Park and Recreation Commission
February 2, 2021 via Zoom
Meeting Minutes
Present: Kevin Jones (Chair), Pete Graziano, Scott Palmer, MaryLou Carlson, Lorcan O’Connor, Mitch Edwards
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Jones called the meeting to order at 7:31 pm.
REVIEW OF DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Mr. Blick reviewed his report:
- We received permission late Thursday to resume activities inside, including Pickle Ball and fitness.
- We will be sending out an announcement that we are planning our summer programming, pending approval of the Health Dept. at that time, including our Summer Camp and Concert on the Green series.
- Extended Day is currently operating on an everyday basis.
- The Skating Rink was opened this past week, and families were seen using it all weekend. Someone intentionally made a hole in the surface, which we added water to and hope that it repaired itself and does not crack. Mondays snow storm will present a challenge to remove, but we are hoping to get it done as quickly as possible for continued use in the cold weather.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM January 11, 2021
Motion to approve the minutes: Graziano, O’Connor (second), 5-0, 1 abstain.
LETTERS OR CORRESPONDENCE
None.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
DISCUSSION OF PREVIOUS BUSINESS
Mrs. Carlson expressed her desire to help design the landscape for a potential new early childhood playground on the RCC grounds. She discussed her expertise and the needs for such a playground. A discussion regarding the potential to pool resources and volunteer hours to help alleviate cost followed.
DISCUSSION OF JOB DESCRIPTION FOR OPEN POSITION
The Commission requested that an additional line be added to the job description of the currently vacant Full-Time Assistant position: “3 or more years of experience in Early Childhood Education; certification preferred.”
DISCUSSION OF POTENTIAL SPRING PROGRAM OFFERINGS
The Commission agreed with Mr. Blick’s initiative to make a Call for Suggestions from the community regarding the programming they would like to see offered from Park and Recreation. The Commission agreed that there is a need for this approach, possibly every 6 months, to allow for feedback from the community and possible planning for recommended programs.
ADDITIONAL NEW BUSINESS OR INITIATIVES
Mrs. Carlson suggested the Commission look into building a “fitness trail” on RCC grounds. While Redding is known for its hiking trails, there is a segment of the population that is not comfortable hiking the trails. There is an example of such trails at the Ridgefield recreation center. These trails are paved in some areas, and are mostly flat making them safe and easy to use for all populations. The trail at RCC could incorporate existing sidewalks and paved areas in addition to exiting paths and level areas between fields. The project could eventually include benches for observing a natural area, outdoor fitness equipment and items of interest including facts about local wildlife, insects, trees and flowers. Mr. Jones commented that this is a project that could potentially be done at a low cost. The Commission will continue to discuss this in future meetings.
SUPPLEMENTAL PUBLIC COMMENT
None
ADJOURNMENT
Motion Jones, Carlson (second), unanimous. Adjourned at 8:40 pm
Submitted: Kevin Jones