HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-21-2016 Regular MeetingMinutes of the Fairhope Recreation Board
September 21, 2016
The Fairhope Recreation Board met Wednesday, September 21, 2016 at 5:15 p.m. in the Rec Center at
803 North Greeno Road.
Present were Sherry Sullivan, Bob Keyser, Tom Kuhl, Vann Saltz, Derek Thomas, Cathy Hudson (arrived
at 5:30 p.m.) and Michelle Smith. Absent: Mike Ford, Charlie Langham, Mary Gammer and Diana
Brewer. Gayle Fogarty took minutes at the meeting.
The meeting was called to order by Vann Saltz at 5:19 p.m. The minutes of the August 17, 2016 meeting
minutes were considered and approved on a motion by Bob Keyser, seconded by Michelle Smith, none
opposed.
Old Business/Fairhope Soccer Complex Update:
Sherry Sullivan stated the City is in the final phases of taking over the project, still having some issues
with the grass contractor. Tom and Sherry will meet with the engineer and contractor tomorrow. She
added that the Soccer Board contacted her and decided that they would like to wait and not have the
October Soccer Tournament at the Fairhope Soccer Complex until it is completely ready. She added that
the electric building is almost complete. Bob Keyser stated that they are trying to get the shootout to be
held in Fairhope, it is the third weekend in February. Also, added that the quotes will be open on
September 27, 2016 for the concession stand and restrooms for the complex.
Tennis Center: Michelle Smith inquired about when the tennis center will be open. Sherry responded
that the courts are done and a final walkthrough will be on Tuesday. She also reminded the board
members of the Tennis Center Dedication in honor of Mike Ford that will be held on September 30, 2016
at 2 p.m. Sherry stated that the courts will be open for play on the day of the dedication. Tomas Cartar is
setting up a tennis exhibition on the day of the dedication. Sherry added that there was a typo on the rates
for the Seniors and adding a $15 fee to Recreation Memberships, also no fee will be charged for hard
courts. The corrected typo fees will be resubmitted to the City Council for approval at the next City
Council meeting.
Recreation Update: Tom Kuhl informed the group that baseball and softball has started, only playing
two days a week. Soccer's opening day was rained out, so they are working to reschedule their games.
He added that they are mowing every day at the Fairhope Soccer Complex and mentioned some drainage
issues at the field. Tom stated that he will address the issues with the engineer at the meeting tomorrow.
Also, Youth Football has had two dates already, Saturday and Tuesday, Sherry Sullivan added that
opening day was huge with over 1,500 people.
Announcements: Bob Keyser informed the group that soccer is going well and 600 people are registered,
He stated that the Pancake Breakfast maybe held on October 1, 2016 or it may not happen at all. Also, the
FHS Wrestling Program will begin on October 31, 2016.
Sherry Sullivan mentioned that Tom Kuhl is being inducted into the Hall of Fame as an associate member
on September 30, 2016, during the FHS football game.
Cathy Hudson stated she has 75 swimmers this season, 10-20 swim in the morning and 50-65 swim in the
afternoon. Cathy requested that when plans are made to expand the pool, please make it large enough to
accommodate lap swim. The first high school home meet is this Tuesday. Sherry also added that the City
pool is seeing over 600 swimmers in the summer.
Michelle Smith mentioned that the Master Swimmers have increased by 20% since last year, next meet
will be October 15, 2016 at Noon.
Fairhope Recreation Board
Five Year Plan (2016-2021) Draft
The Fairhope Recreation Board updates its Five Year Plan biannually to provide recommendations to the
Fairhope City Council on capital investments in recreational facilities. The Plan was developed with
input from the recreational community, including concerned individuals and league officials operating
sanctioned recreational programs at recreational areas. Among organizations providing input were
Fairhope Youth Football, Fairhope Youth Baseball, Fairhope Tennis Association, Fairhope Soccer League,
Fairhope Youth Softball, Fairhope Master Swimmers, Fairhope Youth Basketball, and the Fairhope Pirate
Booster Club.
Much work has been done in making capital improvements to city recreation facilities over the past
several years. Investments and improvements include, while the Five Year Plan laid out below identifies
a potential path forward for investment in capital improvements in recreation facilities, it should be
noted that progress in this arena has been ongoing. In the past 2 years, the following investments have
been made:
1. Design and award of a construction contract for a new concession and restrooms at Manley
Soccer Complex by the Fairhope Soccer Club.
2. In partnership with the Fairhope Pirate Booster Club and the Fairhope Rotary Club,
construction of a new main concession stand at Majors Field.
3. Construction of a new 9-field soccer complex on 40 acres at the city's Manley Road site.
Construction is ongoing, with estimated completion in Winter 2016.
4. In partnership with the Fairhope Soccer Club and the Pirate Booster Club, acquisition of 6
new pairs of goals and repair to 7 damaged goals to support program growth at Founders
Park soccer fields.
5. Renovation of Fairhopers Community Park to meet ADA accessibility needs, eliminate safety
issues and provide a splash -pad.
6. Municipal stadium buildings have been painted and a new metal roof was installed on the
concession stand.
7. Pickleball courts have been incorporated into the existing tennis courts at Stimpson as well
as the basketball court at the Recreation Center.
8. Acquisition of $90,000 in goals by Fairhope Soccer Club for the new Manley Road Complex.
9. Construction of 6 new Hydro tennis courts at the Mike Ford Tennis Center at Stimpson Park.
10. Installation of air conditioning in the visitors' concession standat Majors Field.
11. Construction of a new playground at the Youth Baseball fields at Volanta Park.
12. Replacement of fences at the Founders Park softball complex with netting which reaches
higher to better contain foul balls.
Routine operation and maintenance activities continue to be strained by program growth within the
city's recreation programs. Current registrations show baseball with over 800 participants, soccer with
over 1000, football with over 300, softball over 200, and basketball over 150. The Fairhope Area Swim
Team, Fairhope Master Swimmers and Fairhope High School Swim Team keep the city pool in constant
demand. The high volume of users of facilities has produced a nearly year round need for facilities. The
Volanta baseball and Founders softball fields are used throughout the spring and early summer, and
resume in September with fall ball. The Barnwell football fields are used from mid -summer to early
winter, and then are used in the early spring to support high school and middle school soccer
tournaments hosted in Fairhope. The soccer fields at Founders Park are used year round with
approximate 2 week breaks in June and December for maintenance and refurbishment. This heavy
usage drives more frequent mowing, painting and minor repair of equipment, which will be difficult, if
not unsustainable, given level or diminishing resources. The Stimpson Tennis courts are experiencing
steady usage, and are inadequate to support participation in league play.
In recognition of program growth, as well as opportunities for recreational tourism, the Recreation
Board recommends the following investments be made in recreational facilities. The investments have
been prioritized based on what the board believes to be both the most urgent needs as well as greatest
potential benefit. Costs are estimated.
Priority 1. Complete an engineering study of Volanta Park. Projected start date 2016. Youth baseball
participation has exceeded field capacity at Volanta Park. However, topography, proximity of both the
new dog park and the disc golf course, and parking, limit the current feasibility of expansion. An
engineering study is needed to assess the existing property and identify modifications and
improvements that would allow for the addition of at least one baseball field, additional parking, and
improved drainage and storm water management, without compromising the aesthetic qualities that
make Volanta Park such an attractive venue. It would also improve the safety of the site.
Priority 2. Refurbish the visitors concession stands at Majors Field. Projected start date — Winter
2016. The concession stands in the municipal stadium have been undersized, underpowered, outdated
and unfinished. In the past year, a new home concession stand was constructed to better accommodate
both the crowds during football games, and provide more effective and efficient preparation and service
areas for the volunteer staff. The visitors concession still requires renovation, as it does not have
running water and has limited electrical service. The existing sink needs to be connected to a potable
water supply and sewer, and additional electrical capacity needs to be provided to accommodate
multiple heat lamps, food warmers, coolers, and the AC system.
Priority 3. Renovate Volanta Park consistent with results of the engineering study. As a follow-on to
our Priority 1 project, this project would implement the recommendations of the engineering study
previously performed. Anticipated outcomes from this project would be the addition of at least one
more baseball field to accommodate program growth, relocation of an isolated field which currently
presents safety issues due to being surrounded by parking and driveways, additional parking to support
events both at the baseball fields as well as at the municipal stadium, and improved drainage and storm
water management. The study may also recommend modifications to the existing disc golf course to
accommodate field expansion.
Priority 4. Complete a master plan for the buildout of the municipal pool. Projected start 2017. Usage
of the municipal pools has grown significantly in the past two years. Daily usage has risen to in excess of
600 people, taxing the ability of the treatment systems to keep up. Additional pools and/or splash pads
are needed to meet ongoing use, and to support swimming competitions for youth, school and master
swim organizations. A master plan should be developed to provide facilities that will meet future needs
and optimize the use of space and current assets.
Priority S. Implement Phase 1 of the municipal pool master plan. Projected start date 2017/18. It is
anticipated that the master plan will result in a recommendation for addition of a splash pad/water park
as well as the addition of a second lap pool, potentially Olympic sized, with a diving well. It is
recommended that the less expensive addition be constructed to alleviate the immediate strain on the
existing pools.
Priority 6. Repairs and Improvements to Founders Park Softball Complex. Projected start date 2017.
The softball complex is 15 years old and in need of updating and repair. There is a need for 2 additional
batting cages, and pitching/warmup areas (bullpens) for each field. Brick knee -walls and netting need to
replace chain link backstops. Parking along the east side of the fields needs to be paved. The
concession stand and press boxes need to be evaluated for space utilization, with consideration of the
vacancy of the soccer concession and meeting room at Founders Park.
Priority 7. Prepare a Master Plan for growth of Disc Golf. Projected start date 2018. The Volanta Park
disc golf course continues to grow in popularity and has hosted multiple tournaments. The engineering
study may recommend improvements or alterations to the existing course, and consideration may be
recommended for the construction of an additional Disc Golf Course. A master plan should be
developed which will allow for continued growth of the sport in the community.
Priority 8. Develop a Master Plan for Colony Nature Park. The Colony Nature Park has been
transferred to the City by the Single Tax Colony. A master plan needs to be developed for space
utilization of this land, including possible walking trails, disc golf course and other improvements.
Priority 9. Expand the Barnwell concession stand. Projected start date — 2019. The current concession
is becoming too small to service the growth in youth football. Expansion would allow concession space,
additional storage on the second floor and additional restroom stalls to accommodate the sizeable
crowds at the venue. Along with the expansion would be installation of a new, properly sized HVAC unit
that can treat the air in both the concession and in the storage/meeting area to prevent degradation of
the stored equipment.
Priority 10. Add a new racquetball court at the Recreation Center. Needed immediately, the
racquetball court is difficult to schedule due to its popularity. Given anticipated growth in the area, this
addition is needed.
Priority 11. Implement recommendations of Colony Nature Park master plan. This will provide
additional recreational opportunities for the community and relieve the loading on other recreation
facilities.
Priority 12. Construct an Olympic -sized swimming pool (50m x 25 yds) with diving well adjacent to the
existing indoor pool. Projected start date — 2020. This will provide Olympic regulation pool lengths of
25 yds in the winter and 50 m in the summer. In addition to competition length requirements, this size
pool will accommodate a variety of water related activities, and allow for both regional and national
swimming events. The addition of the pool could relieve the overloading of the existing outdoor pools.
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