McHenry Times

City of Woodstock Parks & Recreation Commission Met April 13.

Here is the minutes provided by the Commission:

A. CALL TO ORDER

A regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission of the City of Woodstock was called to order by Chair M. McCleary at 7:00 PM on a Zoom Webinar meeting.

B. ROLL CALL: A roll call was taken and Chair M. McCleary determined a quorum was present.

COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Bruce Farris, Margaret Miller, Chris Neuhart, Pete Riis, and Chair Mike McCleary.

COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: None.

STAFF PRESENT: Recreation Director Dave Zinnen, Parks & Facilities Superintendent Chris Lynk, Economic Development Director Garrett Anderson and Executive Assistant/Chief Deputy City Clerk Jane Howie.

C. FLOOR DISCUSSION:

Public Comments: None.

Commission Comments: B. Farris commented that he is happy the City is considering clearing sidewalks and paths in the park, as he believes this will be very beneficial for residents of all ages.

D. NEW BUSINESS:

1. Discussion of Proposed Frisbee Golf Course in Emricson Park

G. Anderson shared photos of disc golf courses, and he briefly explained the basics of the game. He noted that the course in Raintree Park was installed approximately ten years ago and it has not been maintained well, mainly due to the fact that the area’s main function is that of a detention basin. In response to a question from a Commissioner, G. Anderson said the course will be easier to maintain in Emricson Park as it will be out of a flood zone. G. Anderson went on to say that he and C. Lynk have been trying to figure out how best to bring the course back to life. They believe this course would work best in the north end of Emricson Park. It is the City’s desire to relocate the course to Emricson Park, as Raintree Park is out of sight and out of mind, whereas Emricson is a well-used park.

There was a bit of discussion as to why the course hasn’t been well-maintained in Raintree Park, and it was noted that the course is under water approximately 60% of the time. C. Lynk added that the course has not been advertised in the past; however, it is the City’s plan to advertise the course in the hopes of getting teams and tournaments, as well. C. Lynk noted that the parking lots around Raintree Park, as well as the playground, are maintained. In response to a question from

B. Farris, C. Lynk confirmed that the frisbee golf course in Emricson Park will be well-maintained along with all of the necessary equipment involved. B. Farris pointed out that the rec path follows a cross-country course. He added that a number of the golf course holes are in the middle of the cross-country course, which is frequently used and is a premiere course in northern Illinois. He suggested meeting with the cross-country team to make sure that the tees are not located on the cross-country course. Further discussion ensued. B. Farris will forward a map to C. Lynk for review. M. McCleary asked if the City will meet with consultants to determine the set course. M. McCleary asked if there are water hazards in disc golf courses. G. Anderson said there is a water hazard included in hole 6. He added that it is uncommon to have water hazards on disc golf courses.

M. Miller said she likes the idea of moving this course into Emricson Park. She asked about Raintree Park, and what ideas does the City have for use of this park in the future. G. Anderson said when Route 47 is improved, it will include a bike lane, and the downtown plan includes a connection through Raintree Park, with a walking/biking trail, which would be the main use of the park. He noted that the City applied for grant money to make that happen. The berm is a stable area to install the path. G. Anderson said the goal would be to add another 9 holes and have an 18-hole frisbee gold course in Emricson Park. There was some discussion of the potential for sponsorship for this project.

B. Farris asked where, in the future, the additional holes for the course would be added. G. Anderson shared a map of where the other 9-holes could be located. There was some discussion as to where the hardware is located, as it’s important to keep this off of the cross-country course. In response to a question from C. Neuhart, G. Anderson explained approximately how long it takes to play 9-holes vs. 18-holes, and the approximate cost for equipment. Further discussion ensued. G. Anderson explained the process going forward.

Motion by P. Riis, second by B. Farris, to move the 9-hole Frisbee Golf Course from Raintree Park to Emricson Park. Ayes: B. Farris, M. Miller, C. Neuhart, P. Riis and Chair M. McCleary. Nays: none. Absentees: none. Abstentions: none. Motion carried.

E. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES:

Motion by M. Miller, second by B. Farris, to accept the Minutes from the March 9, 2021 Commission meeting. Ayes: M. Miller, P. Riis, and Chair M. McCleary. Nays: none. Absentees: none. Abstentions: B. Farris and C. Neuhart. Motion carried; minutes accepted.

F. TRANSMITTALS: The following items have been transmitted to the Commission for information and there is no discussion expected or action recommended.

1. Recreation Department Report for March 2021

D. Zinnen mentioned the weekly visits reports and said there’s somewhat of a concern because members may have gone to Planet Fitness vs. returning to the Rec Center. Comparative reports from years past show that the move to Planet Fitness is due to the pandemic.

D. Zinnen said the Member of the Month will be shared in The Woodstock Independent and it will also be posted in several areas around the Rec Center. M. Miller said she liked that idea because it helps members to notice others. M. McCleary asked if the pool repairs were completed before the pandemic. D. Zinnen said some of the issues were found after appliances were shut down during the pandemic. C. Neuhart asked about Woodstock Water Works and selling tickets/ pool passes for this year. D. Zinnen explained that the City will be purchasing a system that allows residents to purchase tickets to save their spot, from there, non-residents can purchase available tickets. In response to a question from C. Neuhart, D. Zinnen said a purchased ticket is good for the whole day. He shared some of the local programs that will be using the pool on a weekly basis from 10:00 AM – noon, Monday through Friday.

M. Miller asked how the Rec Department will handle the changes in programs due to the pandemic. D. Zinnen said if we have a hot summer, their department should do alright. If our area moves to the Governor’s Phase 4.5 Bridge, the situation will improve. D. Zinnen said the City is still in discussions about daily rates vs. pool passes, etc.

2. Parks Division Report for March 2021

C. Lynk shared updates and said they are still waiting for the fence for Field B in Emricson Park to be installed. He added that parts were ordered in December, but they are still on backorder. C. Lynk said his Division should be getting a status update this week. In response to a question from D. Zinnen, C. Lynk said it will take approximately three days to install the fence. He added that this must be installed by May 1st. C. Lynk added that Public Works went out for bid for removal and full installation of the basketball course.

In response to a question from P. Riis about Bates Park, C. Lynk said the Parks Division will move Field 2 renovation to the month of August. There was some brief discussion about dugouts. In response to a question from B. Farris, C. Lynk said the City is in the design process with an engineer for the park shop; burial of electric is being discussed. C. Lynk stated it will all depend on the bottom line cost that the City receives from Wold. Brief discussion ensued.

G. OLD BUSINESS:

None.

H. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:

1. Tentative agenda items identified by Administration

a. Park Master Plan

2. Requested by Commission: Any member may suggest an item to be considered by the Commission at a future meeting, but must be approved by a majority of the Commission to be included as a future agenda item.

I. ADJOURN:

Motion by B. Farris, second by M. Miller, to adjourn the Regular Meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission. Ayes: B. Farris, M. Miller, C. Neuhart, P. Riis and Chair M. McCleary. Nays: none. Absentees: none. Abstentions: none. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:01 PM. The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, May 11, 2021.

https://www.woodstockil.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/parks_amp_recreation_commission/meeting/43650/f_-_parks_and_rec_comm_4-13-21_-_part_1_of_1_-_minutes.pdf