HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-14-2022 Parks and Recreation Commission Agenda PacketIf you will need disability-related accommodations to participate in this program/event, please contact Gabe
Gotera, Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department at 319-356-5210 or ggotera@iowa-city.org.
Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
Public Comment for each item will be limited to 2 minutes for each person and a total for no more than 30
minutes per item. Written comments submitted to parksandrecreation@iowa-city.org, prior to 5 p.m. on
Monday, Sept. 12, 2022 will be distributed to the Commission via email in advance of the meeting.
AGENDA
ITEM 1 CALL TO ORDER
ITEM 2 APPROVAL OF AUGUST 10, 2022 MINUTES
ITEM 3 PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
ITEM 4 RECREATION PROGRAM & FACILITY MASTERPLAN RECOMMENDATION:
ROBERT A. LEE POOL – JULI SEYDELL JOHNSON
ITEM 5 RECREATION PROGRAM & FACILITY MASTERPLAN RECOMMENDATION:
MERCER/SCANLON RECREATION CENTER – JULI SEYDELL JOHNSON
ITEM 6 HAPPY HOLLOW PARK BALLFIELD – JULI SEYDELL JOHNSON
ITEM 7 REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF
a) Parks & Recreation Director – Juli Seydell Johnson
b) Recreation Division Superintendent – Brad Barker
c) Parks Division Superintendent – Tyler Baird
ITEM 8 CHAIRS REPORT
ITEM 9 COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
ITEM 10 ADJOURN
Iowa City
Parks and Recreation Commission
Wednesday, September 14, 2022
5:00 p.m.
Terry Trueblood Recreational Area – The Park Lodge
579 McCollister Boulevard, Iowa City, IA 52240
IOWA CITY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY
MINUTES August 10, 2022
ROBERT A. LEE RECREATION CENTER – MEETING ROOM B
Members Present: Alex Hachtman, Christopher Odinet, Melissa Serenda, Brianna Wills, Missie
Forbes, Connie Moore
Members Absent: Boniface Penandjo Lemoupa, April Schmidt, Brian Morelli
Staff Present: Juli Seydell Johnson, Brad Barker, Tyler Baird, Gabe Gotera
Others Present: Carin Crain, Justin Fishbaugh, Jill Fishbaugh, Larry Abrams, Marilyn Abrams,
Marcia Goldsborough, Anne Tabor, Anne Stapleton, Kerry O’Brine, Duane Miller,
Mark Cannon, Mary Ellen Hein, Myra Clark, Marcia Greiner, Judy Pfohl, James
Broffitt, Pam Ries, Diana Thrift, John Schmidt, Luz Garcia, Hellecktra Orozio,
Jack Stapleton, Anne Wood, Glenda Buenger, Joan Russett, Eleanor Steele, Jou
Robinson, Carsten Clark, Mary Boes, Holly Hart, Amy Kretkowski, Susan
Mellecker, George Tresnak, Ruth Westfall, Dan Katalinich, Eileen Vogel, Mitzi
Read, Linda Merlino, Alex Clancy, Mallory Earnest, Rachel McPherson, Mark
Nidey, Brooklyn McClinton, Warren Tunwall
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Hachtman called the meeting to order at 5 p.m.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council action):
None
INTRODUCTION OF NEW COMMISSION MEMBER
Chairman Hachtman welcomed Connie Moore to the Commission, filling the vacancy present since May,
2022.
OTHER FORMAL ACTION:
Moved by Hachtman, seconded by Serenda, to approve the July 13, 2022 minutes after having
struck mention of Commissioner Connie Moore from the July 13, 2022 Minutes. Motion passed 6-0
(Penandjo Lemoupa, Morelli & Schmidt absent)
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
Justin Fishbaugh says that the Parks and Recreation department is proposing to close the Robert A. Lee
Pool because it will be too expensive. Fishbaugh cites the ‘Condition of the Pool’ report to show that the
pool and natatorium could be repaired for $579,000 instead of the $4.5-5 million reported to the public, as
the expenses for the RAL pool repairs are being lumped into the cost for the entire RAL building.
Fishbaugh explains how he came to $579,000 for pool repairs, citing Pp. 71, Fishbaugh used the most
expensive estimates of pool repairs from WT Group and came to $471,000 of which includes $80,000 for
Surge Tank replacement and $90,000 for poll filters, which are already described as being budgeted to be
replaced for on Pp. 62. Fishbaugh includes that on P. 225, a table showing existing capital funding for
fiscal year 23 reports that RAL pool has $640,000 already budgeted for the pool filter and HVAC.
Jill Fishbaugh took up speaking where Justin Fishbaugh ran out of time. Fishbaugh cites the ‘Condition of
the Pools’ report Pp. 70 that the WT Group recommended repairs would take place across 1-5 years.
Fishbaugh notes that the report on Pp. 83 from Williams Architect shows that the whole facility repairs
would cost $4.1 million across 10 years which does not include the cost of WT Groups’ estimate but does
include the natatorium, the pool enclosure. Fishbaugh takes the $108,000 natatorium repairs estimate
from Williams Architect and adds it to the $471,000 estimate from WT group for a total of $579,000.
Fishbaugh points out that this is nowhere near the $4.7 million reported by Parks and Recreation on P.
184. Fishbaugh concludes that the WT Group report says RAL pool is in fair condition and recommends
the investment into the swimming facility.
Duane Miller, Pickleball Ambassador, speaks of the explosive growth in pickleball player count
attributing it to four key points. It’s fun for all ages, it’s easy to learn, it keeps you healthy and fit, and it’s
a lifetime sport. Miller refers to a handout with stats that shows that player count has gone up by 39% in
the last two years and has nearly double in the last seven years. Miller points out that Iowa is among the
states with the highest growth, with the Johnson County region having a growth of 30% a year. Miller
announces that with such a demand for pickleball venue, the USA Pickleball Association is preparing
toolkits for community planners with guidelines and cost estimates for building courts. Miller asks for the
support of the Commission as the demand for pickleball facilities grow.
Mary Ellen Hein says that there is a need for new pickleball courts at Mercer Park and in Iowa City with
500 members registered with Pickleball Johnson County. Hein details that on average, 32 players would
sign up via Playtime Scheduler to play at Mercer every day, but with players coming from outside
Johnson County to play who are not using the online scheduler, that number is likely much higher. Hein
thanks the department for recently providing a bench at the courts and asks if more benches would be
realistic. Hein asks about the feasibility of making a barrier to go between the courts. Currently balls are
going across courts and tripping people, the barriers would work to make the courts safer. Hein says that
there are wasps near the Mercer Park quarts and asks that they be addressed.
Myra Clark, Pickleball Ambassador, has been giving pickleball lessons to local players. Clark gives
lessons four days a week at the Green State Family Field House, Mercer Park Outdoor Courts, the Robert
A. Lee gymnasium, and to the synagogue, Agudas Achim Congregation. Clark has been teaching an
average of four new players per day, for a total of 16 players being taught each week. Clark asks that with
the numbers growing at such a rate, that there be more pickleball courts in the future.
Jim Broffitt, Pickleball Ambassador, distributes a handout with example courts. Broffitt describes the
pickleball courts in between Opelika, AL and Auburn, AL, and how they can be used as a model to
compare to pickleball courts between Iowa City, IA and Coralville, IA, with similar size and make up
between the two sets of cities. Broffitt explains the floor plan of 12 courts, laid out in 3 rows of four
courts. Between each row of courts are aisles with benches allowing players to sit in between games, as
opposed to Mercer Park Courts where most players must take up one of the courts to stand around in
while not playing. The Alabama courts also have a large canopy over the courts, that would allow
pickleball players to resume play in detrimental weather. Broffitt shows that it cost Opelika $650,000 for
the facilities. Broffitt cited the Opelika City Clerk, Russell Jones, that Opelika recently had a 5-day
pickleball tournament using their facilities, bringing 800 participants to the area. These participants
brought their families, stayed in hotels, ate at restaurants, bought clothes gas and other items, raising the
estimated economic impact of the single tournament to be approximately $1,000,000.
Anne Stapleton, a 36-year RAL Pool user, requests that the hours at RAL pool be reinstated to be open
6:15 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. like it was before pool hours were slashed in January. Stapleton says that if staff
encounters a shortage of lifeguards, to have like guards move from MPAC to RAL for the 9 a.m. – 11
a.m. shift and the 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. shift. Stapleton explains that the decrease in RAL hours prevents many
from using the pool especially those who swim in the afternoons after work or school. Stapleton quotes
the Rec Master Plan, “Aquatics ranks number one above all other program enrollment nets and for indoor
pools, a central location”, yet the RAL pool is only open 4.75 hours a day, Mon – Fri. Stapleton second
point is that the pool usage as listed in the July 13th ‘Condition of the Pools’ report is misleading and
inaccurate, with five categories of RAL pool users either under counted or not counted at all which
greatly skews the understanding of who is using the pool. Stapleton says that the report omits the total
number of people using RAL pool at any one time. Stapleton explains that starting in January, after
speaking to Brad Barker regarding the reduced hours, she began counting pool users each time she swam.
Stapleton reports that the average number of swimmers when Stapleton arrives is greater than 7 users and
can be over 15 users when Stapleton leaves the pool. Stapleton says that the report is misleading and is
inaccurately claiming to report lap swimmers separately from others but even those numbers don’t
accurately reflect her experiences. Stapleton continues that aquacisers are undercounted as classes
regularly include 12-15 people, but the report only lists registration numbers and not the number of
people in the pool or when they attend.
Jack Stapleton took up speaking where Anne Stapleton ran out of time. Stapleton explains that the report
does not include Sundays, when many families attend swim lesson and other special events throughout
the year. Stapleton says that potentially hundreds of pass users are being undercounted. Stapleton reports
that at the July 13, 2022 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting, Matt Eidahl says that unique pass
holders are counted just one time, meaning when someone who goes multiple times they are only counted
once. Stapleton continues that ICPR staff and Red Cross Training are not counted but provide an
important use of the pool for the community. Stapleton refers to the June 21, 2022 City Council work
session, and quotes Juli Seydell Johnson, “It’s not uncommon to have zero, one, or two lap swimmers for
a greater portion of the day”. Stapleton argues that this does not include lap swimmers, aquasisers, water
walkers, and deep well users. Stapleton says that some swimmers avoid arriving at RAL pool at 11 a.m.
since all six lanes are typically full.
Note: The Condition of the Pools report lists both Unique Pass Scans and Total Pass Scans seperately on
the same table.
Carin Crain voices opposition to the plan to move indoor aquatics to Mercer Pool. Crain asks for a model
schedule that shows how the department will merge all the RAL pool activities with the activities of
MPAC Pool, which include lap swim, water walking, aquacise, deep water aquacise, private swim
lessons, group swim lessons that shut down RAL pool, red cross training, junior lifeguard, staff and
services, birthday parties, special events like the egg hunt or New Year’s Eve for kids, and youth swim
teams. Crain wants to know who will be excluded from the water and who gets in and if MPAC pool can
feasibly take all the indoor aquatic activities. Crain brings up the question of equity and the RAL pool.
Crain elaborates that if someone can’t afford gas or even a car that they can use the bus routes to get to
the RAL pool. Currently the RAL pool is ½ mile away from the Downtown Interchange bus station, while
Mercer pool is only accessible via one bus route, Town Crest. If someone does not live close to the Town
Crest route, then they must transfer which makes it more likely to miss a bus and thus miss your swim.
Crain praises the city for providing free swim lessons to low-income households. Crain continues that
since swimming is a live saving sport, the City’s programming has probably saved lives because people
are more comfortable and more skilled in the water. Crain says that this is an important point of equity for
low-income households and People of Color, and by taking away the water, we are also taking away the
option of enjoying and surviving in water.
Dan Katalich says that if you support equity, diversity, and inclusion then you should move to repair RAL
pool. Katalich details that Mercer pool is often closed to everyone for swim meets, which is very
uninclusive. Katalich explains the necessity of having an easily accessible and centrally located aquatics
facility. Katalich says that the City Park Pool stands out with its Oak canopy and that the current
configuration of the pool should not be changed. Katalich agrees that accommodation towards a zero
depth would be beneficial to the community by introducing kids into the water safely.
Ann Tabor says that the growing Pickleball needs accommodations for the growing sport, especially with
other facilities such as the Green State Family Field House having an entrance fee attached. Tabor
mentions that indoor pickleball during the wintertime would be appreciated. Tabor requests that the RAL
pool not be filled in as she is a regular aqua exercise participant. Tabor brings up the growing
demographics in the area as more and more apartment buildings are sprouting in downtown Iowa City,
and how it would be a bad idea to remove these opportunities downtown.
Susan Mellecker states that swimming is lifelong sport that can be enjoyed by the entire family.
Mellecker refers to the disparity in usage numbers and details that there were 22 people in RAL pool that
morning, made up of 2 lap swimmers, 2 in the deep water well, and 18 attending aquacise, which
Mellecker describes as typical. Mellecker points out that the pool has only been open for 11 months since
closing due to COVID and only now are people starting to come back to the pool and group fitness.
Mellecker talks about Ed Stone, who once campaigned to keep Iowa City School District from building a
third high school and coined the term “Two Fine Schools”. Mellecker announces a new campaign called
“Three Fine Pools”. Mellecker believes that City Park Pool can be accommodated to include features for
young families, such as a ladder & slide, and a zero-depth while maintaining the aesthetics and footprint
of the pool. Mellecker is bothered by the perception that the Commission thinks their votes does not
matter and that City Council will have the final say.
Amy Kretkowski is an avid swimmer at RAL Pool and City Park Pool. Kretkowski reiterates Crain’s
point of making a schedule showing how realistic it would be to move indoor swimming to MPAC pool.
Kretkowski brings up that between CPP and RAL Pool there are 15 lap lanes, which would be reduced to
3 lap lanes which would not be able to accommodate all the lap swimmers. Kretkowski asks if MPAC
would be able to accommodate all the swimmers that would come from RAL and CPP during the off-
summer seasons and refers to concerns regarding the data of RAL usage numbers.
Eleanor Steele comes not as a pool user but as a member of the community living downtown and declares
that the RAL pool should remain where it is. Steele asks if things were framed correctly to the
consultants. Steele questions if the consultants were asked how to keep the pool and improve upon it or if
they entered the space with a preconceived notion. Eleanor quotes Marc Cannon, “You cannot put a price
tab on what it means to keep a center in a town. To keep the heart and soul and the gathering space of a
downtown”.
Mitzi Read, a government worker with 23 years of experience, is upset that they feel that they have been
lied to in a report stating that the pool repairs will cost $4.5-5 million. Read says that the attendance
numbers provided in the Condition of the Pools report are selective and flawed data being provided by the
department. Read points to P.82 of the Master Plan Section 4 that describes 293 total visits by swimmers
at RAL in May of 2022. Read compares this to P.148 of the condition of the pools which lists that RAL
pool had 714 pool passes made. Read asks that the commission not approve any portion of Section 4 until
the source of this new data is provided.
Note: The Condition of the Pools Report list that there were 714 total admissions into RAL pool, made up
of both Total Pass Scans and Day Passes sold in May of 2022.
Rachael McPherson has used the RAL Fitness Room for physically therapy and describes positive
diversity in that space, in terms of race, age, and the able-bodied. McPherson details that this diversity
and the use of the facility by the community for things like birthday parties make the space feel
welcoming and safe. McPherson says that will so many old businesses in the downtown area fading away
due to rent hikes and new owners not being community minded, the historical value of this building
should be considered and remain as a special part of the Iowa City Downtown. McPherson also comments
on the Oak Canopy surrounding CPP and asks that the trees not be touched. Johnson makes the
clarification that there are no recommendations to close the building itself. The recommendations
proposed only pertain to the swimming pool and not the fitness room, the gym, or other provided
facilities.
Marc Cannon touches on the history of swimming in Iowa City, explaining how the butterfly stroke was
created in Iowa City in 1934. Cannon continues that in 1968, Iowa City determined that its community
needed three pools, and since then the Iowa City Population has grown 60%. Cannon says that the pool
has been reported to have low use, but hours have been cut and hundreds of swimmers haven’t been
counted during the COVID pandemic. Cannon expresses that despite claims that RAL pool is too
expensive to repair, the architects and engineers have said otherwise in the report. Cannon refers to
suggestions that there are not enough lifeguards but points out Kate Connell’s junior lifeguard program
that is a pipeline to lifeguarding jobs, providing 158 lifeguards over the summer. Cannon says that the
proposed warm water pool at MPAC is expensive and has limited use and would not fill the needs of
Aqua Fitness, which RAL pool already provides at half the cost. Cannon brings up a collection of 500+
signatures who have signed in support of keeping the RAL pool, including the signatures of some
downtown business owners. Cannon also says that the pool users bring economic value to the downtown
area when they come to RAL pool to swim, which keeps the local culture vibrant and valuable to the
community. Cannon questions what will happen when MPAC pool is shut down for maintenance. Cannon
concludes that the people would have nowhere to swim.
Marcia Goldsborough is a Coralville resident but has been paying the non-resident fees since 2005 as
RAL pool is the only deep-water pool in the area. Goldsborough describes how coming to RAL pool is a
vital part of maintaining their personal physical health, social contacts, and mental health. Goldsborough
reports how they would use the RAL pool every day, Mon-Fri for 90 minutes. Goldsborough explains
how MPAC would not meet the needs of deep warm water aerobics as only five feet of water would not
be adequate for those with arthritis. Goldsborough adds that her family have gone to City Park Pool since
the 80s and that such an incredible resource should be left alone.
Carsten Clark recently moved to the Iowa City area and explains how he and his family were attracted to
how bike/pedestrian friendly the layout of downtown Iowa City is, with a grocery store, a library, and a
pool all within walking distance. Clark describes his apprehension towards having to have to use a car to
be able to go to the pool. Clark feels that a pool is more valuable and would draw more of the community
in than a grocery store and a library.
2022 REAP GRANT SUBMISSION – HICKORY HILL PARK ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION,
PHASE 3 – Tyler Baird
Baird details that the Third Phase will focus on the northern half of Hickory Hill Park. Baird says that of
the $200,000 that the grant is applying for, $100,000 will be used towards removing invasive plants in 15
acres of savannah and 38.5 acres of woodland followed by replanting of beneficial native species.
Baird explains that part of Grant will include improvements of three stream crossings to provide access to
Hikers without erosion. The improved stream crossings would also allow more maintenance upkeep in the
area and give access for the Fire Department to take their vehicles through the park in the event of an
emergency.
Chairman Hachtman asks how long it would take receive a response regarding the Submission. Johnson
explains that the department should hear back on the grant the third or fourth week of September. Though
due to the sensitive information, more would not be released until mid-October.
Johnson elaborates that Phase 3 is likely the last phase in the park restoration that has spanned six years.
Commissioner Wills asks if Phase 3 consists of the new Hickory Hill Park area and how the status of said
area is. Johnson explains that the space’s Road and Public Utilities are still waiting to be accepted in
development but that another phase is not out of the question once approved. Baird details that the new
space does not have as many invasive species as the rest of the park thus restoration will be less expensive
RECREATION MASTER PLAN FINAL REVIEWS OF SECTIONS 1-4 – Brad Barker
Barker presents the attached PowerPoint up to ‘Slide 15’
Vice Chairman Odinet requests that the meeting skip to Item 9 as quorum would soon be lost.
REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF
Item 7 was skipped as quorum would soon be lost.
CHAIRS REPORT:
Item 8 was skipped as quorum would soon be lost.
COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
Vice Chairman Odinet asks that for the next agenda, he would like to know about the budget variance
issue between $579,000 to nominally fix the pool and the $4,700,000 necessary to fix the pool plus other
things. Odinet elaborates that he wants to know how integrated the facility costs are onto each other (i.e.,
Pool, Roof, Foundation). Johnson replies that this information will be provided.
Vice Chairman Odinet refers to the conflict over utilization data and asks how much distance there is
between the methodology being used to count the numbers and the data which comes from people who
are in the pool. Odinet asks if this distance be closed to get a more accurate account of the details as much
of the argument is that the pool gets used a lot and can be justified, based on how much it gets used to
invest more money. Johnson comments that the reason why the department started recording only lap lane
numbers from RAL was because 2 months prior, the biggest concern was about how the lap lanes are
always full and MPAC would not be able to take on the number of lap swimmers. Johnson explains that
since the public was saying that numbers from the front desk counter weren’t accurate, staff started taking
snapshots of actual lap swim numbers using security cameras at specific times each day. Johnson further
elaborates that since the security cameras can only consistently see the lap lanes of RAL pool, only the
lap swimmers using the lanes are being counted using the cameras.
Commissioner Forbes refers to comments and questions regarding diversity of populations and asks if
there is data of diverse populations coming to utilizing the facility as a centrally located area. Johnson
replies that aquatics staff report that they see more diverse groups at Mercer.
Commissioner Moore asks if there are any quick fixes that can be done for the pickleball courts. Johnson
details a 2023 project for improving the pickleball courts. The project will have approximately $175,000
for improving the tennis courts at both City Park and Mercer Park, and an additional $950,000 for athletic
and baseball field improvements. Baird details what Parks staff have recently done to help the pickleball
courts, including the installation of new windscreens and slats, actively spraying the courts for wasps and
filling cracks.
ADJOURNMENT:
Chairman Hachtman adjourned the meeting at 6:31 p.m.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
KEY: X = Present O = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused NM = No meeting
LQ = No meeting due to lack of quorum * = Not a member now
NAME
TERM
EXPIRE
S 08/11/21 9/8/21 10/13/21 11/10/21 12/8/21 1/12/22 02/09/22 03/09/22 04/13/22 05/23/22 07/13/22 08/10/22 Steve Bird 12/31/21 X X X X NM * * * * * * *
Missie
Forbes
12/31/25 * * * * * X NM X X O/E X X
Brian Morelli 12/31/25 * * * * * X NM O/E X X X O/E
Alex
Hachtman
12/31/24 O/E X X X NM X NM X X X X X
Connie
Moore
12/31/25 * * * * * * * * * * * X
Christopher
Odinet
12/31/24 X X X X NM X NM X O/E X O/E X
Boniface
Penandjo
Lemoupa
12/31/23 X X O O NM X NM X O O/E O O/E
Ben Russell 12/31/21 X X X X NM * * * * * * *
April
Schmidt
12/31/22 X X O O/E NM O/E NM O/E X X X O/E
Melissa
Serenda
12/31/23 X X X X NM X NM X X X X X
Angie Smith 12/31/21 X X X X NM * * * * * * *
Brianna
Wills
12/31/22 X X O/E O/E NM O/E NM X X X X X
Michelle
Wiegand
12/31/25 * * * * * X NM X O/E * * *