HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes 11-09-2023
1 Approved Minutes
November 9, 2023
Approved Minutes
Park & Recreation Advisory Commission
Thursday, November 9, 2023
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Vita Wilson, Vice Chair James Kuznia Commissioners: John McCulloch, Hannah Wegner,
Jessica Montgomery, Nicholas Beecher
MEMBERS ABSENT: Commissioner Ann Hoekstra
STAFF PRESENT: Director Jennifer Tomlinson, PCC Manager Jess Riley, Office Support Representative Tracy
Martinson
COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES: None present
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Vita Wilson called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
PUBLIC FORUM
PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLIC INFORMATION ANNOUNCEMENTS
APPROVE AGENDA
(4.1) Approve Agenda
Motion by Commissioner Hannah Wegner and seconded by Commissioner Nicholas Beecher recommending
approval of the September 14, 2023, Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission agenda. With Vice Chair James
Kuznia abstaining and all other members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Consent Agenda
(5.1) Adopt proposed Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes
Motion by Commissioner Jessica Montgomery and seconded by Commissioner John McCulloch recommending
approval of the September 9, 2023, Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission minutes. With Vice Chair Kuznia
abstaining and all other members voting in favor, the motion carried.
General Business
(6.1) 2024 PRAC Meeting Dates
Director Jennifer Tomlinson presented the proposed 2024 dates for PRAC members to review. The Parks &
Recreation Advisory Commission is scheduled to meet six times, on the second Thursday of the month, at 6:00 p.m.
to oversee plans and proposals for the city’s park system and recreation programs. The proposed 2024 Parks &
Recreation Advisory Commission meeting schedule is:
- January 11 - City Hall
- February 8 - City Hall
- March 14 - City Hall
- June 13 - Parks Tour
- September 12 - Old Town Hall
- November 14 - City Hall
2 Approved Minutes
November 9, 2023
Motion by Commissioner Wegner and seconded by Commissioner McCulloch recommending approval of the
meeting dates. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Reports and Staff Recommendations
(7.1) Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Student Member
Director Tomlinson presented an update on the study session held by City Council on September 26, 2023, to
discuss committee and commission youth involvement. There will be advertising to see what type of interest we get
from students to gain a different perspective on projects. PRAC would be the only Commission with a youth
member.
The Plymouth student member must be a resident of Plymouth and be either a junior or senior in high school. They
may be in public or private school per Director Tomlinson.
(7.2) Plymouth Community Center Update
Plymouth Community Center Manager Jess Riley presented an update on the PCC from 2023. Staffing includes 8.5
FTE’s along with 30-40 part-time staff. There are many recreation programs, as well as weddings, corporate events
and conferences. So far in 2023, we have had 42-thousand daily passes that have been sold for the K.U.B.E. indoor
playground and 154 events in the Event Wing, including the MRPA conference with 400 people and 2,000 people
attended services for EID over two days. The Millenium Garden had 56 wedding ceremonies over the summer.
The recreation team has been able to increase their program offerings by over one-thousand sessions. Unique
programs are offered, including sensory events, wheel pottery and theater. A new event this year is the Artisan
Market on November 18.
The Fieldhouse has just opened for the season with open play times and rentals all week. Primary renters are the
youth associations in the area. The walking track in the fieldhouse is available as long as there are no sports being
played that would be dangerous to the walkers.
In 2023 there have been close to 400,000 facility visitors and are on track to hit 500,000 by the end of the year. Over
123,000 miles have been walked on the new indoor track.
In 2024 looking to increase daytime rentals during the week, create programming and events to create more
awareness of the community center and fine tune the staffing levels to achieve appropriate levels of staffing.
Discussion was had about punch passes, as well as use of the Black Box Theater and building usage for all ages.
Discussion was had about the possibility of a fourth sheet of ice at the Plymouth Ice Center and the upcoming
process to understand the scope of the project.
(7.3) Upcoming Events
Director Tomlinson presented the upcoming events, including the following:
- Holiday lights at the Hilde
- Holiday Bingo
- Winter/Spring registration dates and times
- Plymouth Artisan Market
There was discussion regarding the future cricket field status and the construction near the dog park.
Updates were requested on major parks projects at future meetings, including trails and City Center.
Adjournment
Motion by Commissioner Wegner, seconded by Commissioner Montgomery, recommending adjournment of the
Park and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting. With no objection, Chair Wilson adjourned the meeting at
6:36 p.m.