HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-13-2023 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, December 11, 2023, will be distributed to the Commission in advance of the meeting.
AGENDA
ITEM 1 CALL TO ORDER
ITEM 2 APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 08, 2023, MINUTES
ITEM 3 PUBLIC COMMENT ON ANY ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
ITEM 4 INTRODUCTION OF NEW STAFF – Parks and Rec Director Juli Seydell Johnson
ITEM 5 USER FEES AND CHARGES – Recreation Superintendent Brad Barker
ITEM 6 BICYCLE MASTERPLAN & TRAILS UPDATE – MPOJC Director Kent Ralston
ITEM 7 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 8 CHAIRS REPORT
ITEM 9 COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
ITEM 10 ADJOURN
Iowa City
Parks and Recreation Commission
Wednesday, December 13, 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 NOVEMBER 8, 2023
ROBERT A. LEE RECREATION CENTER – MEETING ROOM B
Members Present: Rachel McPherson, Aaron Broege, Connie Moore, Alex Hachtman,
Melissa Serenda, Caleb Recker,
Members Absent: Alex Stanton, Missie Forbes, Brian Morelli
Staff Present: Juli Seydell Johnson, Tyler Baird, Brad Barker, Gabe Gotera
Others Present: Cindy Parsons, Pat Yeggy, Jill Fishbaugh, Justin Fishbaugh, Mitzi Read,
Diane Allen, Larry Allen, Dhyana Kaufman, Linda Schreiber
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 McPherson, seconded by Broege, to recommend keeping the RALRC Pool hours
as is for the Winter/Spring. Motion Passed 6-0 (Forbes, Morelli, Stanton absent).
Moved by Moore, seconded by Serenda, to recommend changing the use of the Ned Ashton
House for Parks and Recreation programming as long as the work and facilities of Project
Green are not affected. Motion Passed 6-0 (Forbes, Morelli, Stanton absent).
OTHER FORMAL ACTION:
Moved by Broege, seconded by Serenda, to approve the September 13, 2023, minutes.
Motion passed 6-0 (Forbes, Morelli, Stanton absent).
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
None
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SPRING RALRC DAYTIME POOL HOURS – Recreation Superintendent Brad Barker
Supt. Barker discusses the Winter/Spring hours for the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center (RAL)
Pool. Barker gives context, explaining that attendance numbers have been tracked for over a year
now and that recently, at the recommendation of the Commission, RAL Pool hours were
extended for the Fall season. Barker goes over the attendance numbers explaining that due to the
entryway project at Mercer Park Aquatic Center (MPAC), the entire MPAC facility was closed
September 1 through September 15, making the RAL Pool attendance during this time frame
non-reflective of normal attendance. Barker looked at pool attendance from 6:15a.m – 1 p.m.
from September 16 through the end of October and found that compared to previous numbers
there was an increase in 6-7 people per day using the RAL Pool after the addition of two more
open-swim hours. Barker says that the staff recommendation is to maintain the RAL Pool hours
of 6:15 a.m. – 1 p.m. Monday – Friday for the Winter/Spring season. Barker adds that staff and
the commission would revisit the topic in the summer to prepare for the Fall season.
Commissioner McPherson refers to the RAL Pool numbers from September 1 – 15 that were not
reflective and asks staff if these numbers were tracked. Dir. Seydell Johnson says that the
September numbers were in the October 27 Commission agenda packet. Supt. Barker replies that
there were some days with 50-60 people in addition to the Water Fitness classes, which is about
double what is typically seen during that timeframe. Barker says that these numbers can be
explained as swimmers from MPAC pool coming over during the closure. Commissioner
Serenda asks if this response has made any consideration for expanding RAL pool hours further
into the afternoon. Barker responds that there is not current consideration for expanding hours
into the afternoon.
Barker announces that Aquatics Program Supervisor Kate Connell has recently left her position
vacant. Barker says that staff are working on filling the position but that this was also a factor
into not adjusting the hours at the current moment.
Moved by McPherson, seconded by Broege, to recommend keeping the RALRC Pool hours
as is for the Winter/Spring. Motion Passed 6-0 (Forbes, Morelli, Stanton absent).
ASHTON HOUSE REAP GRANT – Parks & Forestry Superintendent Tyler Baird
Supt. Baird announces that the department has received a REAP Grant worth $200,000 for
improving the grounds at the Ned Ashton House. Baird says that this was worked for in
coordination with Project GREEN. Baird says that staff are finishing up using REAP grants from
previous years towards things like natural resources and woodland restoration.
Supt. Baird explains that the Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) grant is a program
through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The state legislature designates a certain
amount of funds each year up to 20 million, which is split between cities with a different range
of amounts applied for based the size of the city. For a community the size of Iowa City,
$200,000 is the maximum amount of funding granted.
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Supt. Baird details the improvements for grounds at the Ned Ashton House
• Trail Amenities on a portion of the Iowa River Trail
• Bike Repair Station
• Bike Racks
• Drinking Fountain
• Increased Irrigation Access
• Entry Enhancement off Normandy Drive
• Soft Surface Trails
• Fire Pit/Grill
• Bird Blind Area
• ADA Paths to the house
• Ballard Lighting
Dir. Seydell Johnson takes the opportunity to acknowledged Project GREEN, who is attending
the meeting. Seydell Johnson says that Project GREEN came to the department with the idea for
the project and was the powerhouse behind the entire process, for which the department is very
thankful. Supt Baird says that the coordination with Project GREEN really strengthened the grant
proposal, as Public Involvement and Engagement is a category for scoring.
Supt. Baird says that there is no recommendation to make and that this item was for updating the
commission.
PROPOSED CHANGES TO ASHTON HOUSE USE – Supt. Brad Barker
Dir. Seydell Johnson says that staff are looking for a recommendation from the Commission to
possibly change the use of the Ashton House as Supt. Barker will discuss or to keep the use of
the Ashton House as is. Seydell Johnson publicly apologizes to Project GREEN for a lack of
communication between the department and Project GREEN when these changes were first
being considered. Seydell Johnson explains to the Commission that Project GREEN maintains
all the grounds around the Ashton House through thousands of hours of volunteer service.
Project Green uses the garage of the building, meet in the Ashton House, and uses some storage
in between the two areas. Seydell Johnson clarifies that their use of the facilities will not be
affected by the proposed changes.
Supt. Barker provides context on the use of the Ned Ashton House. The department has an event
management contract with the Avacentre, a firm that handles the booking and management of
events utilizing the Ashton House and the Terry Trueblood Lodge. Barker says that the idea
behind the Ashton House since 2013 was that it would be used for weddings, social gatherings,
and other functions of that nature. Barker states that the department has done a lot of marketing
over the last 10 years to generate interest in the Ashton House, such as advertising in The
Gazette’s Wedding Guide every year. Barker says that in the last year, the Ashton House has
seen 28 bookings generating around $11,000 in revenue. In contrast, the Terry Trueblood Lodge
generated $102,000 in revenue. Barker states that the contracted management cost for the Terry
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November 09, 2023
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Trueblood Lodge is about half of the revenue generated, while the contracted management cost
for the Ashton House is about double the revenue generated.
Supt. Barker talks about the Adaptive and Inclusive Recreation (AIR) & Outreach Supervisor,
Malory Smysor. Barker says that Smysor has grown AIR programming over the past year,
expanding from a focus on adult programming and Special Olympics to instead offering a wide
variety of different program types such as life skills, social programs, dances, and youth
programming. Barker explains that with so many programs there are a lot of needs for space,
while the Robert A. Lee Rec Center is full during the evenings and weekends. Barker proposes
the transition of the Ashton House from an event rental facility into more of an AIR
programming hub that would house a lot of different programs. Barker explains that the
accessible main level would be used for programming while the garage would continue being
used for storage by Project GREEN. Barker lists other features such as the good quality kitchen
with up-to-date food prep equipment that can be used for the life skills programs, the gathering
space that can be used for drop-in hang outs, and an office space for the AIR Program Supervisor
to use as a hub for staffing. Barker closes, saying that when looking at the growth in AIR
programming, far more people could utilize the space and enjoy the grounds and facility than the
amount of people that are utilizing the event rentals.
Dir. Seydell Johnson clarifies that there would not be any major renovations inside the building
and that the first year would act as a trial period before any facility changes would be made.
Seydell Johnson explained that any prospective changes would be limited in nature due to the
historic part of the building. Seydell Johnson says that the one renovation that would be done is
to add a door/barrier at the top of a steep set of stairs. Seydell Johnson adds that while parking is
a concern, a lot of the program participants are coming from group homes in buses or vans.
Supt. Barker explains that the space has been used in the past by Recreation programs such as the
annual Summer Camp, some AIR programs, and the yoga program. In particular, the yoga
instructor and participants found the space to be much more relaxing and quieter than the rec
centers. Barker adds that when programs and events are moved to the Ashton House, there could
be more availability/space for community use at the rec centers.
Dir. Seydell Johnson bring up the questions, “Couldn’t the Ashton house still have rentals while
also using it for a program space”. Seydell Johnson answers that staff do not find that option
feasible, and once programming moves over, it will completely take over the main level.
Commissioner McPherson asks if the projected revenue loss would be $22,000. Supt. Barker
explains that the current revenue loss is $11,000 after considering the $11,000 revenue
generated. Dir. Seydell Johnson clarifies that if the Ashton House is used for programming, the
department would not be paying the $22,000 event management cost from the Avacentre. Barker
adds that the City has a 5-year contract with the Avacentre that is up for rebid in July of 2024,
making it a good time for restructuring what the contract looks like.
Commissioner Broege asks if wedding photos in the garden were ever looped into the wedding
rentals. Supt. Barker responds that any wedding photos would have been subcontracted as photos
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
November 09, 2023
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are not a service provided by the Avacentre. Dir. Seydell Johnson replies that wedding photos
could still be allowed to happen as outside use won’t be changing.
Cindy Parsons, Co-President of Project GREEN, is appreciative of the acknowledgement
received and voices excitement for the REAP grant but says that it can feel like the nobody
knows about the group. Parsons gives a short history on Project GREEN which was founded in
1968 and has had a 55-year partnership with the City to beautify and improve the grounds of
City property and some school properties. In those 55 years, Project GREEN has raised and
spent over $2.2 million in public improvements. So far in 2023, Project GREEN has had 957
hours of volunteer hours just at the Ashton House and at a conservative $30/hr for skilled
gardeners, have totaled $28,000 in donated labor. During 2022, over $14,000 was spent on
planting and maintenance but Parsons believe it to be evener high for 2023 due to the recent
droughts. Parsons says that Project GREEN would prefer for the Ashton House to remain public
use due to the hard work from volunteers to make it a sort of botanical garden public destination.
Parsons says that after meeting with Dir. Seydell Johnson and Supt. Barker, she understands the
reasons for the proposed change but wants to make sure that three points are made on record.
Project GREEN will require the continued use of the garage, some inside storage for documents,
and the occasional use of the house for events. Parsons says that she would love for the
Commission to see the gardens come next summer.
Diane Allen, Co-President of Project GREEN, says that Ashton House has turned into a kind of
secret garden and invites the commission to visit the beautiful place they’ve create. Allen
describes starting work at the Ashton House in 2013 with chainsaws compared to today where
they work with small spades. Allen says that in 2023, Project GREEN used an auger for the first
time to dig holes for planting 31 boxwoods around the parking lot. Allen thanks Supt. Baird for
always helping and taking her calls. Allen says that the Community is very fortunate to have
Project GREEN, explaining how when Parsons and herself talk to numerous communities across
the state, it is common to hear comments about wanting a Project GREEN in their community.
Allen says that she would love for the Commission to learn more about Project GREEN,
explaining how the work on College Green Park was the first project with many more since then.
Allen informs the Commission that there is a newsletter regularly released with information on
their work and that old reports can be found filed on the Project GREEN website. Commissioner
McPherson says that it is an honor to meet anyone who has worked on College Green Park.
Larry Allen says that the 957 hours of volunteer labor is an underestimate as Diane Allen spends
about 30 hours a week for Project GREEN. Allen points out that when comparing the Ashton
House with the Terry Trueblood Park Lodge, Project GREEN had given $75,000 for the Terry
Trueblood Park Lodge, and that if that money had been transferred to the Ashton House instead,
perhaps the difference in management cost would not be so discrepant. Allen says that more
exposure would be good for the Ashton House and could come from having the gardens
recognized by the Botanical Society, which would create a nationwide draw and bring in money
into the local area. Allen says if an allotment of money/support could go towards that
recognition, then it could benefit the entire surrounding area. Allan says that another route
would be having an orchestra, either from the City or from the University to preform on the
grounds and bring in a large crowd, bringing forth donations for the upkeep and care of the
space. Allen thanks the department for their acknowledgement of Project GREEN.
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November 09, 2023
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Dhyana Kaufman introduces herself as a relatively new member of Project GREEN. Kaufman
says that she fell in love with the volunteers and the gardens. Kaufman reiterates Larry Allen’s
thoughts that the gardens have the potential to become known in Johnson County as the local
public botanical gardens. Kaufman states that the work the volunteers have completed with no
budget and hard labor is amazing. Kaufman says that the City should give money for plants and
mulch, which would allow volunteers to complete the beds that they work on. Kaufman says that
she understands that there is a budget process but asks for it to be considered how can the
department support the effort with money. Kaufman says that the Ashton House could act as a
headquarters for the Botanical Society which could generate revenue, citing the Ryman Gardens
of Ames.
Linda Schreiber introduces herself as being with Project GREEN long enough to know founder,
Nancy Seiberling who regularly spoke to City staff and the City Council. Schreiber explains how
Seiberling had conceived many things that Project GREEN had worked on, specifically the
garden forms that are given out every winter for decades. Schreiber describes the program as
serving not only local gardeners but master gardeners as well. Schreiber details how prior to the
pandemic, Project Green had started Open Gardens Weekend, a free event for the area that was
hoped to eventually become a tourism event that attracted folks from around the country.
Schreiber says that she hopes the commission will consider making some of the garden space
accessible to those with adaptive needs.
Chairman Hachtman voices appreciation for Project GREEN and their work and dedication to
make the community beautiful. Hachtman describes the recommendation as, to change the use of
the Ashton House from event rentals to Recreation program use. Dir. Seydell Johnson clarifies
that the house is still public use and that there would not be any programming on the grounds
unless it is in partnership with Project GREEN. Hachtman adds to the recommendation that
Project GREEN will have continued use of some spaces for storage needs and the garage.
Commissioner Serenda asks for confirmation that the City does not provide support, financial or
otherwise beyond the space, the REAP grant, and that of similar nature. Supt. Baird responds
that staff provides mulch as needed, disposes yard waste after Project GREEN work events, and
have put thousands of dollars of tree removals in the last several years. Baird explains that staff
does do work on the grounds, but that the purchase and labored upkeep of the annuals are from
Project GREEN. Baird notes that if Project GREEN did not take care of the annuals, there would
not be the budgetary means to do so. Baird adds that staff do contract a mower service for the
Ashton House grounds that costs thousands for a season.
Commissioner Serenda says that she is intrigued by the prospect of a botanical garden and feels
that there is something sorely lacking in the area, asking if this has ever been something
considered. Dir Seydell Johnson responds that she is not sure what that would entail beyond what
it already there but that the topic can be discussed in the future. Seydell Johnson says the
proposed change to the use of the house would not impact a possible botanical garden. Seydell
Johnson clarifies that this change would only be for about a year to see if the programming
would work and if it brings more foot traffic than there is currently.
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Vice-Chairman Moore says that she is familiar with the area and finds it amazing. Moore
continues that she believes that if the city takes it over, it will expand the use the area by bringing
in more people through programming as opposed to a rental venue.
Commissioner Serenda asks if it is possible to schedule a time for the Commission to tour the
Ashton House. Dir. Seydell Johnson says that this is certainly possible and that there have been
commission meetings at the Ashton House in the past.
Vice-Chairman Moore voices that she would make the motion to recommend the proposed
changes as long as the work and facilities of Project Greene are not affected.
Moved by Moore, seconded by Serenda, to recommend changing the use of the Ned Ashton
House for Parks and Recreation programming as long as the work and facilities of Project
Green are not affected. Motion Passed 6-0 (Forbes, Morelli, Stanton absent).
CIP BUDGET UPDATE – Parks and Recreation Director Juli Seydell Johnson
Dir Seydell Johnson presents the attached PowerPoint on updates to the CIP Budget plan.
Commissioner Serenda asks if the Trail and Parking Lot Re-builds are resurfacing existing things
or if these are new lots/trails. Dir. Seydell Johnson responds that that the parking lots and trails
would not be new, adding that that some trails would be changing from asphalt to concrete and
rebuilt into a more substantial structure. Commissioner McPherson asks why the trail rebuilds is
so expensive at five million dollars. Seydell Johnson responds that the cost is from how many
miles of trails there are that would be rebuilt. Supt. Baird explains that the change from asphalt
to concrete was proposed because the price for either is currently comparable, but concrete is
longer-lasting and easier to maintain.
Commissioner Recker refers to the ADA Elevator Improvements and asks what elevator the
project is in reference to. Dir. Seydell Johnson replies that it is the main elevator in City Hall.
Recker asks why a City Hall project is included on the list of CIP projects. Seydell Johnson
clarifies that Parks and Recreation includes Government Buildings which takes care of both
Recreation Centers, City Hall, the Police Station, the Fire Station, and the Senior Center.
Commissioner Broege refers to the Upper City Park restroom and shelter renovations being
rolled into the City Park Pool replacement and asks for clarification on if the restroom/shelter
renovations are coming from city staff or if the contractor will take over that as part of the City
Park Pool replacement. Dir. Seydell Johnson clarifies that it would be all one project and that
they were merged due to how the City bonds for the project work. Seydell Johnson explains that
if the projects were bonded separately, they would each have their own individual budgets. If
there were any leftover funds from the restroom/shelter project, they would not be able to be
used on City Park Pool. By bonding the projects together as a single project, funds can be used
for both.
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CITY PARK POOL PUBLIC INPUT UPDATE – Dir. Juli Seydell Johnson
Dir. Seydell Johnson presents the attached PowerPoint updating on the City Park Pool Public
Input process.
Chairman Hachtman leaves at 6:07 p.m.
Commissioner Serenda is surprised by the gender imbalance throughout the input and asks if this
is reflective of pool usage or a lack of male engagement with Parks and Recreation. Dir. Seydell
Johnson replies that consultants found this demographic to be what is typically seen at public
input processes for Parks and Recreation departments. Seydell Johnson say that this is reflective
of who wants to participate in public input.
Commissioner McPherson asks if the Berry Dunn Consultants had conceived the design for the
interactive public input. Dir. Seydell Johnson answers that it was the consultants who wrote the
questions but credits City Communications & ITS staff for translating the questions onto an
online survey.
Dir. Seydell Johnson says that this is breaking new ground for the methods used and the amount
of input gathered for this public process. Seydell Johnson says that it has been a lot of staff work
due to the creation of new processes but that it will be worth while to have people feel like they
had a hand in the process.
REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF
Director of Parks & Recreation – Juli Seydell Johnson
Staff Changes: Dir. Seydell Johnson announces that there are 3 major staff changes happening.
Facilities Manager Kumi Morris has left to take a job at the University of Iowa. Seydell Johnson
says that interviews for the position have been completed with a decision expected to be made
within the week. Aquatics Program Supervisor Kate Connell has left to take an aquatic
consulting job. Applications are being accepted for this position for another week and a half
before interviews begin. Seydell Johnsons explains that in the mean-time Caylea Housh, the
Recreation Assistant is working with Supt. Barker to keep the aquatics division moving.
Michelle Wiegand, the Communications and Special Events staff is leaving later in the week to
work for Johnson County on environmental programming. Seydell Johnsons says that staff are
actively pursuing for the candidates for the vacant spots in Recreation.
Budget: Dir. Seydell Johnson announces that earlier in the day, the first of two big operating
budget meetings took place. Seydell Johnson explains that it will be like the capital improvement
budget for the city, in that there is no extra money over the next several years. Seydell Johnson
says that she is confident the department will be fine with staffing and that the level of services
will remain similar, but that it will be a lot tighter on the budget side of things.
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Cemetery: Dir. Seydell Johnson says that the Cemetery Rules and Regulations are being updated.
Seydell Johnson explains that the updated document will be an item shown to the City Council
soon.
Recreation Superintendent – Brad Barker
October Events: Supt. Barker states that October was a very busy time for Recreation staff.
Barker says that the biggest event was the Farmers’ Market every Saturday which has recently
closed for the year while preparing for the Holiday Markets on November 11 and December 16.
Supt. Barker says that there were 10 different Halloween events in additional to the Halloween
Carnival. The Halloween Carnival has a great turnout for a lot of engagement with the City Park
Pool process, and that there were lots of carnival games with partnership groups each making
different spooky science experiments. Barker explains that nearly every nook and cranny of the
Robert A. Lee facility were utilized, adding that it’s great to see so many people in attendance.
Supt. Barker talks about the Get Outside! outdoor recreation festival which took place October 8
in City Park from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Barker says that staff were blessed with a great day for
outdoor activities, and that there was a huge turnout for the event. Barker states that the
department worked with 14 partnership groups, each with their own activities to promote their
department, including outdoor excursions or recreational opportunities for people to take part in
hands-on. Barker adds that there were food trucks, a band, and a sky-diving demonstration.
Barker says that this was a great first-time event and has shown what can be improved for future
years.
Supt. Barker talks about the Indigenous People’s Day, another first-time event, which took place
October 9 in the Terry Trueblood Recreational Area. There was cooperation with several
partnership groups to create a good event and had a great turnout for attendance.
Vice-Chairman Moore says that she heard great things about the Get Outside! event and was nice
to attend. Barker responds that it was wonderful to see so many families and people come out
and experience the event.
Parks & Forestry Superintendent – Tyler Baird
Winterizing: Supt. Baird announces that the winterizing process has begun for Parks staff. Baird
explains that every year water fountains, and irrigation are turned off and all, but 2 restrooms are
closed. The 2 restrooms in City Park and Terry Trueblood Recreational Area are kept open year-
round because the facilities are heated. Baird says that in athletic complexes, staff have been
aerating the heavily used turf areas such as athletic fields, playgrounds, and pick-up soccer
fields. Baird explains that this is to help the turf breath over the winter while also overseeding
grass seed, to allow the grass to catch up in the upcoming spring. Baird adds that Parks staff have
been working with Streets crews to help with the leaf vacuuming program for the last month.
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November 09, 2023
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Projects: Supt. Baird says that contractors are finishing up several projects. Baird explains that
the Kiwanis Park playground installation is waiting on the delivery of one crucial part, to replace
the incorrect part mistakenly sent earlier in the project. Baird says that Parks staff are close to
complete installation of the playground at Happy Hollow Park, explaining that the design had
one two many steps on side, requiring the ordering of a correctly size piece. Baird clarifies that
80% of the playground is setup and was recently poured with concrete. Baird says that it is not
uncommon for playground installations to get held up on the delivery of a single part.
Tree Plantings: Supt. Baird announces that he has been working on preparing for tree plantings
for 2024, including rights-of-way around town, near Mormon Trek Blvd. on the west side, and
around the South of Six Municipal Improvement District. Baird says that there has also been
work with community members and other City staff to utilize Heritage Tree Funds. Baird
explains that in the spring there will be a tree planting in the Oakland Cemetery with a focus on
Native species.
Vice-Chairman Moore asks if she should be raking her leaves or not. Baird recommends
watching a video from Communications and Channel 4 staff on the subject. Baird explains that
he mulches the leaves on his lawn to provide “free fertilizer” for the lawn. Baird says that one
can put a mulch kit on their mower or lower the mower flaps to keep debris from flying around.
CHAIRS REPORT:
None
COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Commissioner Serenda asks about communications for trail closures. Serenda says that she has
seen announcements for trail closures on short terms/small scales but heard nothing regarding the
significant closure of the Sycamore Greenway trail. Serenda asks if this was an oversight and if
there is some standard for when the public is notified of trail closures. Dir. Seydell Johnson
agrees with Serenda’s sentiment, explaining that the closure was handled through a different
department, who has heard from the Parks and Recreation department on the matter. Seydell
Johnson says that there is no formal policy regarding the announcement of trail closures but
more so that staff know the steps needed to notify the public and that this trail closure had gone
through a different pipeline than usual.
Commissioner McPherson asks that the commission start to think about a women only swim
time as suggested by City Councilor Mazahir, which would see more women and black folk in
the pool.
Vice-Chairman Moore explains that she is working on a project for a one-year-old child with
mobility issues, to build a Jeep that can move at the push of a button. Moore thanks the
department for donating a kickboard and pool noodles for the project construction.
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November 09, 2023
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Vice-Chairman Moore explains that a member of the community had spoken to her about an
unfortunate situation. The community member, who is a lap swimmer and had recently started
swimming laps more frequently, said that she was approached by someone who said that she
needs to know that the City is trying to close the pool and they this person has to come every
morning to count because the City is not counting correctly. Moore remained neutral in this
interaction but says that it is unfortunate because the original community member was weirded
out by the interaction. Moore states that while people are allowed to their opinion, people are
allowed to swim without being accosted. Commissioner McPherson responds that that was one
person and brings up that Mark Cannon has come up with a community outreach idea for filling
the 9-10 a.m. slot with Water Mindfulness every Tuesday, explaining that while on one side
there is a semi-aggressive nature there is the other side who are going with a calling-in approach.
Moore agrees that there is a lot of positives coming from it but wants it known that there are
people that feel intimidated by it.
ADJOURNMENT:
Vice-Chairman Moore adjourns the meeting at 6:31 p.m.
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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
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
10
/
2
7
/
2
0
2
3
11
/
0
9
/
2
0
2
3
Aaron
Broege
12/31/24 * * * * * X NM X X X
X X
Missie
Forbes
12/31/25 NM X O/E LQ X X NM O/E X X X O/E
Alex
Hachtman
12/31/24 NM X X LQ X X NM X X X X X
Rachel
McPherson
12/31/26 * X X LQ X X NM X X X X X
Connie
Moore
12/31/25 NM X X LQ X X NM O/E X X X X
Brian
Morelli
12/31/25 NM X X LQ X X NM X X X O/E O/E
Caleb
Recker
12/31/26 * * * * * * * * * * X X
Melissa
Serenda
12/31/23 NM X X LQ X X NM X X X X X
Alex
Stanton
12/31/23 * * * * * * * * X X X O/E
11/8/2023
1
UPDATE -2024-2028
PARKS & RECREATION
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
November 8, 2023
Parks & Recreation Commission
Juli Seydell Johnson, Director of
Parks & Recreation
CIP ANNUAL PROJECTS ~ $610,000/YEAR
•R4130 Park Annual Improvements $90,000/year
•R4132 Park Annual ADA Accessibility Improvements $30,000/year
$150,000 for 2024, then paid from Park Annual Improvements.
•R4194 Climate Action Facility Improvements $250,000/year 2024
•R4206 Intra-City Bike Trails and Trail Bridges $40,000/year
$150,000 Year – No individual trail projects added.
•R4330 Annual Recreation Center Improvements $50,000/year
•R4380 Annual Contracted Tree Planting $100,000 $50,000/year
1
2
11/8/2023
2
2024 CIP PROJECTS
R4346 Palisades Development Park (On Hold – Land not yet dedicated)
R4351 Mercer/Scanlon Roof Replacement
R4358 Lower City Park Shelter & Restroom Renovations moved to 2028
R4395 Calder Park Connection and ADA Trails
R4372 Terrel Mill Skate Park/Pump Track
R4384 Brookland Park Playground Replacement
R4385 College Green Park Playground Replacement
R4397 Court Hill Trail, Beech to Scott Replacement
2025 CIP PROJECTS
R4229 City Park Pool Replacement
R4363 Upper City Park Restroom and Shelter Renovations
R4388 ADA Elevator Improvements – City Hall –Moved to 2026
R4392 Carson Lake Land Acquisition
3
4
11/8/2023
3
2026 CIP PROJECTS -
•R4346 Stone Bridge Park Development –Moved to 2027
•R4362 Napoleon Softball Fields 5-8 Renovations
•R4389 North Market Square Park Playground Replacement
•R4390 Reno Street Park Renovations –Moved to 2028
•R4403 Carson Lake Park Retention Basin
•R4227 Highway 6 Trail Broadway to Fairmeadows
•R4384 Benton Hill Playground Renovations
•New– RALRC Structural Cables and Mercer/Scanlon
HVAC Replacement
2027 CIP PROJECTS
•R4398 Thornberry and Rita’s Ranch Improvements
•R4400 Mercer Park Shelter Replacement
•R4401 Park Maintenance Storage Barn –Moved to 2028
•R4404 Iowa River Trail – Gateway Segment -
•Oak Grove Park Improvements -Unfunded
5
6
11/8/2023
4
NEW PROJECT REQUESTS- EMERGING NEEDS
Trail Re-builds
Beach Street, Willow Creek-West High, Napoleon, Sycamore Greenway, Peninsula, Hunter’s Run Park,
Waterworks Prairie Park, South Hickory Hill Park. $5,000,000 ($150,000/year)
Parking Lot Re-builds
Scott Park (28,000 sf), Thornberry (30,000 sf), Mercer Athletic. $1,000,000 (Not Funded)
Shelter Replacements
Mercer Park, South Hickory Hill Park, Crandic Park. $450,000 (Only Mercer Funded.)
CIP UNFUNDED LIST – MORE THAN 1 YEAR
Fairmeadows Park Trail Loop - $125,000
Southgate Avenue – Iowa River Trail Connection -$400,000
Napoleon to RFX Park Trail Replacement - $720,000
Whispering Meadows Park Trail/Boardwalk Improvements - $250,000
Riverfront Crossing Park, Phase 4 - $1,353,000
Riverfront Crossing Park, 2nd Restroom and Pedestrian Bridge - $1 Million
Ashton House, 2nd Parking Lot - $300,000
Lower City Park Master Plan - $23 Million
East Side Sports Complex - $14 Million
7
8
220 S. Gilbert Street • Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1632 • (319) 356-5100 • FAX (319) 356-5487
Date: December 6, 2023
To: Juli Seydell Johnson, Director of Parks & Recreation
From: Brad Barker, Superintendent of Recreation
Re: Parks and Recreation Fees and Charges
Commission Role:
Provide review and recommendations
Background:
The City Code requires the Parks and Recreation Department to submit a schedule of fees and
charges every year for approval by City Council. The Parks and Recreation Commission annually
reviews and recommends approval of fees and charges for all Parks and Recreation Department
services and programs.
Fees were increased in FY23 and FY24. Staff generally will alternate years between fee increase
proposals. However, because of the higher than normal inflationary pressures over the last
several years, fee increases over consecutive fiscal years were recommended and approved.
Staff is proposing two FY25 fee schedule options for Commission review. One proposal has no
fee increases. The other has fee increases for most services in the realm of 2-5%. The reasoning
for the variation in percentages is to round numbers to the nearest dollar in order to simplify
the user registration experience. The lower the cost, the higher the percentage increase needed
to get the fee to the next round dollar amount, which is why some percentage increases may
seem high.
Considering inflationary easing and fee increases over the last two fiscal years, staff
recommends no fee changes for FY25.
City of Iowa City
Parks and Recreation Department
Fees and Charges
FY19 Fee FY20 Fee FY21 Fee FY22 Fee FY23 Fee FY24 Fee
FY25 Proposed
(without
increase)
FY25 Fee
Proposed (with
increase)% Change
10510214 Farmer's Market 348300 Advertising Fees 0.75 0.75 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.25 25.0%
10510214 Farmer's Market 363910 Misc. Sale of Merch 9-14 9-14 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00-18.00 5.00-18.00 5.00-22.00 11.1%
10510214 Farmer's Market 382100 Vendor Fees 10.00/17.25 10.00/18.00 10.50-18.50 10.50-18.50 11.00-20.00 11.00-20.00 11.00-20.00 12.00-22.00 10.0%
10520200 Rec. Center Operations 382200 Building/Room Rental
-Mtg Rm/Kitch/Craft Rm 32.00 32.00 33.00 33.00 11.00**12.00**12.00**13.00**8.3%
-Social Hall 82.00 82.00 84.00 84.00 29.00**30.00**30.00**31.00**3.3%
Gymnasium
-Full Gym 45.00 45.00 47.00 47.00 49.00 50.00 50.00 52.00 4.0%
-Half Gym 25.00 25.00 26.00 26.00 27.00 28.00 28.00 29.00 3.6%
10520200 Rec. Center Operations 382400 Locker Rentals
-Daily (coin operation)0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.0%
-Replacement key 30.00 30.00 30.00 30.00 35.00 35.00 35.00 40.00 14.3%
10520264 Scanlon Gym 346100 Admissions
-Tot Time 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 0.0%
10520264 Scanlon Gym 346700 Special Events
-Birthday Parties 88.00-103.00 88.00-103.00 90.00-106.00 90.00-106.00 130.00^135.00 135.00 140.00 3.7%
10520264 Scanlon Gym 382200 Building/Room Rental
-Gym 45.00/75.00 45.00/75.00 47.00/78.00 47.00/78.00 49.00 / 81.00 50.00 / 83.00 50.00 / 83.00 52.00 / 86.00 3.6 - 4.0%
-Mercer Mtg. Room 26.00 26.00 27.00 27.00 11.00**12.00**12.00**13.00**8.3%
-P&G Room 46.00 46.00 47.00 47.00 17.00**18.00**18.00**19.00**5.6%
-Wellness room 26.00 26.00 27.00 27.00 11.00**12.00**12.00**13.00**8.3%
-Gym Sporting Event 40.00/70.00 40.00/70.00 41.00/72.00 41.00/72.00 43.00 / 75.00 45.00 / 77.00 45.00 / 77.00 47.00 / 80.00 3.9 - 4.4%
10520265 Grant Wood Gym 382200 Building/Room Rental 45.00 45.00 47.00 47.00 49.00 50.00 50.00 52.00 4.0%
10520420 Social Programs 346400 Lessons 28.00-48.00 28.00-48.00 29.00-50.00 29.00-50.00 30.00-52.00 10.00-55.00^10.00-55.00^10.00-58.00^0% - 5.5%
10520420 Social Programs 363910 Misc. Sale of Merch 12.00 12.00 12.00-20.00 12.00-20.00 13.00-21.00 13.00-22.00 13.00-22.00 13.00-23.00 0% - 4.5%
10520430 Cultural Programs 346400 Lessons 28.00-48.00 28.00-48.00 29.00-50.00 29.00-50.00 30.00-52.00 30.00-55.00^30.00-55.00^30.00-58.00^0% - 5.5%
10520430 Cultural Programs 346300 Potters Studio Pass 210.00 210.00 220.00 220.00 230.00 235.00 235.00 240.00 2.1%
10520460 Summer Camp 346400 Lessons 185.00 185.00 190.00 190.00 195.00 200.00 200.00 210.00 5.0%
1052020 Aquatics Instruction 346400 Lessons
-Red Cross (Group)25.00 25.00 22.00-26.00 30.00/session 6.00/lesson 6.00/lesson 6.00/lesson 6.00/lesson 0%
-Private (Adaptive)30.00/session 10 - 20/lesson10.00-20.00/lesson 10.00-20.00/lesson11.00 - 22.00/lesson 10.0%
-Lifeguarding 165.00 165.00 170.00 170.00 180.00 180.00 180.00 190.00 5.6%
-Water Safety Inst. (40 hr)175.00 175.00 180.00 180.00 215.00 215.00 215.00 230.00 7.0%
-Lifeguard Instructor 225.00 225.00 230.00 230.00 230.00 240.00 240.00 250.00 4.2%
Lifeguard Instructor Recert 100.00 105.00 110.00 110.00 115.00 4.5%
-Lifeguarding Recert 150.00 160.00 160.00 170.00 6.3%
10520530 Water Fitness 346200 -Drop-In 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 0%
10520530 Water Fitness - Monthly Session 16.00 (4.00/class)20.00 (5.00/class)20.00 (5.00/class)20.00 (5.00/class)0%
- Monthly Unlimited 50.00 60.00 60.00 60.00 0%
10520541 Rec Center Pool Oper 346100 Admissions 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 0.00%
10520541 Rec Center Pool Oper 346200 Punch Pass 31.00 31.00 32.00 32.00 32.00 32.00 32.00 32.00 0.00%
10520541 Rec Center Pool Oper 346300 Pool Passes
-Annual Pass 220.00-426.00 220.00-426.00 227.00-439.00 227.00-439.00 234.00-450.00 234.00-450.00 234.00-450.00 234.00-450.00 0%
10520541 -30 Day Pass 20.50-38.00 20.50-38.00 21.00-39.00 21.00-39.00 22.00-40.00 22.00-40.00 22.00-40.00 22.00-40.00 0%
10520541 Rec Center Pool Oper 382200 Private Swim Party 75.00 75.00 78.00 78.00/hour130.00/1.5hr party135.00/1.5hr party 135.00/1.5hr party140.00/1.5hr party 3.7%
10520542 Mercer Park Pool Oper 346100 Admissions 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 0.00%
10520542 Mercer Park Pool Oper 346200 Punch Pass 31.00 31.00 32.00 32.00 32.00 32.00 32.00 32.00 0.00%
10520542 Mercer Park Pool Oper 346300 Pool Passes
-Annual 220.00-426.00 220.00-426.00 227.00-439.00 227.00-439.00 234.00-450.00 234.00-450.00 234.00-450.00 234.00-450.00 0%
-30 Day Pass 20.50-38.00 20.50-38.00 21.00-39.00 21.00-39.00 22.00-40.00 22.00-40.00 22.00-40.00 22.00-40.00 0%
10520542 Mercer Park Pool Oper 382200 Private Swim Party 75.00 75.00 78.00 78.00/hour130.00/1.5hr party135.00/1.5hr party 135.00/1.5hr party140.00/1.5hr party 3.7%
10520543 City Park Pool Oper 346100 Admissions 2.00-4.00 2.00-4.00 2.00-4.00 2.00-4.00 2.00-4.00 2.00-4.00 2.00-4.00 2.00-4.00 0.00%
10520543 City Park Pool Oper 346200 Punch Pass 31.00 31.00 32.00 32.00 32.00 32.00 32.00 32.00 0.00%
10520543 City Park Pool Oper 346300 Pool Pass
-Annual Pass 220.00-426.00 220.00-426.00 227.00-439.00 227.00-439.00 234.00-450.00 234.00-450.00 234.00-450.00 234.00-450.00 0%
-30 Day Pass 20.50-38.00 20.50-38.00 21.00-39.00 21.00-39.00 22.00-40.00 22.00-40.00 22.00-40.00 22.00-40.00 0%
10520543 City Park Pool Oper 382200 Private Swim Party 225.00225.00/1.5 hr party240.00 / 1.5 hr party250.00 / 1.5 hr party 250.00 / 1.5 hr party265.00 / 1.5 hr party 6.0%
10520620 SPI Clubs and Special Events 346400 Lessons 8.50-25.00 8.50-25.00 5.00-26.00 5.00-26.00 5.00-27.00 1.00-35.00^1.00-35.00^1.00-36.00^2.9%
10520620 SPI Clubs and Special Events 346700 Special Events 5.00-26.00 5.00-26.00 5.00-27.00 1.00-35.00^1.00-35.00^1.00-36.00^2.9%
10520720 Youth Sports Programs 346400 Lessons 27.00-53.00 27.00-53.00 28.00--55.00 28.00--55.00 29.00-58.00 10.00-60.00 10.00-60.00 10.00-62.00 3.3%
10520820 Adult Sports Programs 90.00-410.00 30.00-410.00 10.00-425.00 10.00-425.00 10.00-440.00 10.00-450.00 10.00-450.00 10.00-450.00 0.00%
** Meeting room rental rates are now at an hourly rate, rather than a 3 hour block. This helps to provide more flexbility with rentals.
^Base and/or Max Change - more reflective of actual community needs
Cost Center GL / Revenue Type
FY19 Fee FY20 Fee FY21 Fee FY22 Fee FY23 Fee FY24 Fee
FY 25 Proposed
(without
increase)
FY 25 Proposed
(with increase)% Change
10530200 Parks Ops & Maint 382100 Land Rental - Garden Plots 33.00 33.00 17.00-27.00 17.00-27.00 18.00-28.00 19.00-29.00 19.00-29.00 20.00-30.00 3.4% - 5.3%
10530200 Parks Ops & Maint 382600 Theatre/Stage Rental 67-200/hr 67-200/hr 69.00-206.00 69.00-206.00 71.00-212.00 73.00 - 218.00 73.00 - 218.00 75.00 - 225.00 2.7% - 3.2%
10530200 Parks Ops & Maint 382700 Reservations
-Park Shelters (for 5 hours)22.00-139.00 22.00-139.00 17.00-110.00 17.00-110.00 18.00-114.00 19.00-118.00 19.00-118.00 20.00-118.00 4.2% - 5.3%
10530200 TTRA 382700 Reservations
-TTRA Lodge 70-2600 70-2600 108.00-1500.00 108.00-1500.00 115.00-1580.00 120.00-1648.00 120.00-1648.00 125.00-1717.00 4.2%
10530200 Ashton House 382700 Reservations
-Ashton House 65-650 65-650 60.00-750.00 60.00-750.00 65.00-800.00 68.00 - 837.00 N/A N/A N/A
10530211 Ball Diamonds 382100 Tourn. Fees (land rental)
-Out of town 40.00 40.00 33.00 33.00 35.00 36.00 36.00 37.00 2.8%
-Local 27.00 27.00 22.00 22.00 23.00 24.00 24.00 25.00 4.2%
-Lights (per hour)21.00 21.00 17.00 17.00 18.00 19.00 19.00 20.00 5.3%
10530211 Ball Diamonds 382700 Reservations
-Field Rental Local (per hour)21.00 21.00 17.00 17.00 18.00 19.00 19.00 20.00 5.3%
-Field Prep Local 40.00 40.00 33.00 33.00 35.00 36.00 36.00 37.00 2.8%
-Lights (per hour)21.00 21.00 17.00 17.00 18.00 19.00 19.00 20.00 5.3%
-Field Rental Out of Town 25.00 25.00 21.00 21.00 23.00 24.00 24.00 25.00 4.2%
-Field Prep Out of town 47.00 47.00 39.00 39.00 42.00 44.00 44.00 46.00 4.5%
10530212 Soccer 382700 Reservations
-Field Rental Local (per hour)27.00 27.00 22.00 22.00 23.00 24.00 24.00 25.00 4.2%
-Out of town/game non-tourn 34.00 34.00 28.00 28.00 30.00 31.00 31.00 32.00 3.2%
-Cross Country event 325.00 325.00 265.00 265.00 275.00 280.00 280.00 290.00 3.6%
10530212 Soccer 382100 Tourn. Fees (land rental)
-Out of town (per hour)40.00 40.00 33.00 33.00 35.00 36.00 36.00 37.00 2.8%
10530212 Soccer -Local (per hour)33.00 33.00 27.00 27.00 28.00 29.00 29.00 30.00 3.4%
10530221 Dog Parks 346100 Admissions
-Annual Tags 52-176 52-176 53.00-181.00 53.00-181.00 53.00-181.00 53.00-181.00 53.00-181.00 53.00-181.00 0.0%
-Daily Tags 7.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 0.0%
-Special Events 65-124 65-124 67.00-128.00 67.00-128.00 67.00-128.00 67.00-128.00 67.00-128.00 67.00-128.00 0.0%
Cost Center GL / Revenue Type
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
Wednesday 1-Nov 9 4 3 3 7 15 2 43 15 58
Thursday 2-Nov 3 3 3 6 5 10 4 34 64
Friday 3-Nov 6 2 3 3 10 4 9 37 14 4 $2/Swim
Saturday 4-Nov 4 2 3 2 5 2 5 6 7 36 2 25 Family Game Night
Sunday 5-Nov 53 7 $2/Swim
Monday 6-Nov 10 8 3 1 9 8 1 40 22 69
Tuesday 7-Nov 7 6 4 4 4 11 2 38 62 18 Water Mindfulness
Wednesday 8-Nov 9 6 2 2 10 16 2 47 12 59
Thursday 9-Nov 6 6 5 8 4 7 2 38 63
Friday 10-Nov 7 7 4 1 14 8 2 43 21 8 $2/Swim
Saturday 11-Nov 1 4 9 4 7 1 2 7 1 36 5 25 Sensory Swim
Sunday 12-Nov 59 7 $2/Swim
Monday 13-Nov 9 4 4 3 12 7 5 44 18 68
Tuesday 14-Nov 7 5 2 4 6 9 0 33 58 11 Water Mindfulness
Wednesday 15-Nov 10 3 1 1 5 13 2 35 13 52
Thursday 16-Nov 7 9 0 4 12 8 2 42 62
Friday 17-Nov 11 5 1 4 7 12 5 45 8 19 $2/Swim
Saturday 18-Nov 4 1 3 2 3 7 2 3 2 27 5 25 Pool Party Rental
Sunday 19-Nov 56 10 $2/Swim
Monday 20-Nov 9 3 4 5 9 10 4 44 9
Tuesday 21-Nov 7 4 5 12 7 9 1 45 13 Water Mindfulness
Wednesday 22-Nov 9 4 2 5 10 9 5 44 9
Thursday 23-Nov Thanksgiving - Facility Closed
Friday 24-Nov 5 1 6 3 10 $2/Swim / Day after Thanksgiving - Late Open
Saturday 25-Nov 0 0 1 1 1 5 0 3 3 14 4 0 Pool Party Rental- did not fill
Sunday 26-Nov 5 $2/Swim
Monday 27-Nov 9 3 4 6 6 8 5 41 17 67
Tuesday 28-Nov 9 4 9 2 7 12 5 48 57 10 Water Mindfulness
Wednesday 29-Nov 11 3 2 5 8 12 2 43 9 56
Thursday 30-Nov 9 4 5 8 8 6 2 42 60
Grand Total
945 186 1023 197 2351
137 31.5 6.2 34.1 6.6 78.4
Sheet Extension
Robert A Lee Recreation Center - Indoor Swimming Pool Totals - November 2023
Averages:
Totals:
Total Unique 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
Wednesday 1-Nov 5 4 11 9 4 10 6 6 9 5 6 7 9 1 92 106
Thursday 2-Nov 6 6 12 4 5 6 7 3 1 3 5 1 59 20 106 19 $2 Swim
Friday 3-Nov 5 9 9 12 8 6 2 9 3 9 7 1 6 1 87 106 3 Lifeguard Class (public)
Saturday 4-Nov 3 5 4 6 7 8 7 3 5 7 14 3 3 0 75 106 3 Lifeguard Class (public)
Sunday 5-Nov 18 7 16 5 4 2 4 6 0 62 3 Lifeguard Class (public)
Monday 6-Nov 7 12 16 13 8 3 10 8 6 3 3 7 3 6 105 5 106
Tuesday 7-Nov 9 12 11 9 10 5 13 4 4 14 8 2 101 13 106 17 $2 Swim
Wednesday 8-Nov 7 5 14 11 9 7 6 7 5 7 5 4 5 3 95 106
Thursday 9-Nov 9 5 13 6 4 5 4 2 7 5 4 2 66 18 106 19 $2 Swim
Friday 10-Nov 4 8 5 12 3 8 4 11 4 5 12 1 2 2 81 106 9 Lifeguard Instructor Class (public)
Saturday 11-Nov 2 3 10 12 13 8 5 8 11 6 2 2 1 3 86 106 9 Lifeguard Instructor Class (public)
Sunday 12-Nov 23 12 8 8 8 10 12 2 0 83 9 Lifeguard Instructor Class (public)
Monday 13-Nov 8 10 8 16 11 5 9 9 5 3 1 1 0 0 86 5 Swim Meet
Tuesday 14-Nov 5 11 12 5 10 5 4 8 9 9 2 0 80 13 106 21 $2 Swim
Wednesday 15-Nov 6 7 8 20 7 6 4 7 8 2 6 2 6 1 90 106
Thursday 16-Nov 5 11 10 2 6 3 6 4 6 0 5 1 59 10 106 22 $2 Swim
Friday 17-Nov 3 9 10 18 9 7 7 5 3 5 9 3 2 2 92 106
Saturday 18-Nov 1 6 12 6 3 6 4 6 2 1 1 1 2 5 56 106
Sunday 19-Nov 10 9 13 5 6 2 3 6 1 55
Monday 20-Nov 7 17 10 11 16 6 5 7 3 8 4 11 4 2 111 3
Tuesday 21-Nov 5 10 9 7 3 1 7 3 8 2 10 1 66 10 29 $2 Swim
Wednesday 22-Nov 9 7 8 19 20 4 6 5 17 9 4 5 7 2 122
Thursday 23-Nov Thanksgiving - Facility Closed
Friday 24-Nov 9 2 13 5 6 4 7 4 50 Day after Thanksgiving - Late Open
Saturday 25-Nov 4 0 3 9 5 4 1 8 6 11 4 4 3 2 64
Sunday 26-Nov 18 6 6 5 19 9 4 3 0 70
Monday 27-Nov 8 7 12 14 7 7 7 5 5 6 7 10 3 1 99 5 106
Tuesday 28-Nov 4 9 13 13 0 5 6 4 1 0 0 0 55 4 Swim Meet 21 $2 Swim
Wednesday 29-Nov 8 13 12 15 6 7 8 5 8 5 18 4 12 1 122 106
Thursday 30-Nov 4 12 9 5 5 2 4 4 4 7 3 1 60 15 106 14 $2 Swim
Grand Total
2329 121 1908 198 4556
404 77.6 4.0 63.6 6.6 151.9
1257
ICE = 106 (includes masters)41.9
Mercer Park Aquatic Center - Indoor Swimming Pool Totals - November 2023
Totals:
Averages:
Total using Robert A. Lee Pool Open Hours
Average using Robert A. Lee Pool Open Hours
Total Unique 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
October 01, 2023 - October 31, 2023
Beginning Balance:$41,766.55
Total Fund Income:$2,950.00
Total Fund Expenses:$18.00
Ending Balance:$44,698.55
Statement Activity
Ending Balance:$180,474.61
October 01, 2023 - October 31, 2023
Beginning Balance:$185,694.89
Total Fund Income:($4,541.53)
Total Fund Expenses:$678.75
1 Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet | City of Iowa City
Iowa City Parks & Recreation Commission Packet
December 2023
Upcoming Events
• Holiday Market; December 16 - 8 am – Noon, RAL
• Noon Years Eve Party – December 30; 11:30 am – 12:30 pm; RAL pool
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration – January 15; 9:30 am – 12:30 pm; MPAC
Notable from Parks & Recreation Staff
Parks:
• Final touches are being put on the projects at Happy Hollow, Kiwanis, and Hickory Hill Parks where
playground and restroom/shelter projects have occurred this fall.
• Staff has transitioned equipment to snow removal and is ready for plowing this winter.
• We are currently in the hiring process for two positions, Assistant Superintendent of Parks, and a
Maintenance Worker I – Athletic Fields position.
• Staff are working on winter projects, some of which utilize urban lumber to provide features for our
parks and for recreation programming.
• Pickleball and tennis court replacements have begun, and further construction will continue in the
spring.
• Planning for the skate park replacement and pump track addition has begun. There has been good
public interest in this project.
• Parks/Forestry staff assisted Streets daily in November to help with the leaf vacuuming program.
• Progress on the off-road single track bike trail project continues. The goal for opening of the trail is
Memorial Day.
Recreation:
• Winter/Fall program registration begins December 12 for Iowa City residents, December 13 for all.
• In partnership with ICCSD, staff have completed the transition in updating the department’s pass
management software with SEJH student info. This enables all SEJH students to now use their school ID as
their facility pass.
• Mercer Park Aquatic Center is hosting approximately 40 aquatics professionals at an Iowa Parks and
Recreation Association aquatics maintenance workshop in December.
• The Farmers Market will begin accepting applications in January for the 2024 season.
2 Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet | City of Iowa City
Facilities:
• Riverside Festival Stage is out for bid, bid opening is December 12th. There has been a decent amount of
interest from contractors.
• Terry Trueblood H2O roof is scheduled to be replaced in the first part of December. We will be transitioning
from rubber shingles to standing seam metal roof. This will last a lot longer.
• With the Roller-coaster temperatures as of late, staff have been spending a lot of time adjusting boilers to
make sure the buildings are comfortable.
Cemetery:
• The current rules and regulations are currently being updated/changed as we reclassify some of the flush
lots into monument lots. All changes will be approved by the City Council in January 2024.
• Staff will concentrate on trimming Oak trees once we get some hard freezing.
Top Staff Issues
Parks
• Filling of open staff positions is a priority to bring us back up to full staff.
Recreation
• Caylea Housh, Recreation Assistant, has been promoted to the Aquatics Recreation Program Supervisor
position starting December 11. The vacancy left by the transition will be advertised soon.
• The applicant and interview process continues for the Special Events and Communications Recreation
Program Supervisor position.
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.
• Staff has most of the snow equipment at the ready.
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 $4,270.00 $5,257.50 4 6.8 $3,065.00 $4,070.50 $7,335.00 $9,328.00
Dec
Jan
Feb
March
April
May
June
Totals $33,505.00 $35,627.75 30 35.2 $15,875.00 $20,536.75 $49,380.00 $56,164.50