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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-18-2018 Regular MeetingMinutes of the Fairhope Recreation Board The Fairhope Recreation Board met Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at 5:15 p.m. in the Rec Center at 803 North Greeno Road. Present were Cathy Hudson, Michelle Smith, Charlie Langham, Bob Keyser, Tom Kuhl, Vann Saltz and Derek Thomas. Absent: Mary Gammer and Jay Robinson. Gayle Fogarty took minutes at the meeting. Guest: Bruce Cuddy The meeting was called to order by Vann Saltz at 5:19 p.m. The minutes of the April 18, 2018 meeting minutes were considered and approved on a motion by Bob Keyser, seconded by Cathy Hudson, none opposed. Guests: Bruce Cuddy of Fairhope pickleball attended the meeting and shared pricing estimates to install new pickleball courts at Stimpson Park to accommodate the growing need for more courts. He made two recommendations to the group, see attached documents. Option A — Four new courts built at Stimpson Park. Estimated cost: $75,000 to $120,000 (based on information from FL, AZ, CA and NM) Option B — Court # 6 on the existing Stimpson Park tennis courts converted to four pickleball courts. Estimated cost: $4,000 to $8,000 (base on limited fencing & regulation nets). Tom Kuhl added that he would like to talk to Tennis Pro Tomas Catar before making a recommendation and will get back with Bruce. Updates: Tom Kuhl gave Michelle Smith the AED that Eastern Shore Masters Swimming donated to the City of Fairhope. Tom stated that all employees must be trained to use it before the City can accept it, Michelle will keep it until everyone is trained. The mission statement that was proposed at the last meeting was reviewed and adjusted a final time, the Fairhope Recreation Board's mission statement will be: To grow, inspire and support the recreational opportunities for Fairhope citizens of all ages and abilities by providing the best and safest possible facilities in all sports and leisure. The mission statement was considered and approved on a motion by Bob Keyser, seconded by Derek Thomas, none opposed. Tom informed the board that the Archdiocese of Mobile Hispanic Ministry Office will host a soccer tournament this Saturday at the Fairhope Soccer Complex. He added that youth baseball has asked him for more field space, youth baseball wants to partner with the City for a new T- Ball field. Estimated cost is $15,000. He stated that he is still looking for additional parkland for the City to consider purchasing for growing recreation needs. Charlie Langham inquired about the masterplan for Volanta. Tom responded that the City still has that information, but would only gain one additional ballfield, in looking for more parkland, Tom hopes that additional baseball fields can be added at that location. Cathy Hudson informed the board that 149 swimmers signed up for the summer swim program. Cathy inquired about the need to start discussing an additional pool, there was general discussion about the growth of Volanta. Bob Keyser shared that senior night will be in the stadium next weekend. He added that the upcoming Mobile Bay Spring Classic has 144 teams sign up. The tournament will be held at the Fairhope Soccer Complex. Vann Saltz added that the Fairhope Rotary Club maybe able to provide $10,000 to $15,000 for playground equipment at the Fairhope Soccer Complex. Tom added that the maintenance facility that was set to be built at the Fairhope Soccer Complex had to be rebid. Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:12 p.m. April 18, 2018 Mr. Tom Kuhl City of Fairhope Recreation Board 701 Volanta Street Fairhope, AL 36532 Dear Tom and Recreation Board, After our meeting last month the Recreation Board asked the Fairhope Pickleball Club for recommendations of what we thought would be a suitable arrangement for outdoor pickleball courts in Fairhope. Based on the information we have gathered we offer two options that would best serve the needs of the city. Requirement- 4 official size (20 feet by 44 feet) outdoor courts suitable for regular play and medium sized tournaments (60 players or less). Option A - Four new courts built at Stimpson Park. Estimated cost, $75.000 to $120,000. (based on information from Florida, Arizona, California and New Mexico) Variables- Court surface, fencing, lighting, painting and regulation nets. Option B- Court #6 on the existing Stimpson Park tennis courts converted to four pickleball courts. Estimated cost, $4,000 to $8,000 (based on limited fencing and regulation nets). We strongly feel Option B is in the best interest of City and pickleball enthusiasts who are eager for outdoor pickleball play at this time. Our feelings are based on the possibility of the tennis courts being repaved sometime in 2018, as has been mentioned. With the conversion of court #6 to four pickleball courts there is no need for new lighting and only a limited 3 or 4 foot fence between court #5 and the newly created pickleball courts. No existing structure (bench and cover) would have to be altered in any way. One other additional fence would replace the tennis net in its existing location. Page 2 diagrams the proposed conversion of court #6. Respectively submitted, Bruce Cuddy / President Fairhope Pickleball Club I f 3� OEM== g, FIZIU I 0 1%