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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1971-06-21 Regular Meeting Parks and Recreation Committee June 21 , 1971 CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Committee was called to order at 8:20 P.M. in the Conference Room of Euless City Hall with Vice Chairman Ivan Gregory presiding. Other members present are listed, as follows : Mmes. Joy Langston, Alternate, and Carolyn Griffin. (Absent were Messrs. Charles Hunt, Chairman, Jay H. Theder and Cullen H. McNair.) Also present were Director of Parks and Recreation Frank D. Lindsey and Recording Secretary Florence Murr. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Committee dated May 17, 1971 , were approved as written. DISCUSSION : USE OF ANTICIPATED STATE FUNDS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF POOL AND IMPROVEMENT OF EXISTING FACILITIES Vice Chairman Gregory advised that he has given much thought to the need for improvements at Midway Park Swimming Pool . He stated that he is of the opinion the new facility at South Euless Park will make the Midway Park Pool look kind of bad, and he would like for them to offer the same conveniences. Mr. Gregory inquired concerning the pos- sibility of using funds in excess of those needed for construction of the pool at South Euless for improving other parks. Mrs. Griffin stated that, at a previous meeting, a representative from the engineering firm(Knowlton-Ratliff-English- Collins) indicated that surplus funds can be used where there is a need for improvement or development of park sites. Vice Chairman Gregory stated that he does not want someone to say one of the small pools needs to be improved when the City is ready to construct a large pool . He expressed concern regarding the concession stand and the need for a covered area for spectators. Mr. Lindsey suggested that the concession stand could be replaced with vending machines. Vice Chairman Gregory stated that he would recommend this change. (Page Two, Minutes of Regular Meeting, Parks and Recreation Committee, June 21 , 1971) Members of the Committee discussed the lack of shade at Midway Park Swimming Pool and were in agreement that there is a need for it for convenience and comfort of parents and other spectators. Vice Chairman Gregory suggested that each Member of the Committee give some thought to the areas which need im- provement and directed Mr. Lindsey to make a preliminary study, advising the Committee as to how the surplus money should be spent. Mr. Gregory commented that because of the size of South Euless Park there is not much that can be done. Members of the Committee briefly dis- cussed parking facilities at South Euless Park and were of the general opinion that, possibily, these facilities are inadequate. 11 . REPORT ON SUMMER RECREATION PROGRAM Mr. Lindsey reported that participation in the Summer Recreation Program is very gratifying -- that, at this time, five thousand, four hundred and ten (5,410) youngsters are participating in playground activities. Vice Chairman Gregory advised that the Baseball Season is in full swing and six hundred (600) boys, ages eight (8) through sixteen (16) are playing ball this year. He reported that three tournaments have been scheduled, commenting that this will bring a lot of people and money into Euless. Mr. Gregory stated that a State Tournament for the Sophomore League is scheduled for August 3rd through 7th. A District Tournament for fifteen (15) and sixteen (16) year old boys will open on or about August 7th, and the Pee Wee League, ages nine (9) and (10) will start their tournament on July 19th. Mr. Gregory commented that the tournament for the Pee Wee League will bring eight (8) teams from out of town. Mr. Lindsey stated that the contract with Mr. Al Swain will terminate before the scheduled tournaments have ended, and he is of the opinion it will be necessary to make arrangements for con- tinued maintenance of the fields during the tournaments. In reply to a question concerning hous- ing for out-of-town participants, Mr. Gregory advised that the Commissioner from each League is responsible for locating available facilities for each tournament. He stated that brochures concerning housing, entertainment and places of interest will be mailed to out-of-town teams. III . DISCUSSION OF PARK SITE ON ASH LANE Vice Chairman Gregory inquired concerning (Page Three, Minutes of Regular Meeting, Parks and Recreation Committee, June 21 , 1971) plans for construction of the new school on Ash Lane. Mr. Lindsey advised that the school is supposed to be completed by the Fall of 1972. Replying to a question concerning plans for development of the park site, which is adjacent to school , Mr. Lindsey stated that the preliminary clean-up will be started this Fall . Mr. Lindsey explained that this work will include only the pruning of trees, mowing and things of this nature -- that major development, which includes drainage im- provements,will have to come undera.new Capital Improvement Program. Mrs. Langston commented that she would prefer leaving our parks in a natural state. She stated that West Park is a beautiful park and that many people are using it since picnic tables have been provided. Mr. Lindsey commented on the motor bike trails through West Euless Park. He and Members of the Committee were in agreement that people using these trails are not destructive and they are pleased that the park is being used. IV. DISCUSSION OF MIDWAY PARK SWIMMING POOL In reply to a question concerning the admission price at Midway Park Pool , Mr. Lindsey advised that tickets are fifty cents each or a Season Ticket may be purchased for $10.00. Mr. Lindsey explained that the Season Ticket entitles the purchaser to ten (10) swimming lessons and the privilege of swimming all Summer. Vice Chairman Gregory asked if the same type of program will be offered at South Euless Pool . Mr. Lindsey stated he is of the opinion it will -- that swimming ticket prices are the same in Euless as in the City of Richardson, which seems to be one of the more stable programs. He stated that there are some cities which sell tickets for three (3) different prices and are losing money. Members of the Committee discussed the over-crowded condition at Midway Park Pool and to what extent the new pool at South Euless Park will alleviate this condition. Mr. Lindsey volunteered to make a pre- liminary survey, in an effort to determine the approximate number of citizens residing South of State Highway 183 who swim at Midway Park Pool . Vice Chairman Gregory stated that, in his opinion, this is important in determining the need for improvements at (Page Four, Minutes of Regular Meeting, Parks and Recreation Committee, June 21 , 1971 ) Midway Park. V. REPORT OF RAW SEWAGE IN CREEK AT SOUTH EULESS PARK Mrs. Griffin stated that on May 22, 1971 , she attended Field Day at South Euless Park, and a very offensive odor was noticed by herself and other visitors. She stated that she walked down to the creek and found water flowing from Huitt southward -- that the water was green, smelled terrible and was obviously polluted. Mr. Lindsey stated that he was aware of a problem in this area previously; however, he had been informed repairs had been made. He advised that he will inform the City Manager of this report, so an official investigation can be made. VI . GENERAL DISCUSSION Vice Chairman Gregory commented that Midway Park is being well cared for -- that he considers the maintenance ex- cellent considering the number of people who use the park. Mrs. Griffin commented on the improve- ment of Midway Park since she moved to Euless eight (8) years ago. Mrs. Langston asked what the chances are of getting a park equal to Chisholm Park in the City of Hurst. Vice Chairman Gregory advised that a thirty-five (35) acre site located North of Euless on the West side of North Main Street is being considered. He explained that nothing can be done until the City gets a new Capital Improvements Program. Vice Chairman Gregory suggested that Members of the Committee give serious thought to needs to be included in the next Capital Improvements Program. He advised that land acquisition has prime priority -- that Mr. Lindsey is making a study to determine the City's needs for park sites. He stated that the purchase of land, improvement of the proposed park site on North Main and a Municipal Golf Course should, in his opinion, be included in the program. VI . REPORT ON ESTIMATE OF COST FOR DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS IN MIDWAY PARK Mr. Lindsey reported that an estimate has been obtained from the City's Consulting Engineers for storm sewer pipe (Page Five, Minutes of Regular Meeting, Park and Recreation Committee, June 21 , 1971) at two locations, extending across Midway Park. Mr. Lindsey explained that storm waters drain from Midway Drive into two open ditches extending across the park. He advised that the Engineers have submitted an estimate, in the amount of $12,440.00 for this project and advise that they do not guarantee complete drainage. Mr. Lindsey presented the Engineers' letter, for review by Vice Chairman Gregory. Mr. Gregory read the letter and commented that, obviously, the cost is prohibitive, but in his opinion it would be worthy of consideration under a new Capital Improvements Program. VII . ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 P.M. APPROV 111. /..2714. ii•W*.°------ Ch. irma fsm