08.12.2021 Parks & Rec MinutesIrSPER
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Prosper is a place where everyone
1. Call to Order / Roll Call.
The meeting was called to order by Rebekah Land, Chair, at 6:00 pm.
MINUTES
Regular Meeting of the
Prosper Parks and Recreation Board
Prosper Town Hall, Council Chambers
250 W. First Street, Prosper, Texas
August 12, 2021
Board members present: Rebekah Land, Chair; John Metcalf, Vice Chair; Gina Kern, Secretary;
Ty Bledsoe; Matt Cely; Matt Furay; and Cameron Reeves.
Staff members present: Paul Naughton, Parks Planning Manager; Trevor Helton, Recreation
Supervisor; Matt Furr, Parks Superintendent; and Patty Kendzie, Marketing Coordinator.
2. Consider and act upon approval of the Draft Minutes from the July 8, 2021, Regular Meeting of
the Parks and Recreation Board.
Motion to approve by Kern. Second by Bledsoe. Cely and Reeves abstained, as they were not present at
the July 8 meeting. Approved 5-0.
3. Consider and Act upon the Tanner's Mill Park Master Plan.
Naughton showed photos and described the amenities in a typical neighborhood park. In addition to the
typical amenities, this park will have a rubber surfaced playground, which will allow more inclusive play. If
the Master Plan is approved tonight, construction is anticipated to begin sometime in the spring. Kern said
she loves the accessibility this park will provide.
Motion to approve by Kern. Second by Bledsoe. Approved 7-0,
4. Consider and Act upon 911 Trail Marker Signs.
Naughton showed examples of trail marker signage in neighboring city parks. This type signage provides
a way for those on the trails to provide their location should they need to contact 9-11 so Dispatch is able
to locate the caller. Signage is proposed for areas of greenbelt and other places that cannot be easily
identified. The signage will be simple, easy to read and placed at eye level. Prosper Police and Fire are
advocates of the signage.
Next, staff will look at the bigger picture and identify corridors of trail. Abbreviations of trees and native
plants will be used as corridor identifiers on the signage. GPS will tag into the Town's emergency system.
Two trails have been identified as the first sites for the markers, which will be installed every quarter mile.
First scheduled will be Whitley Place to Town Lake; next will be Windsong Ranch, along the creek from
Fishtrap Road to Gee Road. Staff will provide Police and Fire a sheet that provides the key to the markers,
including directions, with grid numbers that tie into the Town system. Naughton said to consider this a
pilot project that will grow.
Furay asked how frequent emergencies are on the trails. Naughton said to his knowledge none have been
reported. The markers will make the response faster and more efficient, ready in case of an emergency
situation.
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Metcalf asked about readability and reflectiveness of the signage. Naughton said signs will be made of the
same material as street signs, which is reflective.
Land asked about the timing for installation of the third set of markers. Naughton said 1-2 years,
depending on feedback and funding. The initial signs are considered first steps to gauge community
response. Hopefully, the program will grow with the community.
Move by Metcalf. Second by Bledsoe. Approved 7-0.
5. Comments by the Public
There were no comments by the public.
6. Informational items
a. Recreation Update
Celebrate Prosper is scheduled for Saturday, September 25, from 5-9pm, at Frontier Park. Live bands will
be a part of the event, with traditional nonprofits and activities for children. Should the Board want to
volunteer, there will be opportunities to hand out cookies and water. Please complete and turn in a
background check form if you have not done so. All Board members are required to get new background
checks for 2021.
Summer camps and classes have been completed and fall is in the works. Two fine arts programs have
been added, and also boxing. Registration remains good.
Activities for Seniors are being planned, including a Day Trip on October 27. The Mayor's Luncheon for
Active Adults 55+ is set for September 29. Byron Kane will be a part of this program to talk about the Day
Trip.
Metcalf asked, in evaluating programs, what needs to be done to ensure there is enough capacity for the
growing community. Helton said that is a part of the evaluation process, which breaks data down by
categories and uses nearby comparative cities as comparisons. Metcalf asked if there is enough capacity
to meet demand. He requested to see the trajectory and plans to manage growth. Cely said it's important
to remember to focus on quality, as well as quantity. Helton said staff will be making comparisons from
2019 through 2021 to chart growth, using Prosper's Development Services for population numbers.
b. Park Development Update
Naughton described the Downtown Monument, hike and bike trails, Hays Park and Hackberry Park. The
Hays Park playground is set to be installed this week, with the park complete by the beginning of
September. Tree planning will be delayed due to the heat; trees will be taken from the Tree Farm and be
transplanted when it cools down. Reeves said he spoke with a neighborhood resident who is pleased with
the project. A plaque will be placed on one of the pavilion columns in tribute to the Hays family.
Hackberry Park is also underway. The playground will be shared with the school district. Completion is
scheduled for mid to end September. Tellus Development group has done a good job.
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c. Park Operations Update
Furr said sports are in full bore mode. Baseball begins August 21 and runs through November 13. 62
games are scheduled to be played on Saturday. Commissioners say baseball has grown 30% this season.
Landscaping update: plant replacement continues in response to the hash February winter. Plants have
been removed. Replanting will begin in late September. 207 trees, the majority live oaks, will be replaced.
Reeves asked about the trees on Prosper Trail on Deer Run, the parkway side. Furr said those are the
responsibility of Dee Run.
The Whitley Place contractor mowed the butterfly garden, yet 60% has survived. Phase 2 will begin on the
southside of the walkway at Folsom Elementary School. Seed will be planted to engage kids to identify the
butterflies and insects attracted to the garden.
7. Discussion regarding any miscellaneous business or items to be placed on future Agendas.
Metcalf requested an analysis of summer camps and activities as part of Recreation update in the future.
8. Adjourn.
Motion to adjourn by Reeves. Second by Kern. Meeting adjourned at 6:45 pm. Approved 7-0.
Gina Kern, Secretary
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