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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976-05-10 Regular Meeting Parks and Recreation Board May 10, 1976 CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board was called to order at 7:40 p.m. in the Council Room of the Euless City Hall by Chairman Jay Theder. Members present were Mesdms . Jolly Rawlings and 7ella Stierwalt; Messrs . Olin Steele and Elden Traster. (Absent was Mr. David Williams) . Also present were Parks and Rec- reation Director, Frank Lindsey and recording secretary, Denise Holden. VISITORS The visitors in attendance were Mrs . McCormick, Mr. and Mrs . Harold Copher Mr. and Mrs . Michael Sohledan, Mr. and Mrs Charles Apple, Mr. Al Wenzel, Mr. Hershel Lindley, Mr. Steve Humphrey, Mrs . P. K. Dano, Mrs . Mary Bush, Mrs. W. W. Barnett, Mrs . L. M. Green, Mrs . Cherie Taliaferro, Ms . Barb Dockweiler and Ms . Florence Bloom. INVOCATION The invocation was given by Mr. Frank Lindsey. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the meeting dated April 12, 1976, were approved as written. I. PARK MASTER PLAN PUBLIC HEARING Mr. Theder stated that the purpose of the public meeting was to hear any input from the citizens on the proposed master plan. He stated that the Board would like to know in what areas the citizens would like them to work what they would like to see for recreation programs and the like. He stated that the Board has had the Master plan displayed both at the Simmons Center and City Hall, also, a survey of priorities is being sent out in the Mayor's newsletter and that their third step was this public forum. (Page Two, Regular Meeting, Parks & Recreation Board, May 10, 1976) Mrs. Shirley Dano stated that she had canvassed her neighborhood around Wilshire and had gotten twenty-three signatures . Basically, she stated, they liked the idea of the number of acres per 1000 population and the park sites . She stated that the areas they were interested in were additional soccer fields ; swings on Wilshire playground; additional gymnastic equipment for the Community Building and Simmons ; areas designated for riding motorbikes , motorcycles and dirtbikes ; signs posted stating no riding of motorized vehicles in playground areas ; and bicycle trails built in any new parks . In addition they ques- tioned the value of a tennis center at Ector Drive, but felt that additional tennis courts at neighborhood locations would be of use to the general public. Mr. Lindsey stated that there are signs posted prohibiting motorbikes in the parks, but that these didn't stop them. In regards to designated motor- bike trails, Mr. Wenzle asked what type of liability would the City assume? Mr. Steele felt that the City would have to accept the liability if the City put a track out. Mrs . Bush stated that more en- forcement was needed in this area and also pointed out that there has been incidents of guns in Wilshire park. Mr. Theder asked if she felt it was a necessity to have park rangers? Mrs . Bush replied that she felt that this would be a good idea. Mr. Theder stated that they were glad to hear of this problem with the motorbikes . He stated that they were aware of the vandalism problem in the parks , but didn't realize that the motorbikes were becoming more and more dangerous. He stated that he really didn't know the answer to this problem, but that the Board would be working on it. He said they would take this subject up at their next scheduled meeting. Mr. Theder asked Mrs . Dano what she had in mind for playground equipment at Wilshire. Mrs . Bush responded that they would like similar equipment to that at Lakewood and Oakwood and definitely swings, even for babies . Mr. Lindsey stated that they had problems with people stealing the baby swings . (Page Three, Regular Meeting, Parks & Recreation Board, May 10, 1976) Regarding gymnastic equipment, Mr. Lindsey stated that they had a gymnastic program started and will be trying to add to the equipment each year. He stated that they have started with the younger children and hope to follow on up with them. Mrs . Bush asked if they would be keeping the gymnastic program just at Simmons or would they be opening it up at the Community Building also? Mr. Lindsey stated that when they outgrow it they would change places, but said they would always keep a small tot program at Simmons . Concerning bike trails , Mrs . Dano said that because of no sidewalks in their area and heavy traffic, it was extremely dangerous to let the children ride in the streets. Mr. Theder stated that the master plan did show a proposed bike trail, but as to when it would be built depended upon how many people would want it. Mrs. Dano stated that bike trails were also needed in any other new park as well. Mrs. Rawlings stated that the Board had been talking about making bicycle parks as well as jogging trails. Mr. Theder asked what they thought about painting a six foot strip along the road for bicycles, like some other cities have done? Mrs . Dano stated this wasn't a good idea in her neighborhood because alot of the people parked on the street because of their steep driveways . Mr. Theder stated that the master plan shows a tennis center located on Ector Drive. He stated that this particular location was not going over well at all with the people. Mr. Slator stated that in his opinion, the tennis center appeared to be a nice complex but that the one thing that impressed him about this town was that the parks were family parks and had many activities for the entire family. He stated that the tennis center represented to him a special interest. He stated that he would be in favor of two tennis courts in the Lakewood area to compliment the facilities already there. He asked would the tennis center really serve the citizens in the neighborhoods and stated that he would rather see those eight courts distributed around the City. He felt that this would lend (Page Four, Regular Meeting, Parks & Recreation Board, May 10, 1976) two things . One, it would serve the neighborhood concept and two, it would protect the citizens of Euless from the overflow from neighboring cities. The tennis center, he stated, would attract<. people from surrounding cities . Mr. Slator stated he would ur,e the committee not to abandon the fine plans to provide recreation areas for the various neighborhoods. He stated that this was a fine concept and one that attracted community pride. Rev. Traster stated that there was no intention whatsoever of not having neighborhood tennis courts. In fact at the present juncture, he said, we are looking at what we can do tc build neighborhood tennis courts at Lakewood Park. He stated that because the City only owns two acres of land there, and because of the terrain, it will be a tight squeeze to get in a double court. He also said that the Board was in agreement that the best type of court would be a double lighted concrete court which would cost the City around $30,000. In a discussion on the tennis center, Rev. Traster related facts on the construction and operation of a tennis center. Mr. Slator asked what the estimated cost of the tennis center would be? Rev. Traster stated that a layco tennis court ran about $17, 500 a piece. Mr. Slator questioned the need of a tennis pro to teach tennis lessons for tzx" amount of dollars. Rev. Traster explained to him that the tennis pro in Grand Prairie, for example, organized the tennis program and the people under him who plan tennis programs in the neighborhood parks and as they advance would eventually use the tennis center. Mr. Wenzle asked if the City of Euless could afford the proposed tennis center at an estimated cost of $200,000 when it only entertained 44 people an hour? Rev. Traster stated that from information from other cities, tennis centers made money. Richardson, in particular he cited, had an overage of $27,000. He also clarified the point that the City would not be paying the pro. There are different kinds of pro contracts, he said, but usually they operate the pro shop and get the proceeds from that, besides giving private lessons . He stated that this is the most feasible method and most widely used. Mrs. Copher stated that this tennis center sounded more like some sort of racquet club and stated that she personnally would really hate to see it cover the beautifuly grassy area behind the Civic Center. (Page Five, Regular Meeting, Parks and Recreation Board, May 10, 1976) Rev. Traster reassured her that there was so much opposition to this location that chances were it would never be at that location. Mr. Theder stated that the plans down the line would be to build a tennis center somewhere and also an olympic size pool and possibly other facilities like handball courts in the same area. Mr. Steve Humphrey stated that he had been in a tennis center in Corpus Christi that was a self sufficient facility that provided its citizens the opportunity to play on first class courts just like the people who belong to high dollar clubs, but for very very little money. Mr. Humphrey asked if there was any proposal to build any handball-racquetball courts and because it was a limited usage facility would their be any objections to charging a fee for its usage? Rev. Traster stated that what he would propose would be to build handball-racquet ball courts in conjunction with the tennis center and because of the cost of constructing such a facility ($20,000) , he would recommend that a fee be charged. Mr. Steele stated that tennis is a growing sport. He said, in considering such a proposal we should not think of what it will mean today, but what have we got coming up that is going to grow into these kind of things . He stated that the soccer program is a good example, because two years ago they didn't need a field, but today they need one on every corner so he said, we have got to look at our kids growing up and what is becoming popular and the athletic program and go this route. He stated that he didn't want to get away from the neigh- borhood concept, but that we do need places where we can have tourna- ments and still let the neighborhoods have their ballgames going. Mrs . Bush stated that after listening to the discussion on the tennis center as proposed in conjunction with a large swimming pool and a complex of various activities, she felt that this was a fine idea. Mr. Theder stated that the Board has no intention of getting away from the neighborhood concept. He stated that there was kind of an agreement that they would build only two types of parks in the City of Euless -- the community park which would be from 15-20 acres or the neighborhood park, which was 5-7 acres . Mr. Charles Apple stated that the need for tennis courts for the kids growing up so they can have a better place to play was a fine idea, but at the same time he pointed out that soccer is in a booming business . He asked if (Page Six, Regular Meeting, Parks & Recreation Board, May 10, 1976) there were any plans to improve this situation? Mr. Steele stated that the Board has been and is still looking for more soccer fields. Mr. Lindsey stated that little by little they have been improving the soccer fields they have avail- able. He also pointed out that of the three cities, Euless has done the most in this area. Mr. Theder stated that the Park Board's number one priority was to acquire more park land, but that many obstacles need to be overcome. Mrs. Bush asked if any communications had been established between the cities to establish joint effort in providing practice fields for soccer? Mr. Lindsey stated that he has been in contact with both cities, but that they did not have the necessary manpower and equipment to take care of it and they are also afraid of what has happened to us is going to happen to them. Mr. Theder stated that our City has had its share of problem with the Schools. He stated that they are aware of the problems in administration and are trying to work them out. He said what it really boils down to is that we need more land and only then can we have more facilities and athletic fields. Mr. Apple stated that if the City is liable for things they build, such as previously mentioned the motorbike trails, does the same hold true in the parks? Mr. Lindsey referred this question to Mr. Hershel Lindly who said that anytime a City has a facility, there is a certain amount of obligation which the City takes on by creating this slide or watever, and if the City is proven to be negligent in their responsibilities, then there may be the possi- bility of the City being sued for "x" number of dollars . Mrs. Bush stated that on new and existing tennis courts she would like to see us put up practice boards, especially for the small children. Mr. Frazier asked if there were any tennis courts planned for Carr Park? Mr. Theder stated that it was the Board's intention that this park be designated for quiet activities and adult activities . He stated that they had ac- quired additional land at the end of Pauline Street and in the future, this might be an excellent area for outdoor athletics and playground equipment. (Page Seven, Regular Meeting, Parks and Recreation Board, May 10, 1976) Mr. Lindsey stated that the present plans for Carr Park were to beautify it because of its natural beauty. At present, he said, there is a jogging trail, things for the little kiddies, and the senior citizens program and recreation classes . Mrs. Apple asked what would be some suggestions to bring up at the upcoming school board meeting that would improve the City - School relationship? Mr. Theder stated that the Board has had no problem with the school board, but the problems have been with the administration. He stated that his main concern would be to improve the working relationship so as to have better cooperation for the facilities during off school hours and the Summer months . Referring to Carr park, Mrs. McCormick stated that the idea of this park being designated for senior citizen activities and quiet type activities needed to be publicized. She stated that in talking to some of the senior citizens they had the feeling of being entirely left out. Mrs . Daniel expressed her gratitude to the Board for Carr Park and the Simmons Center, and the jogging trail and classes they have for adults. She stated it is really beautiful. Mr. Humphrey asked if there were any immediate plans to alleviate athletic field problems? Mr. Theder stated that there weren't any, because what they really needed to do is to buy additional park land, but it was necessary first to get the park master plan approved. Mrs. McCormick said that the Council had only acted on the park sites and acres per population and that it still needed to go before the Planning and Zoning committee. Mr. Steele stated that if anyone knew of any land that somebody might let the City use for athletic fields i:o inform the parks department about it. Mrs . Rawlings stated that while we are asking for the use of other people's land, it should be realized that this is at best a temporary solution, because people will be wanting to acquire their land back. She said we should never think if we ever get enough fields that we have enough land. She stated that we should go to acquiring our own fields. She said that maintenance was another problem, but that the Board was in sympathy with those trying to find enough fields to play on and they were trying to alleviate the problems. (Page eight, Regular Meeting, Parks & Recreation Board, May 10, 1976) Mr. Lindsey stated that the Parks department is doing their best to take care of game fields , but that there would be no way that they could take care of practice fields . Mrs. Green asked if it would be feasible to put up three temporary backstops on the land east of Midway. Mr. Lindsey stated that it was his intention to put up two backstops on the field farther south and that the adults would be using the large field this Summer. Mr. Wenzle stated that two general contractors had got in contact with him and volunteered to fill and level land as a tax write off. Mr. Theder asked that he get with Mr. Lindsey further on this generous offer. Mrs. Green asked how the Softball association could go about getting the three fields at South Euless repaired? She was told to make the school district aware of the problem and contact the principal and then get back with the park department to see what had and could be done. Mrs . Rawlins stated that she thought the Board was leaving a little wrong impression about their relationship with the School District. She said, number one, that our whole program was dependent upon the schools and that we shouldn't forget it. She said that within common sense and reason she felt them to be reasonable people, but when each body sets apart there is no reason. You have to come face to face, she said, and realize you are not going to get your way every time. She stated that the best way to approach it if we want something done is in a proper attitude and spirit, because that is their goal--to provide for the children, not just i:he citizens of Euless. But just like us, she said, they too have so much money for maintenance and things , and it is a terrible monstrous job to keep the school grounds. She stated that we should sympathize with them too. She stated that even so, we can get the most by going with a workable cooperative spirit attitude. She felt with this approach we can accomplish alot more. Mr. Theder stated that it was the objective of the Board to improve this working relationship with the School District. (Page Nine, Regular Meeting, Parks c- Recreation Board, May 10, 1976) Mr. Wenzle pointed out, in regards to purchasing park land, that he would like the Board to bear in mind that 12 acres would be enough for six softball fields and nine soccer fields. Mr. Theder stated that many things had been mentioned regarding the master plan, but wanted to know what the citizens thought about a golf course. Mrs. Bush stated that because there was no golf course close by it would have its place in time. Mrs. McCormick stated that she knew of quite a few who were interested in a golf course, but realized it was off in the future. Mr. Steele asked if anyone had anything to say about the flood plain development? Mr. Theder stated that Irving had effectively used their flood plain areas for baseball and soccer fields. Mr. Theder pointed out the map indicating beautification of Hwy. 183 . In the discussion that followed, everyone agreed that something needed to be done with this area, but pointed out the difficulties the City has had in working with the State Highway department on it. In final comments on the master plan, Mr. Lindly stated that in reference to beautification of 183, he would recommend not getting involved with annuals and perennials, but consider street trees, and grass . Regarding the tennis center, swimming center or olympic size pool and golf course, he said he would need to get with the Park Board so they can formulate actually what they want to do. We need to establish things like where we want the tennis center or the near vicinity. He also stated that from the discussion, he could see that the City was neighborhood oriented, but pointed out that if we look at some of these facilities closer they were more of a liability than an asset. He reaffirmed that a tennis center would be able to carry itself and pointed out examples all over the metroplex. He stated he didn't have conclusive data on swimming centers, but knew that Plano's was still operating in the red, but he felt that an olympic size pool would pay for itself. A question was asked regarding the purpose of a drawing, of the channelization of little Bear Creek. Mr. Lindley stated that the specific purpose of the illustration was to show that if it was channelized that there should be a minimum of 35 feet on the outside of the highbank in order to get a linkage park, which would be used primarily for bicycle and jogging trails. He stated that this drawing would (Page Ten, Regular Meeting, Parks and Recreation Board, May 10, 1976) apply to the areas they show as linkage parks on the master plan. The Board thanked those who attended for their input and invited them to attend the regular meetings of the Park Board the second Monday of every month. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9 :45 p.m. APPROVED: Chairman