Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee

Meeting date: 
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
Prospect Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee 
Virtual Meeting Minutes
January 19, 2022, 2:00 pm via WebEx

 

Members Present:  Carolyn Embry, John Evans, Ron Cundiff, Lynn Granger, David Holmes, Sarah O’Dell, Linda Wardell, Sallie Schneider

Others Present:  John Carter, Doug Farnsley, Stuart Miles

 

The meeting was called to order shortly after 2pm

  • Minutes from November 8, 2021, meeting were approved as written.
  • Mayor’s Update
    • Mayor Evans reported that while Covid infection rates remain high, meetings will continue to be held virtually.
    • The latest guidance regarding the spending of American Recovery Program Act (ARPA) funds will allow recipients to use the money for just about anything.  However, this money must be spent and cannot be used to increase reserves or create a “Rainy Day” fund.
    • The Parks Committee should plan to submit a budget request by early May.
  • City of Prospect Harrods Creek Park Stream Crossing Preliminary Engineering Report
    • Steve Emly reported on the geotechnical work completed, and the various bridge options available for this stream crossing.
    • Reasons for doing this project include:
      • Making the entrance to the park trails visually attractive
      • Returning the stream to its natural state, will not only enhance the beauty of the stream but will also reduce the amount of sedimentation upstream from the crossing and near the canoe launch.
    • The bridge options presentation included a discussion of the pros and cons of each.
    • The committee decided to hold a special meeting to discuss the options in more detail, with the goal of deciding which option to recommend to the City Council.  The special meeting will take place on Monday, January 24, 2022, at 5 pm.
  • Parks Update:
    • A memorial tree was planted in the Putney Pond and Woodlands meadow between the parking circle and the trailhead
    • Linda has been in touch with ICF about addressing the invasive plants discussed at the November meeting.  ICF will research best methods to address these plants and make a recommendation to the committee.
    • A park user has donated 3 monoscopes for use by park visitors.  Linda asked committee members to think about the best way to allow these to be borrowed by residents for use in birdwatching or wildflower viewing.
    • Linda mentioned that June 2, 2022, will be the 10th anniversary of the official opening of Harrods Creek Park.  There should be a celebration of some kind to mark this milestone.  Carolyn mentioned that the level of Covid infections may affect the type of event that is possible.
    • Ron reported that there are 2 footbridges on the Blue Trail that should be replaced with more substantial structures.  He recommends building bridges to match the new bridge on the Blue Trail.  He will get cost estimates from the builder we have used for the other bridges in the park.
    • Steve Emly agreed to meet with Ron and other park committee members to look at three problem areas along the Harrods Creek Park trails, and suggest options to consider to improve the areas.
      • The stream crossing on the Blue Trail between Montero Drive and the parking lot.
      • Two areas on the Green Trail have been eroded during heavy rain events.
  • Scout Update:
  • Scouts are not meeting in person at present.  Hopefully, that will change as Covid infection rates decline.
  • Lynn Granger will meet with the scout interested in beginning an eagle project to determine if replacing the first Putney Pond & Woodland bridge would be appropriate.
  • The next meeting dates and times are:
    • Special Meeting to Discuss OHM Report—Monday, January 24, 2022, at 5 pm.
    • Regular February Meeting—Wednesday, February 16, 2022, a 2:00 pm.
    • The meetings will be virtual.