire someone to be an instructor when people can learn from each other. Jason Logan — Mr. Logan said that his mother has given up her weekends to take him and some of his friends to a facility near Austin to go skating. Mr. Logan goes to the Texas A&M University Recreation Center, and has talked to people that have expressed an interest in skateboarding, rollerblading, and BMXing. He feels that a skate park would be beneficial in introducing people to, and helping them learn these sports. Mr. Logan said that he has never seen trouble between skaters and bikers, and he feels that a pro shop is a good idea. Blake Carroll—Mr. Carroll is in favor of a skate park. His parents also drive him and his friends out of town and long distances to take them to skate parks. He is also in favor of wearing helmets, but does not feel that it is necessary to hire a pro, because he has learned how to skate from his friends within a year. Mr. Carroll recommended lighting the facility as well. Charles Bryant — Mr. Bryant said that a lot of people won't let their children skateboard because there is not an area set up for it. He feels that a skate park would introduce a lot of people to the sport. He said that along with building ramps, there needs to be grinding areas as well. Josh Brown — Mr. Brown said that he is in favor of a skate park. He has been riding bikes and skateboarding for a number of years, and has traveled out-of-town to private and public facilities to skate. He said that a skate park would give some people in the community a place to go, and feels that people from surrounding cities would use the facility as well. Mr. Brown suggested Page 6 of 8 Parks and Recreation Board Special Meeting/Public Hearing Tuesday,January 30,2001 charging a small surcharge fee. He also feels that a pro shop is a good idea, because there aren't that many places that sell skating supplies near by (supplies usually have to be mail ordered). Bill Davis asked what the cost is to skate at a private park. Mr. Brown responded that it usually costs $10, or some pay a membership fee. Garrett House - Mr. House is concerned that the layout of the facility is going to be too small. He said that when the City builds the facility, there would be more people skating on it than ever suspected, and that the facility should be built in a way to make room for expansion after it is built. He stated that the area between the pavilion and the Teen Center at Southwood Valley Athletic Park is too small. He also said that smaller ramps need to be built away from the bigger ramps. He went on to say that the City tends to build facilities that are too small for the younger population (ages twelve to seventeen years). John C. asked Mr. Garrett if there is a model sized park that the Board should be looking at. Mr. House suggested that the Board look into privately owned Mansfield and Eisenburg skate parks, and city owned skate parks in Georgetown and Tyler. Mary Gail Buck — Ms. Buck stated that the City should get something put in place as soon as possible because kids don't want to have to wait. She went on to say that something small could be built to get started, then added on to at a later time. Dakota Diehl—He stated that if the facility that is built were as big as the kids want, they would bring their own props and build on to it themselves. Ekhi Arzac—Mr. Arzac stated that lighting the facility is a good idea and also offered to donate a half pipe from his backyard. Jason Logan - Mr. Logan had concerns about the design of the facility. He stated that the City could start small, but make room for expansion. He also said that the City should consider designing the facility so that the players aren't facing the sun. Marshall Rowe - Mr. Rowe feels that helmets should not be required. He has been skateboarding for two years, and has not had any serious injuries. He also feels that Southwood Valley Athletic Park would be a good place to put the facility due to the close proximity to the Teen Center. John Fife — Mr. Fife said that skaters would appreciate any sized facility right now. He also offered to help build the facility. Charles Bryant - Mr. Bryant suggested finding a way to build the facility in the area behind the Teen Center. Carla Barker - Ms. Barker said that the growth of the facility is a big issue and feels that a lot of people would come to skate from out of town. She is concerned about supervision rules for safety purposes, because serious accidents can happen. She is also concerned that the ramps be built with safety in mind. Ms. Barker feels that refreshments should be made available, possibly at a pro shop. Page 7 of 8 Parks and Recreation Board Special Meeting/Public Hearing Tuesday,January 30,2001 Jeromy Benavides - Mr. Benavides gave a web site for information: www.bestofaustin.com/irr. Quinten Parmer — Mr. Parmer stated that there is a bond among skaters. He pointed out that there is already a roller hockey rink in Bryan, and feels that the City of College Station should build a skate park. Aaron Loveless — Mr. Loveless stated that he is good at rollerblading, but right now, there is no place to go skate and learn new tricks. He suggested having supervision at the facility and having that person rent out helmets to ensure safety. He said that the City really needs a skate park because College Station is a college-centered town, and there is not much for the younger generation to do. Blake Carroll—Mr. Carroll suggested looking at two skate parks on the south side of Houston. Mary Gail Buck—Ms. Buck believes that supervision is important, and there should be access to a telephone at the facility. She suggested operating the facilities in a manner similar to the public pools, where the City charges an admission or membership fee and several staff members work at the facility during operation hours. She also suggested fencing the facility off to keep people from entering it after hours. One citizen stated that www.dexsk8.com is another web site that the Board could look at for additional information. Janet Dale - Ms. Dale is a mother of a skateboarder. She said that a lot of people consider skateboarding as a fad, but it has been around for a long time. She went on to say that building such a facility would have a positive economic impact. She is in favor of supervision for safety and liability purposes, and feels that lighting the facility is very necessary. She said that 10,000 feet would be the minimum size for a facility. Chris thanked everyone for coming to the meeting. He said that the Board would love to build both a roller hockey rink and a skateboard park, but due to finances, may only be able to build one or the other. He went on to say that the input presented during the meeting would be brought back to the Board for consideration at another meeting. Jon T. asked if there were a way for the citizens to track the progress of this project. Laura Wood stated that she would set up a web site that would be updated as events happen. Steve stated that the Parks and Recreation Department could also post notices at the parks and on the public access channel. 4. Adjourn: The meeting adjourned at 8:49 p.m. Page 8 of 8 Parks and Recreation Board Special Meeting/Public Hearing Tuesday,January 30,2001