HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-08-2023 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 3 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, November 6, 2023, will be distributed to the Commission in advance of the meeting.
AGENDA
ITEM 1 CALL TO ORDER
ITEM 2 APPROVAL OF SEPTEMBER 13, 2023, MINUTES
ITEM 3 PUBLIC COMMENT ON ANY ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
ITEM 4 SPRING RALRC DAYTIME POOL HOURS – Recreation Supt. Brad Barker
ITEM 5 ASHTON HOUSE REAP GRANT – Parks & Forestry Supt. Tyler Baird
ITEM 6 PROPOSED CHANGES TO ASHTON HOUSE USE – Rec Supt. Brad Barker
ITEM 7 CIP BUDGET UPDATE – Parks and Recreation Director Juli Seydell Johnson
ITEM 8 CITY PARK POOL PUBLIC INPUT UPDATE – P&R Director Juli Seydell Johnson
ITEM 9 REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF
a) Parks and Recreation Director – Juli Seydell Johnson
b) Recreation Superintendent – Brad Barker
c) Parks & Forestry Superintendent – Tyler Baird
ITEM 10 CHAIRS REPORT
ITEM 11 COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
ITEM 12 ADJOURN
Iowa City
Parks and Recreation Commission
Wednesday, November 8, 2023
5:00 p.m.
Robert A. Lee Recreation Center – Meeting Room B
220 S Gilbert Street, Iowa City, IA 52240
IOWA CITY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY
MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 13, 2023
ROBERT A. LEE RECREATION CENTER – MEETING ROOM B
Members Present: Rachel McPherson, Alex Stanton, Aaron Broege, Connie Moore, Missie
Forbes, Alex Hachtman, Melissa Serenda, Brian Morelli
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Juli Seydell Johnson, Tyler Baird, Gabe Gotera
Others Present: Carin Crain, Mitzi Read, Sue Protheroe, Jerry Protheroe, Beth Pfohl, Mark
Cannon, Anne Jensen
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Hachtman called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council
action):
Moved by Serenda, seconded by Morelli, to recommend moving forward with the 2024-
2028 Parks & Recreation CIP as presented. Motion Passed 8-0.
OTHER FORMAL ACTION:
Moved by Broege, seconded by Moore, to approve the August 09, 2023, minutes. Motion
passed 7-0 (Serenda Absent).
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
Commissioner Serenda arrives at 5:02 p.m.
Sue Protheroe comments on behalf of City Park Pool: Back to the Future, a group which is a
large bunch of community members who are passionate about City Park and have organized to
ensure that a future pool at least matches the current pool in terms of capabilities and the
communities it serves. Protheroe passes out copies of the City Park Pool: Back to the Future –
vision statement. Protheroe explains that previously a member of the group had spoken to the
Commission regarding the vision statement. Protheroe details that the group focuses on how the
pool can be used and the groups it serves, which the current design checks each box. Protheroe
clarifies that the group is not promoting a specific design for City Park Pool at the current time.
Protheroe says that the Back to the Future steering committee had met earlier in the week to
discuss the public input process after listening to the Williams and Associates talk during the
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September 13, 2023
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Sept 5 City Council meeting, understanding that the list of potential focus groups is not set in
stone, but that Juli had said there could be 14 focus groups, which means that the list of potential
focus groups has only 11 groups. The steering committee had identified two groups that they feel
should also be represented. Firstly, the primary groups that use the pool like club swimmers &
water polo, and secondly, the group that is not on the list of potential focus groups, senior
citizens, a large group of pool users in the communities that should be sought out for input.
Beth Pfohl comments on the behalf of the City Park Pool: Back to the Future steering committee.
Pfohl says that during the Sept 5 City Council, a consultant said that replacing City Park pool
allows for the opportunity for conversation between user groups. Pfohl believes in the power of
various pool user groups speaking to one another and coming to understand what others need,
especially regarding the pool. Pfohl says that if conversation is allowed, we have the opportunity
for building community consensus, however the current public input plan as detailed in the
consultant condition report does not allow for discussion between user groups, unless the open
houses are structured in a way to provide this opportunity. Pfohl suggest that the open houses be
structured in a way that provides an opportunity for real dialogue between community members,
saying that it is important that all types of users hear each other’s concerns and needs. Pfohl
envisions an event where people are assigned to facilitate the breakout groups, each addressing
the same set of guiding questions, before reporting back to the large group. Because the focus
groups are composed of similar minded users, the public gathering will be the only opportunity
for community members to hear and discuss and understand each other.
Carin Crain talks about the Robert A. Lee Pool while Marc Cannon passes out a handout to the
commission. Crain explains that she has been gathering pool counts for 10 months, the reason
being is because the Parks and Recreation department has said that pool usage is insufficient and
have not defined sufficiency, to support increased hours of operation. Crain says that the
department has talked a lot about the numbers of users, highlighting a page in her handout which
shows a collage of all the pool users throughout the day. Crain says that her collage is important
because it shows that 23 people who were at the pool on that day were not included in the full
counts distributed. Crain says that commissioners are asked to make recommendations based on
data and that if their data is not good, then their recommendations are not sound. Crain suggests
that the commission do is insist on accurate date. Crain refers to further pages in her handout that
show where in staff counts that errors lie, how she knows that the errors are there, and shows that
the errors are always less. Crain says that there is a consistent under count that has been going on
for 10 months. Going forward Crain asks that the Commissioners insist on accurate data, and that
respectfully, they correct the inaccuracies shown in the submissions to this body. Crain says that
as citizen who uses the pool, everyone counts, and that she wants to be counted.
Dir. Seydell Johnson makes the clarification for both the public and Commission, that when the
Commissioners had last looked at pool data for their decision about Fall RAL Pool hours, the
Commission has access to both the public and staff counts, side-by-side and made their decision
using all the numbers provided.
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September 13, 2023
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2023-2028 PARKS AND RECREATION CAPITOL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT –
Dir. Juli Seydell Johnson
Dir. Seydell Johnson presents the attached PowerPoint over the 2024-2028 Parks & Recreation
Capital Improvement Plan.
Vice-Chair Moore asks what a pump track is, regarding the Terrill Mill Skate Park project. Parks
Supt. explains that a pump track in this instance is paved and includes pumps, and curves, and
banks that work together as a circuit that can be used by bikes, scooters, skateboards, and even
an athletic style wheelchair.
Commissioner Forbes asks if the Terrill Mill Skate Park is the skate park near City Park. Dir.
Seydell Johnson confirms this, saying that it is near the boathouse on Dubuque Street. Forbes
asks how much traffic is at the park to justify the price tag needed to update. Seydell Johnson
responds that while the exact number is not known, staff do know that the park is highly used
and believe that once the public input process begins, users of the park will be contacting staff
with strong input.
Vice-Chair Moore asks about the origins behind the name of Carson Lake, regarding the Carson
Lake Park Project. Dir. Seydell Johnson replies that she is unsure on the origin of the name of the
area but that it may be related to the current landowners. Moore asks if Carson Lake is the final
name for the park. Seydell Johnson replies that Carson Lake is likely not the final name of the
park, unless the name is part of the legal agreement for the land acquisition.
Commissioner Serenda asks if there are plans to extend the Highway 6 Trail from Heinz to Scott
Boulevard, making a good circuit as opposed to walking through the industrial area. Dir. Seydell
Johnson responds that in the long-term, yes. Seydell Johnsons explains that this was in the
Bicycle Master Plan, but it would not be seen in this 5-year budget plan.
Commissioner Morelli asks how much of the Federal Highway funds are devoted to trails versus
roads, or if the trail budget comes out of the Parks and Recreation budget. Morelli asks that if
trail headways are so expensive, can the department set aside a percentage of the budget for
several years to take on the bigger projects. Dir. Seydell Johnsons says that this option is
something that the Commission can recommend the City Council to consider. Morelli asks if it is
possible to receive more information on the funds received for trails. Seydell Johnson says that in
the past, an MPO representative has spoken on the subject to the Commission and that this could
certainly be done again in the future.
Commissioner McPherson asks about the “Public v Private” land for the Carson Lake Park
Project. McPherson asks that if the land has a current owner, then is the land private. Dir. Seydell
Johnson explains that the land is currently farmland and as it develops it will either be donated to
the City through Neighborhood Open Space or purchased by the city as a part of the water
retention area. Seydell Johnson says that as it is being discussed today, the land is private, but in
the long-term it will become public.
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September 13, 2023
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Commissioner Serenda asks what the fate of projects on the Unfunded list are. Dir. Seydell
Johnson responds that the purpose of the list is so that City Council and Finance staff know that
there are still projects that the department would like to pursue.
Commissioner Broege says that the RAL pool and Mercer pool projects are happening after the
City Park Pool project is completed and asks if there is accounting for the potential funding
needed on the 2026-2027 CIP. Seydell Johnson says that the potential funds have been discussed
but not yet added to a project because the parameters of the project have not been decided.
Commissioner Forbes asks regarding a sports complex, if there are any private partners for a
complex, so as to not put all the expenses on the City. Dir. Seydell Johnsons says that there was
some talk about this a few years prior, and that Think Iowa City commissioned a feasibility study
but that that was about as far as it went. Seydell Johnson believes that it could come up again but
that it is not currently being actively pursued. Commissioner Broege asks if there are any plans
on what would be included for the sports complex. Seydell Johnsons says that there are plans.
Commissioner Morelli says that most of the work in Court Hill Park looks to be done but points
out that the old park shelter was removed leaving a field in the middle of the park and that a year
later, he would love to see the space updated and replanted. Morelli says that there are several
old trees in Court Hill Park with a tree coming down every few weeks whenever there is another
big wind. Morelli asks what the process is for the general upkeep of the trees. Parks & Forestry
Supt. Baird responds that staff have a shelter on hand to install, it just requires the time and funds
to get the shelter pad in place. Baird says that staff have spoken to the Streets department to see
if they can help with keeping the costs lower but that assistance would likely go towards the
basketball court. Baird says that he can have staff look at the seeding in the park, explaining that
the recent drought has made it a challenge to get things growing. Baird confirms that the trees in
the park are old and while the limbs can fall semi frequently, there has been nothing concerning
seen when looking at them, making it hard to know what will fall before it does. Morelli says
that there has been a big limb hanging in a tree in the park since the 2020 derecho. Tyler
responds that staff did not see the limb as a large hazard at the time of the storm, but that staff
can investigate it again.
Commissioner Serenda asks if it would be appropriate to report tree hazards like Commissioner
Morelli described that through the ICGov.org express form. Dir. Seydell Johnson says that would
work fine, or staff can be emailed directly.
Moved by Serenda, seconded by Morelli, to recommend moving forward with the 2024-
2028 Parks & Recreation CIP as presented. Motion Passed 8-0.
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REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF
Director of Parks & Recreation – Juli Seydell Johnson
Cemetery: Dir. Seydell Johnson announces that there are 30 trees to be planted in Oakland
Cemetery in partnership with the Heritage Tree Foundation. Seydell Johnson adds that the trees
will likely be planted in Spring 2024.
Recreation: Seydell Johnson announces that the Recreation Division has 9 different themed
Halloween events in October. Seydell Johnson explains that one of the newer series is Sensory
Saturdays at Robert A. Lee Rec Center, aimed at provided play spaces and opportunities to use
the pool, the gymnasium, and the craft room for people that would like to have less sensory
exposure for their kids and for themselves.
Ped Mall Playground: Seydell Johnson refers to concerns from the prior Commission meeting
about the cleaning of the Ped Mall Playground. Seydell Johnson announces that Parks staff have
tried around 6 different methods to clean and have been in contact with the playground company
several times. While not a perfect solution, Parks staff found that vinegar worked the best to
clean the statues but ends stripping the paint. Seydell Johnson concludes saying that staff will
continue to be in contact with the playground company but assures that the playground is clean.
Parks and Recreation Commission: Seydell Johnsons says that the City Council will be looking
at filling the vacant seat on the commission at the Sept 19 City Council meeting. Seydell Johnson
explains that there are 14 applications for the seat and that it is does not have to be specifically
male or female for balance.
City Park Pool Project: Seydell Johnson gives an update on the City Park Pool project, explain
that there is no agenda item as nothing has happened since the September 5 City Council
meeting. Seydell Johnson says that the City Council had a few questions after the City Park Pool
condition report from the consultants and overwhelmingly chose to go forward with replacement
of the pool. Seydell Johnsons says that staff will be meeting with the consultants next week to set
out a plan for the next phase of public input, hoping to have the large public input open house
type meeting happening at the end of October in conjunction with the Halloween Carnival at
RAL Rec Center. Seydell Johnson adds that there will be a session earlier in the day for people
to have an opportunity for input without the worry of parking in the crowd of the Halloween
Carnival.
Seydell Johnsons says that after the input sessions, the project will move into the focus group
phase, having up to 14 focus groups, all of which have not been defined yet. Seydell Johnson
explains that the focus groups will be chosen through an online form that interested individuals
can apply through. Each individual will be asked a number of questions on if they would like to
be included on certain focus groups. Seydell Johnsons says that staff plan to have a focus group
which includes people with disabilities. The online form will ask interested applicants if they
have a disability and if they would like to be included in such a focus group. Seydell Johnson
adds that individuals are not required to answer yes or no to these questions, but they would need
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to answer yes if they would like to be considered for that that particular focus group. Seydell
Johnsons says that there will be a prompt for if the individual has a swim pass or what their
primary activity in the pool is, to make focus groups dedicated to lap swimmers, aqua-
fitness/water-walkers, or other such groups. Seydell Johnson clarifies that the people who choose
the makeup of the focus groups will not see any names attached to the people on the list. They
focus groups would be made based on the answers to questions which people self-selected and
then randomly selected from those specific criteria. Seydell Johnson says that this way of making
the focus groups is influenced by the City’s goals for equity and diversity, making a quiet space
for folks like non-users and historically underserved groups to have a place to meet with
consultants and talk about their needs openly without influence from other groups. This input
gathered will be published afterwards.
Seydell Johnsons say that the after the focus group work is done, the consultants will create 3
concepts for the pool with the only known factors being, to remain with the original fence line,
no additional parking, and trees will be preserved. These designs will be based on the input from
focus groups and public input surveys, and once completed will be shown to the City Council for
a decision. Seydell Johnson clarifies that this process is not yet set in stone as staff still must
meet with the consultants to finalize the plan.
Commissioner Morelli asks if there are set in stone parameters for the focus groups yet referring
to past discussions among the commission on different groups to include. Seydell Johnsons says
that staff have suggested a list of 10 groups to the consultants that they believe would be
appropriate for the community, but that the actual groups would be decided after meeting with
the consultants. Seydell Johnson adds that the Parks and Recreation Commission is one of 14
focus groups and will be the only publicly open focus group. Seydell Johnsons says that 2 groups
will be left undecided until the makeup of the focus group applicants is looked over.
Commissioner McPherson comments appreciation at the inclusion of a staff focus group, saying
that it is important for the process.
Vice-Chair Moore appreciates that the focus groups will have privacy as some times when some
folks have trouble finding confidence when talking a in a big group or might have a legitimate
concern that is very close to them.
Dir. Seydell Johnson explains that the information on the process is not fully known yet, as the
decision to replace the pool was only made the week prior. The process had a framework but is
actually being written now. Seydell Johnson adds that the largest hurdle will be getting the word
out to take part in the focus groups and asks the Commission to spread the word.
Commissioner Stanton says that the Consultants are getting input from the focus groups but asks
if they are being privy to general emails/calls that the coming in regarding the pool. Dir. Seydell
Johnson responds that this will likely be the case between now and the actual focus groups,
adding that the consultants have seen all the information that was gathered during the rec
masterplan, including all the emails that had come into the Council and Commission.
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Commissioner Broege asks if there will be any feedback/consulting with the public after the
three proposed designs are created. Dir. Seydell Johnson says that there is one more public open
house meeting that will after the designs are shown, as well as a meeting for the Commission and
the Council each.
Commissioner Forbes asks if there was a different name established for what would be senior
citizens in the focus groups. Dir. Seydell Johnson says that Older Adults may be the title for the
age group but adds that date-of-birth will be on the online form to ensure a good mix of all ages
in the focus groups. Commissioner McPherson adds on that in the terms of diversity and equity,
she believes that senior citizens are overlooked and a marginalized group and should be at least
considered for a potential focus group.
Parks & Forestry Superintendent – Tyler Baird
Tree Planting Projects: Supt. Tyler Baird announces that the division has received a $5000
Community Forestry Grant which will go towards a planting of a variety of trees with Kiwanis
group and their affiliates groups in Hunter’s Run Park at 10 a.m. on Sept. 23, 2023. Baird
expects 47 trees to be planted in the park.
Baird talks about the CIP Tree Planting saying that it is about to kickoff for planting. Baird
details that trees will be planted near the south-east side of town, in neighbors surrounding
Whispering Meadows Wetland Park. Baird explains that the area is lacking a tree canopy
coverage. Baird notes that the infill planting project, part of the operation budget is combining
some funds to see a large stretch of trees on Friendship Street, near Court Hill Park, as well as
more all around the city based on the regular requests through the year.
Baird says that there is a smaller tree planting project in Benton Hill Park. The project will see
10 trees planted, as requested by the neighborhood. Baird explains that Dir. Seydell Johnson and
himself met with the neighborhood during Spring 2023, looking at spots could use more
vegetation and are expected to be planted later this fall.
Projects: Baird announces the playground for Happy Hollow Park has arrived and that staff are
waiting for the park’s contract order to be completed before the playground can be installed by
in-house staff. Baird is hoping for the playground to be installed later this Fall, after the
contractors complete their work.
Commissioner Broege asks which park is having the tree planting next week. Supt. Baird
answers that the tree planting will be at Hunter’s Run Park.
CHAIRS REPORT:
None
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COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Commissioner Forbes asks to review the pool counts and to have a refresher on why it started in
the first place. Dir. Seydell Johnson asks Forbes for clarification on if she is asking for an agenda
item or just a question. Forbes says that she is asking as a question. Seydell Johnson explains that
the process started about a year prior when the Recreation Masterplan had come out with some
counts in it. Seydell Johnson says that there are residents counting every day to report their
numbers and adds that the Commission had used their numbers as part of their decision-making
process for the hours in a previous meeting. Seydell Johnson says that the staff & resident
numbers do not match for a number of reasons. Some of the reasons being, city staff in the water
are not counted, swim lessons are counted separately. Seydell Johnson says that staff do not
dispute the resident numbers but are saying that they are counting differently than staff is, which
is why when a recommendation is made regarding the numbers, the Commission is provided
with both sets of numbers before a decision is made between the two. Forbes asks if there are a
lot of staff being devoted to the process. Seydell Johnson answers yes, saying that she does not
know the exact total amount of hours put towards it, but that there is a number of Recreation and
Admin staff involved, all putting hours towards the process each month. Forbes wonders if there
is a more efficient use of department staff’s time, saying that the staff have done a really good
job showing everything that they are involved in and asks if it’s an option to table the process for
a bit. Seydell Johnson responds that the City Council directed that we keep the numbers between
now and the end of the City Park Pool project.
Commissioner Stanton thanks Dir. Seydell Johnson, the City Council, and the consultants for the
presentation at the Sept 5 Council meeting. Stanton says that presentation was very interesting
and helped hm to understand the project a lot more in the context of City Park Pool.
Commissioner Morelli says that there are lots of Parks and Rec events happening and asks if it is
possible to include as part of the packet, what events are relevant to the Commission for the next
month. Dir. Seydell Johnson replies that there is a list of events in the staff report and says that
Rec staff could mark the events that could be good for the Commission to attend. Supt. Baird
says that historically, tree plantings have not been included on the staff report, but that if desired
could be included.
Commissioner Morelli says that he has noticed at the dog park a QR code to register your dog
online, as well as the option to pay for dog park admission through the city parking app. Dir.
Seydell Johnson says that the move to paying through the app came about because the cash box
at the dog park was getting broken into often.
Commissioner Morelli details having gone through City Park to count the facilities. Morelli had
noticed that the park bathrooms are locked a lot of the time and was unsure if there are certain
hours of operation. Dir. Seydell Johnson says that is a new electric lock system which is
supposed to open them in the opening and close them at night, which has been great as a staff
member used to have to drive around every morning and night to open and the close the
restrooms. An issue has risen where in certain parks, members of the public have figured out
how to lock them mid-day, or they lock them accidently when leaving. Seydell Johnson explains
that unless someone calls the department to say that the restroom has been locked mid-day, staff
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don’t know to go out and unlock it. Supt. Baird adds that staff are in the process of fixing that
problem piece, but that can cost several thousand dollars for each door to change the system to
work differently. Baird says that the department is one of the first ones anywhere to use this kind
of system for outdoor restrooms in a recreation setting, explaining that it's good to be the first but
that it can come with growing pains. Baird details another problem found, where especially
during the recent summer, excessive heat can overheat and blank the system, requiring staff to go
in and reset it. Baird adds that staff are problem solving the issue, but that it can be difficult
when the restroom structures are not heated/cooled. Seydell Johnson says that if a restroom is
vandalized, it’s not uncommon for staff to keep the restroom locked for a day until it can be
repaired/cleaned.
Commissioner Morelli leaves the meeting at 6:05 p.m.
Commissioner Serenda refers to a prior Commission meeting when City Councilor, Megan Alter
gave a presentation on the City’s Strategic Plan 2023-2028. Serenda recalls seeing the Iowa
River mentioned on a slide and investigated it, seeing that there was a bullet point under the
economy strategies about strengthening the Iowa Rivers role as a signature Community amenity
and tourism generator and is curious if that would involve Parks and Recreation and how it
would contribute to the strategic point. Dir. Seydell Johnson says that immediately following the
Strategic Plan being enacted by the Council, it was used as a guiding force for the large grant
applicant, done alongside Coralville and the County. Unfortunately, the grant was not awarded,
but it did look at several additions to the river area including multiple boat ramps, the skate park
& roller area, and Riverside Festival stage which are still being funded with the 2 boat ramps
being included in the CIP. Because these are part of the strategic plan, funding will be looked for
in other grant applications.
Commissioner McPherson says that there are lots of wonderful events for Parks and Rec and
wondering if there can be signage promoting the events in the facilities, for folks who don’t use
their computers, phones, or emails. McPherson says that consistent branding can help associate
the events with the department, recalling Prairie Lights’ Writer’s Workshop Readings which
have the layout and picture of the presenter to be instantly recognized as signage for a reading.
McPherson says that adding a bulletin board to the lobby can help bring awareness to the events
for both adults and youth. Dir. Seydell Johnson says that Michelle Wiegand of Recreation staff
works on that exactly and recommends McPherson to look over the bulletin board in the lobby at
the end of the hall. Seydell Johnson says staff would love to hear that feedback on material
moving forward.
Commissioner McPherson says that she had spoken with an African American person who was a
swimmer, asking if he had been using the RAL Rec Center Pool. This person had said he won’t
use it on general principle because they demand an ID Card and back in the day this was not a
requirement. He felt that it felt it was un-community like to have to present an ID card to get into
the Parks and Rec just as a public library does not require an ID to enter the library but only to
check out material. He said that as a child during swim-meets he would see homeless people
taking showers and now as an adult sees that as a good thing. McPherson says that as a public
place, anyone should be able to at least enter, but questions if this is due to security. Dir. Seydell
Johnson explains the while a person would have to register to receive a Facility Pass used for
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entrance, there is not fee attached with obtaining a Facility Pass. Seydell Johnson says that is part
of the overall security and safety of the facility, knowing who is in the building, and if there is a
safety need, staff can know how many people are present in the building. Seydell Johnson adds
that when there are patron issues, from minor-to-major, it is very useful to have the names and
pictures of patrons. Seydell Johnson explains that this process was in place as long as she has
been working for the department, so she is not exactly sure of what originally prompted/started
the process. McPherson says that this person said he was demanded to present two forms of ID
and asks if this is not the case anymore. Admin Coordinator Gotera says that he had been
working for Recreation customer service since at least early 2019 so while the process may have
been different at some point earlier, he can give input for recent years. Gotera says that he can
only think of staff asking for an ID to ensure that information like someone’s name is entered
accurately, but by no means is an ID required to be registered. McPherson asks if a home address
is required for registry. Gotera explains that a home address is required to complete the
registration process to get a Facility Pass, but proof of an address (i.e., Driver’s License, Utility
Bill, Official Mail) is not required whatsoever. Gotera adds that patrons who are unhoused are
allowed to use the shelter house as a stand-in address and that many unhoused individuals use the
facility everyday whether to take a shower, use the gymnasium/fitness room, or just sit in the
lobby.
Commissioner Broege says that he participates in a soccer club in the community, which
commonly use the University of Iowa soccer fields through reservation but that to his
understanding, the Kicker’s field is generally for private use for the Kicker’s group. Broege
understands that there is field maintenance so it might not be ideal for having lots of people
tearing up the field but is curious if there is any kind of park or land that could be allotted
towards a public space that be used for soccer that is not controlled by the University of Iowa or
controlled mainly by Iowa City Kickers. Dir. Seydell Johnson clarifies that the Kicker’s field is
not controlled by Iowa City Kickers but that it is used a lot by the partner group. Seydell
Johnson says that the Kicker’s field is available for private rental but that is it just not available
very often between Iowa City Kickers and other rentals. Seydell Johnson adds that there are large
groups that play in Wetherby Park, while not an official field, has soccer poles up. Seydell
Johnson says that there are many who play in the open field at Happy Hollow Park for pickup
games, it is can not be officially reserved. Supt. Baird adds that there are permeant goals with no
nets up at Fair Meadows Park that can be used informally for pickup games.
Vice-Chair Moore asks about the Riverside Crossing Park Stage and asks if it’s a space that
bands can use. Dir. Seydell Johnson confirms that that was the plan, and that there was a kickoff
event when the park opened, included a large concert. Unfortunately, the concert got rained out
and was soon followed COVID-19, causing the marketing for the venue space to not be as
successful as desired. Seydell Johnsons confirms that there have been some initial talks with the
Summer of the Arts for using the space as a concert venue in years to come. Seydell Johnson
adds the factor that with the trees in the park still young, there is little shade.
Vice-Chair Moore says in regard to the City Park Pool Focus Groups, that there has been many
voices heard from those who use the pool but wants to ensure that voices are heard from those
that don’t use the pool due to barriers, such as caretakers of those with disabilities and it’s not
accessible, or parents of small children who are too busy to get out to the pool or the focus
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
September 13, 2023
Page 11 of 12
groups. Dir. Seydell Johnson says that staff are looking to have a focus group for caretakers and
to provide child-care for the focus groups, to remove as many barriers as possible for giving
input. Chair Hachtman asks when further details be known regarding the City Park Pool project.
Dir. Seydell Johnson responds that still will be meeting with the consultants next week to have
future dates nailed down. Hachtman asks if it is possible for the commission to be told when that
information is decided. Seydell Johnson says that can be arranged.
ADJOURNMENT:
Chairman Hachtman calls the meeting to adjourn at 6:19 p.m.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
September 13, 2023
Page 12 of 12
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 during this meeting
NAME
TERM
EXPIRES
10
/
1
2
/
2
2
11
/
0
9
/
2
2
12
/
1
4
/
2
2
01
/
1
1
/
2
3
02
/
0
8
/
2
3
03
/
0
8
/
2
3
04
/
1
2
/
2
3
05
/
1
0
/
2
3
06
/
1
4
/
2
3
07
/
1
2
/
2
3
08
/
0
9
/
2
0
2
3
09
/
1
3
/
2
0
2
3
Aaron
Broege
12/31/24 * * * * * * * X NM X X X
Missie
Forbes
12/31/25 X X NM X O/E LQ X X NM O/E X X
Alex
Hachtman
12/31/24 X X NM X X LQ X X NM X X X
Rachel
McPherson
12/31/26 * * * X X LQ X X NM X X X
Doloris
Mixon
12/31/26 * * * X X LQ X X NM * * X
Connie
Moore
12/31/25 X X NM X X LQ X X NM O/E X X
Brian
Morelli
12/31/25 X X NM X X LQ X X NM X X X
Melissa
Serenda
12/31/23 X X NM X X LQ X X NM X X X
Alex
Stanton
12/31/23 * * * * * * * * * * X X
220 S. Gilbert Street • Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1632 • 319-356-5100
Date: November 3, 2023
To: Parks and Recreation Commission, City of Iowa City
From: Juli Seydell Johnson, Director of Parks and Recreation
Brad Barker, Recreation Superintendent
RE: Recreation Division Proposed Use of Ned Ashton House
The Recreation Division is proposing using the Ned Ashton House as a site for recreation programs. A
successful test of this use has been to use the facility for a children’s summer camp program for the last
two summers.
Background
The Ned Ashton House has served the Iowa City community as an event venue rental location since
2013. While the facility and premises serve as a beautiful location for events, the site has never gained
the popularity initially anticipated. Potential renters tend to prefer the more spacious Terry Trueblood
Recreation Area Lodge (TTRA). Due to the layout of the Ned Ashton House, larger gatherings require use
of both levels, thereby dividing up attendees. The AvaCentre serves as the City’s contracted event
manager for both venues. The event management contract is up for rebid in 2024. Due to the timing,
this may be the most ideal time to assess current use of the Ashton House and explore alternative
options for community access.
Staff believes that the benefits of transitioning the space from rentals to programming would have a
greater benefit the community. After transitioning the focus of our adaptive programming from
competitive sports to more traditional recreation programming, attendance has increased
approximately 20% in this program area. Additionally, Iowa City is the only community in the
surrounding area that is consistently providing disability-specific recreation opportunities. Considering
the operational expense for rentals, repurposing this space could have financial benefits as well. Thank
you for considering this information and overall benefit to the community that this change could have.
2022 Iowa City Recreation Facilities and Programs Master Plan
The plan recommends the consideration of decentralized indoor space through satellite recreation sites
in order to meet the programming and social gathering needs of the community. Other
recommendations include the creation of additional wellness and fitness programming spaces and
dedicated inclusive and adaptive program space.
Ashton House provides an opportunity to host significantly more traffic throughout the year through the
phasing out of rental services in lieu of becoming a consistent recreation programming location.
Concurrent to rentals this fiscal year, the recreation division will be experimenting with various program
options at the site over the next two program seasons. The majority of these will be in our adaptive and
inclusive program area. There is strong potential for Ashton House to serve as the department’s
dedicated adaptive program space moving forward.
220 S. Gilbert Street • Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1632 • 319-356-5100
Facility Use
Revenue from Ashton House rentals has consistently fallen short of operational expenses. The following
details rental revenue for the Ashton House, including AvaCentre’s prorated contract expense and
number of rentals over the last several fiscal years. Overhead costs are not factored in since the City
would incur many of these expenses regardless of what the facility was being used for.
FY23 July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023
▪ Revenue from rentals: $11,397 ▪ Contracted expense: $22,281
▪ Number of external rentals: 28 ▪ Number of internal rentals: 1
FY22 July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2022
▪ Revenue from rentals: $13,015 ▪ Contracted expense: $19,724
▪ Number of external rentals: 31 ▪ Number of internal rentals: 0
FY21 July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021
Covid closed facility for majority of this period
FY20 July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2020
▪ Revenue from rentals: $5,524 ▪ Contracted expense: $14,240
▪ Number of external rentals: 10 ▪ Number of internal rentals: 5
FY19 July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2019
▪ Revenue from rentals: $13,605 ▪ Contracted expense: $21,440
▪ Number of external rentals: 32 ▪ Number of internal rentals: 9
FY18 July 1, 2017, through June 30, 2018
▪ Revenue from rentals: $15,231 ▪ Contracted expense: $18,874
▪ Number of external rentals: 32 ▪ Number of internal rentals: 8
The division’s program enrollments have been steadily increasing since return from Covid. The
recreation centers are full in the evenings. Since it is not the intention to create a space that segregates
the disability community, not all adaptive programs would move from their current locations. However,
the majority of programs would be relocated since they would benefit from the space and/or overall
location. The department would focus on migrating programs that do not require specialty spaces, such
as a gym or pottery studio.
Transitioning the Space
The vision for transitioning the Ashton House space would include the following:
▪ The upper level of the facility would be the primary programming location.
▪ The main room would serve as a multipurpose space for programming and a gathering area for
people with disabilities to interact with their peers and form a sense of community.
▪ The kitchen is modern, more accessible and has newer appliances compared to the Robert A.
Lee Recreation Center. Cooking is a life skills program and has been a popular program area for
both youth and adults with disabilities. Over time, minor updates may be needed to the kitchen
to increase accessibility and wider use.
▪ One of the rooms could be converted into a sensory room, which would be a unique amenity
to the community. This space would cater to both children and adults and provide a sensory
experience that is very therapeutic. A sensory room is built to calm and stimulate the sensory
system for anyone, but neurodivergent individuals experience the most benefit. This space
220 S. Gilbert Street • Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1632 • 319-356-5100
would be used for programming and serve as a calming location for neurodivergent individuals
in crisis while at program.
▪ The second room could be transitioned into an office space to allow a current fulltime
employee to oversee the facility operations and programs. A staff member onsite also allows for
more unprogrammed drop-in use from the community for socialization.
▪ Drop-in opportunities could be offered during select hours and would likely be attractive to the
local adult day habilitation programs. These organizations include the ARC, Mayor’s Youth,
Reach for Your Potential and System Unlimited.
▪ Ample outdoor spaces could be used to provide environmental and gardening programs, both
of which provide highly therapeutic experiences for individuals with disabilities. Horticulture
programs teach about nutrition and food choices, a topic that meets the goals of many
individuals with this program area.
The goal in transitioning the space would be to start small without renovations. The initial introduction
of adaptive programs to the space can be made with minimal adjustments.
Day Date 6-7a 7-8a 8-9a 9-10a 10-11a 11-12p 12-1p 1-2p 2-3p 3-4p 4-5p 5-6 p 6-7p 7-8p Daily Rec Totals Water Fitness Swim Lessons Event # Count Event Name
Sunday 1-Oct 0 61 15 $2 Swim
Monday 2-Oct 8 2 4 3 7 6 10 40 27 83
Tuesday 3-Oct 6 9 4 3 3 8 3 36 84
Wednesday 4-Oct 7 3 5 4 6 12 5 42 15 83
Thursday 5-Oct 5 3 7 5 3 5 1 29 81
Friday 6-Oct 8 5 2 6 8 5 1 35 6 0 $2 Swim
Saturday 7-Oct 6 2 6 1 5 3 4 0 1 28 8
Sunday 8-Oct 0 68 31 $2 Swim
Monday 9-Oct 6 3 3 3 8 11 3 37 21 79
Tuesday 10-Oct 4 3 6 2 8 7 2 32 76
Wednesday 11-Oct 7 7 6 7 9 12 3 51 17 75
Thursday 12-Oct 4 1 4 3 6 6 4 28 64
Friday 13-Oct 4 4 0 0 12 7 7 34 7 5 $2 Swim
Saturday 14-Oct 3 0 2 1 6 3 1 3 1 20 6
Sunday 15-Oct 0 48 33 $2 Swim
Monday 16-Oct 8 4 4 3 7 6 2 34 24 48
Tuesday 17-Oct 4 1 5 3 6 12 5 36 73
Wednesday 18-Oct 6 2 2 2 10 10 2 34 18 57
Thursday 19-Oct 3 1 7 6 7 8 2 34 51
Friday 20-Oct 5 7 3 3 5 7 3 33 7 1 $2 Swim
Saturday 21-Oct 4 3 3 1 1 0 2 0 0 14 3 46 Floating Pumpkin Patch
Sunday 22-Oct 0 26 $2 Swim
Monday 23-Oct 6 3 4 5 8 10 4 40 11
Tuesday 24-Oct 4 3 8 5 3 8 2 33
Wednesday 25-Oct 5 6 3 4 3 18 4 43 14
Thursday 26-Oct 4 9 3 4 6 8 5 39
Friday 27-Oct 6 6 2 1 9 3 4 31 8 Evening Closed for Halloween Carnival
Saturday 28-Oct 8 2 8 4 8 6 9 1 0 46 2
Sunday 29-Oct 0 6 $2 Swim
Monday 30-Oct 10 2 2 2 10 12 4 42 16
Tuesday 31-Oct 5 5 6 5 8 8 3 40
Grand Total
880 911 210 1031 163 2315
29.4 6.8 33.3 5.3 74.7
margin line
Robert A Lee Recreation Center - Indoor Swimming Pool Totals - October 2023
Averages:
Totals:Total Scans:
Day Date 6-7a 7-8a 8-9a 9-10a 10-11a 11-12p 12-1p 1-2p 2-3p 3-4p 4-5p 5-6 p 6-7p 7-8p Daily Rec Totals Water Fitness Swim Team Event # Count Event Name
Sunday 1-Oct 12 4 17 15 12 10 13 9 2 94
Monday 2-Oct 5 8 9 9 11 11 16 5 5 4 11 8 7 4 113 7 106
Tuesday 3-Oct 0 14 7 1 9 4 6 3 8 4 6 4 66 18 106 22 $2 Swim
Wednesday 4-Oct 4 9 9 13 6 6 3 11 9 10 8 10 12 9 119 106
Thursday 5-Oct 6 3 10 9 7 6 4 4 1 8 3 1 62 23 106 19 $2 Swim
Friday 6-Oct 6 14 6 14 8 4 7 6 3 3 5 1 1 4 82 106
Saturday 7-Oct 1 3 0 7 6 6 1 5 2 0 4 5 7 0 47
Sunday 8-Oct 12 6 8 9 4 6 19 15 2 81
Monday 9-Oct 6 10 15 11 12 8 8 5 9 1 9 3 2 0 99 7 106
Tuesday 10-Oct 3 9 6 5 8 6 3 2 4 5 8 5 64 17 106 16 $2 Swim
Wednesday 11-Oct 7 5 0 0 3 4 3 9 7 3 7 7 4 2 61 106 Facility Closed for Maintenace
Thursday 12-Oct 6 4 11 5 7 7 1 11 5 7 9 3 76 18 106 12 $2 Swim
Friday 13-Oct 6 10 7 13 9 6 5 8 5 5 6 4 2 0 86 106
Saturday 14-Oct 1 1 8 2 2 6 7 14 4 10 5 0 8 4 72
Sunday 15-Oct 19 6 7 4 3 2 5 3 2 51
Monday 16-Oct 3 10 7 12 12 2 6 16 10 7 11 1 0 0 97 6 106
Tuesday 17-Oct 7 7 14 4 5 1 3 3 2 7 7 2 62 13 106 9 $2 Swim
Wednesday 18-Oct 3 7 11 11 6 7 1 4 8 9 5 7 3 3 85 106
Thursday 19-Oct 4 4 8 5 2 6 1 5 6 5 3 0 49 18 106 13 $2 Swim
Friday 20-Oct 0 7 5 15 5 6 7 7 7 2 1 3 3 1 69 106
Saturday 21-Oct 1 5 9 6 6 6 8 2 5 8 4 3 4 0 67
Sunday 22-Oct 11 3 6 9 3 7 11 5 0 55
Monday 23-Oct 6 8 7 7 11 7 4 13 7 5 0 3 0 0 78 7 106
Tuesday 24-Oct 3 9 9 4 6 4 6 3 3 4 3 1 55 12 106 18 $2 Swim
Wednesday 25-Oct 6 9 9 9 7 10 16 7 7 6 3 4 12 5 110 106
Thursday 26-Oct 4 3 12 3 9 4 5 4 2 4 7 1 58 18 106 19 $2 Swim
Friday 27-Oct 6 11 15 8 14 12 6 7 6 3 13 1 3 3 108 106
Saturday 28-Oct 2 2 1 1 6 106 Swim Meet
Sunday 29-Oct 14 8 14 15 5 10 6 3 1 76
Monday 30-Oct 6 10 10 9 18 7 8 8 6 4 6 8 4 1 105 5 106
Tuesday 31-Oct 4 9 7 4 14 5 5 3 1 1 4 1 58 106 23 $2 Swim
Grand Total
2045 2311 169 2438 151 5069
74.5 5.5 78.6 4.9 163.5
1139
ICE = 106 (includes masters)36.7
Mercer Park Aquatic Center - Indoor Swimming Pool Totals - October 2023
Totals:
Averages:
Total using Robert A. Lee Pool Open Hours
Average using Robert A. Lee Pool Open Hours
Total Scans:
Community Foundation of Johnson County
City of Iowa City Parks and Recreation Accounts
Iowa City Parks and Rec Charitable Giving Fund
Statement Activity
Iowa City Parks and Rec Charitable Giving Fund
September 01, 2023 - Septeber 30, 2023
Beginning Balance:$41,766.55
Total Fund Income:$0.00
Total Fund Expenses:$0.00
Ending Balance:$41,766.55
Statement Activity
Ending Balance:$185,694.89
September 01, 2023 - Septeber 30, 2023
Beginning Balance:$193,321.60
Total Fund Income:($7,579.77)
Total Fund Expenses:$46.94
1 Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet | City of Iowa City
Iowa City Parks & Recreation Commission Packet
November 2023
Upcoming Events
• Holiday Market; November 11, December 16; 8 am – Noon, RAL
• Open Skate (series)– Saturdays; 3-5 pm (Beginner level), 5:30-7:30 pm (all ages and abilities); RAL
• Sensory Saturdays (series) – Saturdays; various afternoon times; Robert A. Lee Recreation Center
Notable from Parks & Recreation Staff
Parks:
• Tree planting planning is underway for next year utilizing CIP, operating, and Heritage Tree funding
sources.
• Staff continue watering newly planted trees, so they go into winter happy and healthy.
• Construction on the Happy Hollow, Kiwanis, and North Hickory Hill continues and is nearing completion
for most items.
• We have received a REAP grant of $200,000.00 for improvements to the landscape at the Ashton House
and are working in partnership with Project Green on the project.
• Fall final mowing, aerating, and grass seeding is mostly complete.
• All water/restrooms in the parks have been winterized.
• The LED lighting upgrade at Mercer Park field #1 is underway.
• Pickleball and tennis court replacements have begun at Mercer and City Parks. This project will continue
through early summer.
• Planning for the skate park replacement and pump track addition has begun.
• Parks/Forestry staff have been assisting Streets daily to help with the leaf vacuuming program.
Recreation:
• Division held several larger events in October that were well-attended and well-received by the public.
These events included the Get Outside! Outdoor Recreation Festival, Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration,
and the Halloween Carnival. The division also held a number of Halloween-themed events.
• Staff have been working on preparation of the FY25 budget and next season’s activity guide.
Facilities:
• Interview process started the week of October 23rd for the open Facility Manager position.
2 Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet | City of Iowa City
• Staff met on site at Mercer to discuss the final close out items for the Mercer ADA pavement and exterior
lighting project.
Cemetery:
• All water hydrants have been shut down at the cemetery.
• Staff will concentrate on trimming Oak trees once we get some hard freezing.
Top Staff Issues
Parks
• Drought continues to be the biggest issue.
Recreation
• Division staff will be assisting in various capacities to assist with full-time vacancies until filled.
Facilities
• Aquatics Maintenance staff finished up winterizing the outdoor pool systems this past month.
• HVAC maintenance continues to work on transitioning building systems into winter mode as the
temperatures become more stable. PM work has been done for City Hall, Mercer, and RALRC.
Cemetery:
• Staff is busy mulching/collecting leaves.
3 Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet | City of Iowa City
Oakland
Cemetery
FY 24 Revenue Report
** shaded areas represent previous 5yr average
Revenue from Lot Sales Lot Sale 5yr
Average
# of
Interments
Interments
5yr avg.
Revenue
from
Interments
5-year Avg.
on
Interments
Total
Revenue
5yr Avg. on
total
revenue
July $6,750.00 $4,550.00 3 6.6 $2,642.50 $3,504.00 $9,392.50 $8,054.00
August $7,875.00 $7,039.00 7 7.0 $2,672.50 $4,321.50 $10,547.50 $11,360.50
Sept $7,860.00 $7,624.25 7 7.8 $3,085.00 $4,741.25 $10,945.00 $12,365.50
Oct $6,750.00 $11,157.00 9 7.0 $4,410.00 $3,899.50 $11,160.00 $15,056.50
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
March
April
May
June
Totals $29,253.00 $30,370.25 26 28.4 $12,810.00 $16,466.25 $42,045.00 $46,836.50