03.07.2019 Parks & Rec Minutes (Special Meeting)1
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ISPER
OWN OF
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`A Place Where Everyone Matters"
1. Call to Order / Roll Call.
MINUTES
Special Meeting of the
Parks and Recreation Board
200 S. Main St
Thursday, March 7, 2019
6:00 p.m.
The meeting was called to order by Rebekah Land, Vice Chair, at 6:00 p.m.
Board members present: Rebekah Land, Vice Chair; Shannon Crawford; John Metcalf; and
Cameron Reeves.
Gina Kern, Secretary, was absent.
Staff members present: Dudley Raymond, Director of Parks and Recreation; Paul Naughton,
Landscape Architect; Matt Furr, Parks Superintendent; Trevor Helton, Recreation
Services Coordinator; and Patty Kendzie, Senior Administrative Assistant.
2. Consider and act upon approval of the Minutes from the February 14, 2019, Special
Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board.
Motion to approve the Minutes by Crawford. Second by Reeves. Approved 4-0.
3. Comments by the Public.
There were no comments by the public.
4. Presentation of the Annual Report of the Tree Plan.
Furr presented the Annual Report of the Tree Plan to the Board, as part of Tree City USA. The Parks
and Recreation Board also acts as the Urban Forestry Board to oversee initiatives, such as the
Prosper Arbor Day and the Tree Tour, and to keep attention on urban forestry in Prosper.
Land asked about creating a school program to educate students about urban forestry. Reeves
suggested a document for residents about tree maintenance. The topic of creating an educational
urban forestry program will be placed on a future Parks and Recreation Board Agenda.
5. Informational items.
a) Recreation Update
Helton said winter classes are finishing and spring registration for Tennis and Soccer Sparks is
underway. Men's Softball begins March 17 at the Frontier Park synthetic fields. Eight teams have
signed up; registration ends March 8. He thanked the Board members who volunteered for the
Prosper Fishing Derby on February 23, a successful event with 350 in attendance. The Mayor's
Coffee for Prosper residents ages 50 and over is set for April 10, 9:30 am to 11:00 am, at Fire
Station Two.
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Summer programming is in its final stages; registration opens April 1. A marketing piece with
summer program details is scheduled to accompany resident utility bills in April. New this spring,
recreation programming begins in the Town Hall Community Room on March 18 with B4K Mondays,
an after school program conducted by Bricks4Kidz, through May 13.
Land inquired about senior programs. Raymond said interest has increased over the past six
months. Plans are to modify the First Street building to accommodate both staff and recreational and
senior programs. Land suggested quarterly programs be offered until the building is finished, such
as a Senior Walk at Frontier Park. Raymond encouraged the board to communicate with the
department to help get out in front of any negative issues and said the goal for seniors programs is
to offer desired activities. Crawford suggested a lecture series. Raymond said those topics are
amongst those being talked about. Metcalf emphasized the important of getting feedback prior to
determine demand prior to developing programs. Crawford suggested a social media poll of seniors.
Raymond said he is hesitant to create a lot of buzz, because currently there is no space. One
challenge is age diversity. Prosper seniors range from age 50 to 90. It's critical to be cautious that
demand can be met. Once the space is finished, the program most likely will grow fairly quickly.
b) Park Development Update
Naughton gave an update on the neighborhood park construction for The Park at Star Trace as well
as various hike and bike trail projects.
c) Park Operations Update
Furr said baseball begins Friday and will resume after spring break. There is increased interest from
boy scouts looking for Eagle and other projects. The Board discussed trash pick up at Sexton Park
and along Frontier Parkway as ideas for scout and Board volunteer projects. Prosper Clean Up Day
is scheduled for March 30. Furr invited the Board to volunteer and suggested a trash pick up day
with Board volunteers be scheduled at a later date.
With rain predicted, Furr said crews will begin work on the building modifications to 409 E. First
Street. He also thanked the Board and expressed the crew's appreciation for the April luncheon.
Two new hires are scheduled to begin work on March 18. Furr said the entire staff looks forward to
putting the new equipment to work.
Metcalf asked about Parks Operations budgetary needs, as Prosper grows and evolves. Furr said
this year's budget requests will focus on replacing old items and maintaining others. Replacing 10-
year-old spray rigs, benches and trash cans, and purchasing paint, will be priorities.
Raymond said he visited with Patty Felan with the Master Gardeners about a wildflower garden.
6. Discussion regarding any miscellaneous business or items to be placed on future
Agendas.
Raymond said staff will ask the DORBA experts if there is an area in Prosper large enough and
challenging enough for several miles of trail. It can't be flat and at least 30 acres will be needed.
The appointment of the new Parks and Recreation Board members will happen after the May
election.
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Plans for the May 24 downtown event are moving along. A meeting was held with the downtown
merchants to give the opportunity to express ideas and wishes; communications will be ongoing. A
professional event management company, Promoter Line, has been contracted to help plan and
manage the event in.such short notice. Commitments have been received from Silo Park and The
Gin to serve beverages and food. Free shuttles will run. Equipment delivery may begin as early as
May 22. Planning for this event, at least 5,000 people, requires extensive time and work.
Raymond also spoke about attendance. In the past, the Board addressed excuses after a third
absence; recently, absences have been reviewed more often. Council has not given direction in this
area. Raymond urged the Board to consider what will constitute an excused absence in the future,
for example, death in the family, business travel, etc.
7. Adjourn.
Motion by Metcalf. Second by Land. Meeting adjourned at 6:50 pm. Approved 4-0.
Gina Kern, Secretary
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