HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-07-2021 Minutes
Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
Minutes
Tuesday, December 7, 2021
5:30 p.m.
Virtual and In Person
Call to Order 5:35 pm
Present were Members: Peter Di Turi, Katie Helton, Wayne Osborne, Mike Palko-Dean and Lisa Russell. Department staff present were Parks Planning Manager Jamie Kelly, Special Events
& Farmers Market Coordinator Amanda Valdez and Parks Administrative Assistant Julie Mehl.
Minutes
The October minutes were approved.
Committee Member Input
Board member Mike Palko-Dean recommended the White River Valley Museum’s Festival of Trees, an event consisting of fierce competition between local libraries utilizing books/genres and
trees.
Board member Peter Di Turi praised the Parks Department for their innovative programming during the pandemic, particularly due to staff shortage.
Board member Wayne Osborne suggested staff work on drainage issue on hole #8 at the Auburn Golf Course.
Correspondence/Public Input
Jared Walter and Nessa Lemalu reported on the new Fieldhouse USA location at the Outlook Collection. 157,000 sf of sports/athletics/fun including basketball, volleyball, extreme dodgeball,
laser tag, batting cages, fitness center, adventure park and more. The revenue at the Outlet Collection has increased 15% since their opening.
Old Business
New Business
Department Report (Valdez/Kelly)
B Force Security has been monitoring parks and is asking folks to move along if not utilizing amenities. Fencing/gates will be added to the south lot at Les Gove park for increased
security.
Amanda Valdez reports the Auburn Farmers Market ended their 2021 season with numerous record breaking increases. They began the season with many Covid related restrictions, which were
lifted in late July. Moving to their new location on Auburn Way S allowed expansion of vendors. Vendor sales went from $255,301 in 2020 to $407,361 in 2021. 4,365 lbs of food were
donated to the Auburn Food Bank throughout the season. Customer counts in 2020 were 17,249 and 40,991 in 2021. Food assistance
programs in 2020 were $7,678 and increased to $25,179 in 2021.
Auburn received grant funding for bikes from pre-school age through high school. We have purchased 86 bikes and hired staff to utilize grant funding for programs. The Cedar Lanes bicycle
pump track will be completed by Spring/Summer in conjunction with Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance. We also received a $234,000 grant for restrooms at Cedar Lanes park.
This week Jamie attended a pre-construction meeting for the Arts & Culture Center. Work begins Monday, December 13 and is scheduled to finish in June.
The Request for Proposals for the Parks Plan Update are due 12/8. This update will bring existing plan up to date including short, mid and long range planning. The Parks Plan is updated
every six years.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 6:34 pm.