HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-17-2014 Regular MeetingMinutes of the Fairhope Recreation Board
December 17, 2014
The Fairhope Recreation Board met Wednesday, December 17, 2014 at 5:15 p.m. in the tennis center
building at the Fairhope Tennis Center/Courts.
Present were Mike Ford, Sherry Sullivan, Derek Thomas, Michelle Smith, Charlie Langham, Tom Kuhl,
Cathy Hudson, Vann Saltz and Jenny Douglass. Diana Brewer and Bob Keyser were absent. Gayle Fogarty
took the minutes. Guests: Vern Huntings, Several members of the Fairhope Tennis Association.
The meeting was called to order by Vann Saltz. The minutes of the November meeting were considered
and approved on a motion by Charlie Langham, seconded by Cathy Hudson, none opposed.
Discussion of New Tennis Courts - There was a great deal of discussion between the Recreation Board
and the Fairhope Tennis Association members, as to the benefits of hard courts vs. soft courts. The
Fairhope Tennis Association feels strongly about having soft courts installed over hard courts, they
would like at least two soft courts installed. The FTA members believe the benefits of the soft outweigh
the hard when it comes to the give of the surface on your joints.
Sherry Sullivan informed the group that at this time the City of Fairhope plans to install six hard courts,
based on the budget available. She stated that the City may be able to look at soft courts down the road,
when more funds become available. The bid specs are going out in January of 2015. Sherry also added
that she is going to check with the City Council about the possibility of looking into bidding out an
alternative (deco turf) in addition to the hard courts.
Fairhope Tennis Center Rules — Sherry Sullivan provided a draft of a City of Fairhope ordinance that
protects the health, safety and general welfare of the people. This ordinance will be used to assist in
establishing a policy for children while they are in City buildings. The group reviewed the draft and
agreed to consider and discuss in more detail at the next Rec Board meeting on January 21, 2015.
Tennis Center Update - Tom Kuhl updated the group on the construction of the new tennis courts. Tom
provided information on soft courts. He shared his concerns regarding the maintenance involved in
having soft courts vs. hard courts. Tom also shared information on the Manley project stating that there
will be a construction manager meeting soon, there will be 4 presentations.
Manley Road Soccer Complex — Tom Kuhl provided an updated on the soccer complex stating that
Preble-Rish is working on a re -design of the soccer complex, due to reducing the number of fields.
Updates — Tom Kuhl informed the group that the AED units have arrived and will be installed at the
soccer & football fields. He also noted that the child endangerment classes are coming up. The Team
summit will take place at the end of January 2015. Tom stated that the Coke bid came in - Pepsi and
Coca-Cola were the only bids that were submitted. Coca-Cola will be awarded the 3 year contract by the
City of Fairhope.
Swim Update - Cathy Hudson provided an update on swim stating that the boys placed 7"' overall and
girls placed 13'h overall. She added that Helen Legg is the AHSAA State Diving Champion for third
consecutive year. Michelle Smith added that she is working on a franchise agreement with the City of
Fairhope and plans to have more to report at the January 21, 2015 Rec Board Meeting.
Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
Position on New Tennis Court Construction
The Fairhope Tennis Association WrA), with more than 50 members, is
the
n the
tennis courts at Stimpson Field. This is our positi
on largest block of users °f the proposal for coon of additional Courtsat that location.
The g preference is for construction of soft day courts. Clay courts
have lower impart and reduced adverse �� on the muscailos%d�sy'�still p�y on day
the joints, of tennis play. Becamsof that, FTA members n Field. Up to io
courts have had to discontinueplaying on the hard courts at Stimpso
n Field Paz in the lot each week, carpool 30 mules to Gulf
Shores, and Pay court fees in order to play on day courts. The number of players so_
affected is expected to increase due to the ongoing cumulative of playingand continue
courts. The addition of day courts would allow more people to play tennis,
to play tmu* who could not otherwise do so. The effect on the health of our
community would be positive.
maintenance
We are aware that there is additional expense for construction nominal fee
of day courts. The nwntenanwould o be in much demand than the hard
morefor the use of the clay courts, there is a proposal to hire a full time director for the
courts. Moreover, we understand rt that P1°P�. A director would also be able to _
Stimpson Field fac�ity. We suPPo of his or her duties, further mite
provide care for the clay courts ford be able to advance tennis play' at
maintenance costs. A to comae more children to play tennis, promote a
the park, P the health and attractiveness of our
further improveeconomic lifel°ng ram play witl'the associated PoO �'
community,attract
With regard to tournament Play, the number of courts (all with the same surface)
that is ideal for tournament Ply is a factor of 2. While there is an advantage to 8 hard
courts over the anrrent 6 hard courts, there is little additional benefit uxrtd the number
of courts equals sixteen
allowance for additional court, the
R�gnizing the above and the faced budget community, and the comma
PTA considers the greatest benefit to the tennis playing
in general, would be to construct four day courts and two additional hard cou
rts.
courts could be reduced if absolutely mandated by budge limits
bons.
number of day would be to construct only four clay courts, without
Otherwise, the neat best alternative
any additional hard courts.
Thank you for your consideration,
David R. Mauritson, President
Fairhope Tennis AssoCW0n