Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee

Prospect Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee 

Virtual Meeting Minutes

August 8, 2022, 5:00 pm via WebEx

Members Present:  Tina Beavin, Carolyn Embry, Ron Cundiff, John Evans, Lynn Granger, David Holmes, Sallie Schneider, Linda Wardell

Others Present:  Don Gibson

The meeting was called to order at 5 pm

• Minutes from the May 9th meeting were approved as written.
• Mayor Evans reported that since a new budget has not been passed for fiscal year 2023, last year’s budget begins again.The unspent parks budget as of August 1 is just under $460,000.Approximately $13,500 is allocated for uses other than structures and enhancements, such as maintenance and scout eagle project reimbursements. $300,000 will be used for the completion of the Little Hunting Creek improvements.The bulk of the remaining budget for structures and enhancements will be used for the Harrods Creek Park bridge project.There may be remaining funds available for engineering and design work for the proposed Putney Pond boardwalk project.
• Parks Update:
  • July 4 Report
    • The information provided by the Parks committee and the Forestation Board were well received by those in attendance at the July 4 celebration.Many were not aware of the plans for Little Hunting Creek Park, Harrods Creek Park, and the Transportation Study report.This underscores the importance of providing information at public gatherings.
• Little Hunting Creek Park
  • The pavilion is under construction and the roof installation has begun.
  • The City Hall parking lot expansion in place, although paving of the expansion, and repairs of the existing City Hall parking lot will not take place until construction is completed in Little Hunting Creek Park.
  • Ron reported that the installation of the Little Hunting Creek playground has been delayed until at least September 10.The area has not yet been graded, and the ground needs to settle before equipment is installed.It is anticipated that we will have a better idea of the timeline in a week or so.When the playground equipment is installed, we will need 10-15 adult volunteers to assist in this effort.These individuals need to be fit and strong, as they will be sorting and placing the pieces in place.There will be a professional to direct the installation, and a forklift to move the large pieces.Volunteers will be bolting pieces together.Additional volunteers will be needed to distribute snacks and water.Committee members were asked to suggest how to recruit volunteers for this effort.
• Harrods Creek Bridge Project
  • Design specifications for the Harrods Creek Bridge abutments have been received.
  • With the abutment design, OHM Advisors will begin the permit application process, which is expected to take 30-45 days.
  • OHM will also be coordinating the bid process for bridge fabrication and installation.We have been informed that current supply chain issues and price increases will likely affect the cost and completion date of the project.We will be meeting with OHM Advisors this week to discuss next steps and ways to expedite the process.
• Putney Pond Boardwalk
  • Linda received information from her contact at the KY Heritage Land Conservation Fund that in concept, the proposed Putney Pond boardwalk project would not be in violation of the conservation easement on the property.It is not considered to be an environmentally sensitive area because there is already development surrounding the pond, and there are no endangered species on the property.However, before the KHLCF Board can approve the project, they will need design and construction plans for the project and know that required permits can be obtained.Tina Beavin researched permits that may be necessary.She learned that we will probably need a site disturbance permit from MSD and a permit from the KY Division of Water.It is unclear if a permit from the Army Corps of Engineers will be required, but we can request a pre-application meeting to determine if a permit is needed.The next step will be to determine what budget may be available for project design and explore what the estimated cost of the work would be.
• Green Trail Improvement Project
  • OHM Advisors has identified two contractors who will walk the area and submit proposals if they are interested in the project.As it is a difficult location to access, it is unknown if these contractors will choose to submit a bid.
• Fall Bird Watching Event
  • Linda has contacted the Beckham Bird Club.They are tentatively planning a bird watching event at Harrods Creek Park.Once it is on their schedule, we are free to publicize it, as they welcome non club members to join the walks.We may also be able to schedule a “Prospect sponsored” event in October or November.The committee suggested recommending two events, one in Harrods Creek Park and one in Putney Pond & Woodlands.Lind will contact the bird club to make the request.
• Park Programs/Events
  • The Harrods Creek Trail Bash is tentatively scheduled to take place on Sunday, November 20.
  • Sallie Schneider agreed to follow up with her contact about planning a craft activity for children in the parks.
• Scout Update:
  • Several Eagle candidates are on board to complete their projects in Prospect parks
    • Walker Slavich—Bat boxes in Putney Pond & Woodlands
    • Seth Jolly—Replace a foot bridge in Putney Pond & Woodlands
    • Levi Lucas—Blue Trail improvements, and correct Orange Trail markers in Harrods Creek Park
    • Lucas Mack—Blue Trail improvements in Harrods Creek Park
• The committee plans to meet again before the playground installation.As that date has not been determined, we will establish the meeting date and time when more information is available.