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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks Board Minutes Feb_27_2025 FINAL 1 MINUTES West University Place Parks and Recreation Board Meeting Thursday, February 27, 2025 (Replacing the previously scheduled March 5 PRB meeting) ______________________________________________________________________ Location: City Hall conference room Chair: Stephanie Magers Secretary: Richard Cunningham Board members present: Rebecca Brownlie, Richard Cunningham, Ryan Firth, Maryann Grahmann, Lauren Griffith, Laura (Lulu) Lopez (online), Stephanie Magers, Sami Morrison, and Arlene Wells Board members absent: Stephen Damiani, Sarah Barrett Staff: Susan White, Brittany Bakes Council members: None Visitors: Remote by video or audio: Ron Gailey and Ryan Young from OnPointe Insights, LLC (survey company); In person: Justine Markowski with PGAL I. Call to Order: Stephanie Magers called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. II. Citizen Comments: None III. Approval of the minutes from the February 5, 2025 PRB Meeting: Rebecca Brownlie motioned, and Ryan Firth seconded. Approved unanimously. IV. Recreation Center and Pickleball/Tennis Survey and RecTrac Data Analysis: Ron Gailey and Ryan Young with OnPointe Insights used slides to discuss findings from the survey, which ran from February 11 to February 25. A total of 1,250 responses were received. The two-part survey included questions about potential improvements or renovations to the Recreation Center, residents’ priorities, and satisfaction with the facility, as well as the City’s pickleball and tennis facilities. Usage and membership data was collected. The survey also asked for suggestions and feedback. Ron noted that the response was a good representative sample of new and longtime West U residents. Potential Recreation Center improvements include an expanded fitness center and indoor playground. The fitness center was the highest priority for survey responders. Susan White noted that she has additional data that supports findings in the survey. The Tennis and Pickleball section of the survey showed that about 55 percent of the people who took the survey play either tennis or pickleball. Responders were both members and non-members. Most people thought it was good value for the money and that they were satisfied with the facilities. When asked what could be done to improve the tennis and pickleball reservation system, the most common answer was to have a mobile app. Findings from the survey are being analyzed by Tennis/Pickleball Committee Chair, Nina Springer, and Recreation Manager, Brittany Bakes. V. Potential new court pickleball locations: Stephanie Magers noted that at the last City Council meeting, many tennis and pickleball players spoke during the public comment time, asking about dedicated pickleball courts. City Council agreed to explore options and work with the PRB Board to evaluate potential properties that the City 2 owns. The PRB board will continue to discuss at future meetings. Susan White added that the multipurpose room upstairs in the Recreation Center could also be used for open play pickleball at times when it’s not used by Jazzercise, etc. potentially. VI. Recreation Update, PGAL: Justine Markowski, senior associate at the architecture firm, PGAL, updated her presentation from the February 5 PRB meeting showing options for repurposing or remodeling portions of the Recreation Center. The next step is for board members and staff to review survey data and make recommendations to City Council. VII. Friends Overview: Sami Morrison reported that the Park Lovers’ Ball was sold out with 685 people in attendance. The final net figures will be available soon. Net proceeds will likely be lower than last year, in part because of increased prices from the Post Oak Hotel. Next year’s Ball will be at the same hotel on February 14, 2026. The next Fathers and Flashlights weekend is tentatively set for November 8 – 9, 2025. That may change as we get closer to the event. The actual date will be announced this summer. VIII. Parks & Recreation Update: Susan noted that the 2026 fee schedule will remain the same except for tennis and pickleball. Any changes to those fees will depend on recommendations from the tennis and pickleball committee during the April board meeting. The choices for new recreation software have been narrowed, but the staff has yet to find a perfect solution. Parks & Recreation may end up staying with the current software provider, but with upgrades to the program. Parks and Recreation Activity Guide Redesign: Susan showed a preview of the new 32-page format for the combined Senior Center and West U Recreation publication. Charlotte Herling has been most helpful in moving the project forward. Colonial Park West Improvements: Friends is providing the funds and City Council has approved the proposed improvements. Electrical work should begin March 10, weather permitting. All the work will be finished by the time Colonial Park Pool opens for the season. Colonial Park West Access: Stephanie noted that many people do not realize that the west end of Colonial Park is open, even when the pool is closed for the season. Ideas were discussed for more ways to let people know it is open, including improved signage or possible changes to the gates. Enhancements to the west end include more lighting and Adirondak chairs to encourage people to sit and visit in the park. Lauren Griffith has some excellent suggestions that will be explored more. Parks and Open Space Master Plan: Susan asked board members to review the plan and focus on how we define West U parks. Lighting assessments will be done for each park. Long term enhancements may include connectivity to Memorial Park and Braes Bayou. 3 Events and Miscellaneous: Upcoming events include Arts in the Park and the Spring Festival. Wier Park has received an award from the Houston-Galveston Area Council for recent improvements to the park. IX. Park Ambassador Reports: Colonial Park West playground and decks – Lauren Griffith: new chairs should be coming in soon. Edloe Street Pathway – Richard Cunningham: no issues to report. It is good to see that the Tangerine Beauty vines survived the freeze. Huffington Park – Ryan Firth: (no comments) Friends Park – Sami Morrison: benches that needed maintenance have been done. Judson Park – Stephanie Magers (no comments) Recreation Center – Rebecca Brownlie (no comments) Colonial Park East – Maryann Grahmann (no comments) Colonial Park Pool –Stephen Damiani (not present) Wier Park – Lulu Lopez (online), no comments. Jennie Hughes Park – Sarah Barrett (not present) Whitt Johnson Park – Arlene Wells (no comments) X. Old Business: Holliday display (accommodation for various religions for outdoor displays) is on hold for now as it falls under the purview of City Council rather than a PRB decision. XI. New Business: The next PRB meeting will be Wednesday, April 2 at 6:30 p.m. in the conference room at City Hall. XII. Adjournment: By unanimous consent at 9:07 p.m.