01.13.2022 Parks & Rec Minutesp I S P EIS.
Prosper is a place where everyone matters.
Call to Order / Roll Call.
The meeting was called to order by John Metcalf, 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
January 13, 2022
Board members present: John Metcalf, Chair; Gina Kern, Vice Chair; Ty Bledsoe; Matt Furay; Valerie
Little; and Cameron Reeves.
Staff members present: Paul Naughton, Parks Planning Manager; Trevor Helton, Recreation
Supervisor; and Patty Kendzie, Marketing Coordinator.
Ty Bledsoe entered the meeting at 6:06 pm.
Matt Cely, the Secretary, was absent.
2. Consider and act upon approval of the Draft Minutes from November 11, 2021, Regular
Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board.
Motion to approve by Reeves. Second by Furay. Approved 6-0.
3. Comments by the Public
There were no comments by the public.
4. Informational items
Recreation Update
Helton gave a recap of the Prosper Christmas Festival conducted on December 4, 2021. Estimated
attendance was near 5,000 for the event, held at Town Hall for the second year. The success of the
festival was escalated by the cooperation amongst several departments, including Parks and Recreation,
Public Works, Police, and Fire. Thank you, Board members Metcalf (and daughters) and Kern, and
Rebekah Land (past Board Chair) for volunteering at the event. Revenue from the Kids Christmas
Shoppe totaled $2,619, with proceeds benefitting the Recreational Scholarship Fund. Thank you, January
Calhoun, Prosper Purchasing Manager, for coordinating the Shoppe and its volunteers. Festival
sponsorships totaled $45,000, which help offset expenses. Thank you, Linda Guthrie, for efforts in
soliciting sponsorships all throughout the year.
Metcalf asked about vendor feedback. Helton responded that feedback was positive, especially in
response to the new complimentary sponsor lunches and brisk booth traffic. Metcalf commended the staff
and also thanked Guthrie and Barbara Cottone (past Board Chair) for their help. He commented that the
entertainment on stage kept traffic moving and he complimented those who managed the stage and
performers. Helton said transportation to and from the event ran smoothly this year due to new traffic
control measures. Prosper ISD Transportation did a fantastic job coordinating the busses. Naughton
commended Helton for a job well done.
Also in December, the Light The Night! Christmas lights decorating contest was hosted for the second
year. Thank you, Board members Bledsoe, Cely, and Reeves for volunteering as judges. The contest was
sponsored by CoSery and gift cards were awarded to winners in six categories.
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The Mayor's Fitness Challenge will open on January 18. Previously, Board members suggested the
Challenge become a minutes -based activity versus a miles -based activity. This year, participants will be
asked to chart a total of 1,170 fitness minutes (an average of 90 minutes per week) over the course of the
Challenge. Those who turn in a completed tracking sheet will earn a free t-shirt and an entry in the
drawing to win a Fitbit. A selfie that includes a park or trail sign will earn participants a second entry.
Ninety tracking sheets were received in 2021; this year's goal is 100.
The next event is the Prosper Fishing Derby, scheduled for February 19, 9:00 am to 11:00 am, at the
pond at Frontier Park. PondMedics returns as Title Sponsor and will provide several volunteers. The pond
will be stocked in advance by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, although that is not publicized.
Judges will record fish caught throughout the event. Prizes will be awarded for Most Fish Caught in
several age groups to children up to age 14. Board members are invited to volunteer for the event to help
track and count fish. Reeves asked if the Prosper High School Fishing Team will be involved. Helton said
he will contact them, yet in years past, the Derby has conflicted with team tournaments.
b. Park Development Update
Naughton showed slides of the hike and bike trails constructed in 2021 which include 5.7 miles of new
trail. He said to expect significant trail development in 2022, as well. Three additional parks are now
complete: Hays Park, Prairie Park, and Hackberry Park. A ribbon -cutting ceremony will be planned for
Hays Parks. Kern asked for an estimated date for the ceremony. Naughton said a date will be set after
the park meets the standards of Matt Furr, Parks Superintendent.
Parks Development staff also reviews landscape requirements for the Town. In 2021, 817 development
plans were reviewed, a 15% increase from 2020, which was a 25% increase from 2019. A second Parks
Planner will join Parviz Shakeri in 2022 to make sure hike and bike trails are constructed.
c. Park Operations Update
The Christmas Tree recycling site, located west of the Central Fire Station on First Street, will close on
January 14. The new equipment budgeted for has been ordered. Staff is rye grassing the fields to be
ready for spring. Four additional staff members are set to be hired. Trees and landscaping damaged by
severe weather in February 2021 have been replaced at Town Hall. Staff is monitoring a number of trees
also damaged last year and will request Council approval of funds for additional tree replacement
throughout town.
5. Discussion regarding any miscellaneous business or items to be placed on future Agendas.
Naughton said Dan Baker will begin work next week as the Director of Parks and Recreation. He also
congratulated Matt Cely and his family on the birth of their new daughter.
Little suggested Board members appear in videos at various Prosper parks to bring attention to parks and
the Mayor's Fitness Challenge. Several Board members expressed interest in appearing in a video.
6. Adjourn.
Motion to adjourn by Furay. Second by Kern. Meeting adjourned at 6:39 pm. Approved 6-0.
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Matt Cely, Secreta
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