HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/21/1998 - Special Minutes - Parks Board CITY OF COLLEGE STATION
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD,
LINCOLN CENTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE,
AND LITTLE LFAGIJE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
SPECIAL MEETING
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1998 — 6:30 P.M.
LINCOLN RECREATION CENTER
1000 ELEANOR
Members Present: Parks and Recreation Board: Chris Barzilla, Chair; George Dresser,
Vice Chair; John Crompton; Dr. Sarah Birkhold, and Glen Davis;
Lincoln Center Advisory Committee: Larry Johnson, Chair; and
Malvonee Merchant
Members Absent: John Nichols and Susan Allen
Visitors: Linda Jeffress, Little League Board Chair; Sharon Gable, American
League President; Colette Gibbs, National League President; and Ron
Carter, Past Board Chair
Staff: Eric Ploeger, Asst. Director; David Gerling, Special Facilities Supt.;
Curtis Bingham, Parks Operations Supt.; Lance Jackson, Lincoln Center
Supervisor;Scott Hooks, Parks Operations Supv.; and Bridgette George,
Parks and Recreation Board Secretary
The meeting was called to order at 6;37 p.m,
•
1. Discussion of Issues Related to the Opening of the Wayne Smith Baseball
Fields in W. A. Tarrow Park: Ric Ploeger reviewed the site plan and the status of the
project, stating that the fields should be completed in November. Linda Jeffress
informed those present that their leagues are designed according to where the
birthdates fall; even or odd. This past season they had 1,050 participants, with very
few from the Lincoln Center area. Some discussion took place regarding transportation
for kids who may have to play at Southwood. Ron Carter stated that transportation has
been provided in the past for kids in the area by their respective coaches. Ms. Jeffress
stated that no decisions have been made because the new officers were just elected and
won't have an official meeting until October. She said the only discussions they've had
include whether all the kids will play at both fields. She stated that the new fields will
help alleviate some of the Saturday games that typically run late in the evening. Ms.
Jeffress stated that 700 games were scheduled this past year and all were played in
April and May. She also said that they have discussed holding registration at the
Lincoln Center. Some discussion took place regarding Little League advertising. Linda
Jeffress informed the Board that flyers are given to all the schools and sports places.
They advertise in the newspaper and also have mail-in and, Internet on-line
registration.
Ms. Jeffress stated that registration is $40 for the first child and $25 for
subsequent children in the same family. She informed the Board that is costs their
organization $37 per child to participate in baseball. Their league provides funds for
umpires, equipment, snow cones, and T-shirts. As far as scholarships, Ms. Jeffress
stated that they do have a scholarship program for those that can prove a hardship.
She said that they provide approximately 12 scholarships each year. She mentioned
that registration is the last week in January and that the largest group is typically the 5
and 6 year olds.
Larry Johnson stated that he doesn't think that their regular promotion process
will increase participation in the area. Ms. Jeffress asked him for suggestions and
offered to put up a banner advertising registration at the Lincoln Center, as well as
providing the center with flyers ahead of time about the registration process. Ms,
Jeffress stated that in order for Little League to be successful, they must have parent
involvement. Chris Barzilla suggested they hold a meeting at the Lincoln Center for
parents, to gain their interest and participation. Sharon Gable stated that they should
set up a meeting at Lincoln with some Little League coaches and volunteers to discuss
the specifics of Little League's needs, rules, and regulations. The Little League
Executive Committee and the Lincoln Center Advisory Committee agreed to meet again
to help facilitate future registration processes at the Lincoln Center.
2. Board Concerns/Other Issues: None
3. Adjourn: The meeting adjourned at 7:48 p.m.