Webster Groves parks director reports strong camp sign-ups, ice-rink renovation on schedule

The Webster Groves Parks & Recreation Commission on a hybrid meeting heard updates on hiring, summer programs and facility projects and approved an amended set of minutes.

Councilwoman Alexander, the city liaison to the commission, opened the substantive reports by reminding commissioners that the city is in budget season and that boards and commissions should be prepared to present annual plans to the City Council at the April 1 meeting at 7:30 p.m. "We are in our budget season now," Alexander said.

James Boynton, the parks and recreation director, told commissioners the department posted many summer job openings last week and will hold a career fair next Tuesday and Thursday at the Rad Complex to recruit camp counselors, concession workers and seasonal park staff. "We opened registration on February 1," Boynton said. "With that camp numbers, we're right at 600 kids already. ... Swim team, all swim lessons and everything were a little over 90 kids." Boynton said the department is preparing equipment and supplies, and that many furnishings and fixtures are already arriving.

Boynton said the department expects the water park to open on Memorial Day weekend and that the ice rink closed for renovation earlier in the month; the rink project is scheduled to be finished in mid-August. "Ice rink shutdown was this past week ... scheduled to open mid August," Boynton said. He described concrete work, new stadium seating and painting as part of the renovation.

On staffing policy, Boynton said the minimum age for some positions is 16 and that lifeguards are hired through a separate process. "What's the minimum age for Ireland? 16," a commissioner asked. Boynton clarified lifeguard hiring arrangements and age limits for staff assigned to aquatic roles.

Commissioners discussed Pompinghaus fountain repairs; Boynton said the pump replacement previously approved has been scheduled. He also noted the commission will have opportunities for volunteer help at park cleanups.

Separately, Boynton said two projects funded by Proposition W are proceeding: the ice rink renovation and a warm pool project. "I just got word that two things that the main things that are funded right now are the ice rink and the warm pool," he said.

The commission also discussed event planning. Boynton said staff are planning a small 5K road race on the parade route to run immediately before the annual parade, and he said organizers are keeping the first year small to avoid conflicts with the parade.

On meeting logistics, commissioners agreed to a new RSVP practice to reduce no-shows and missed quorums. The new plan calls for agendas to be sent the Friday before meetings with an RSVP requested by end of day the following Monday; the chair said he would send the first RSVP notice before the commission's next scheduled meeting.

The commission approved the October minutes with one line removed and set its next regular meeting for May 28 at 7 p.m. The chair called the votes and commissioners answered "aye" with no recorded opposition.

The meeting ended with a brief announcement that the Chamber of Commerce will present a "Heart of the Community" award on April 25 to a community member who helped generate turnout for the parks-and-rec bond; staff said they will circulate details and contact information for those who wish to attend or congratulate the recipient.

The commission adjourned after the votes.