Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee

Prospect Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee 

Virtual Meeting Minutes

March 23, 2022, 2:00 pm via WebEx

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

Others Present:  Don Gibson, John Carter, Stuart Miles

The meeting was called to order shortly after 2 pm.

• Minutes from the January 19, January 24, and February 16 meetings were approved as written.
• Mayor’s Update
  • Mayor Evans reported that the budget amendment presented for the second reading at the City Council meeting on March 21 was not approved.  A special council meeting is scheduled for Friday, March 25.  At this meeting, the budget amendment will be presented for the second reading, and an ordinance amendment to increase the pay of council members will be presented for first reading.
• Parks Update:
  • Linda reported that she has checked the bluebird boxes installed in Hunting Creek Park and near Putney Pond.  None are currently occupied, but we hope that nesting will occur this spring.
  • Wildflower walks are scheduled for Sunday, April 10 and Sunday, April 24 at 1:00 pm in Harrods Creek Park with rain dates of April 11 and April 24, also at 1:00 pm.  An additional volunteer is needed for the April 24 date.
  • ICF has completed its contracted invasive plant treatments along the shore of Putney Pond.  Linda will work with ICF to determine the funds needed in FY2023 to continue to follow up treatments.  To be effective, generally, at least 3 years of treatments are required.
  • Linda has worked with Forestation Board Chair, Lee Tucci to initiate a plan to remove invasive vines and invasive understory plants in the area between Putney Pond and Timber Ridge Drive.  While this area is not in a park, it is city-owned land.  The vines are very damaging to the trees and removing invasive understory plants will make the woodland healthier and more attractive.  We have an estimate for this work of $4,500 for the first year of treatment.  This project will be included in our budget request for FY2023.
  • A bid has been received and accepted to replace two footbridges on the Blue Trail in Harrods Creek Park with more substantial structures.  We expect this work to be completed in this fiscal year at a cost of a little over $6600.
  • We expect to receive a proposal for preliminary work for trail improvement projects on the Blue and Green Trails in Harrods Creek Park.  We are hopeful that at least one of the projects can be completed during this fiscal year.
• Scout Update:
  • Lynn reported that Seth Jolly and Levi Lucas are planning their Eagle projects, which were described in the February minutes.  It is expected that both projects will be completed over the summer.
• In a discussion about additional programs/events in the parks, the following suggestions were made:
  • Bring back the Fall Festival/Halloween event
  • Schedule concerts in the parks at Cowley Park or in the new Little Hunting Creek Park when it is completed.
  • Schedule bird walks—Linda will approach an avid birder she knows to potentially lead bird walks.
  • Sponsor activities for young children which could include craft projects.  Sallie will follow up with a friend who has expressed interest in doing this type of activity.
  • Have a trash pick-up date in Harrods Creek Park.
• The next meeting will be on Monday, April 11 at 5:00 pm.  If the weather cooperates, we will meet in the Cowley Park Gazebo.