Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks And Recreation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Parks and Recreation reports high usage, seeks funding for facilities and Hemingway building preservation
Summary
Parks and Recreation staffers told the board that nearly 10,000 visits were recorded for the gym/weight-room six‑week cycles, fields and courts are in regular heavy use, and the department is seeking funding for scoreboards, security cameras, accessibility upgrades and possible renovation or stabilization of the Hemingway (Hemel) building.
Parks and Recreation staff told the Board of Supervisors that county athletic and community facilities saw heavy year‑round use and that several capital and accessibility projects are planned or requested in the department’s CIP.
“We have … 9,943 — that’s the people that walk through either walk through the door or participate in the weight room, basketball on a regular basis coming through our building on a 6 week, daily program,” the presenter said, noting that the weight room in particular draws steady use and that the department offers free access to residents 55 and older.
Staff outlined recent upgrades — bleachers, concrete pads, padding and a renovated kitchen — and said those renovations reduced costs because much of the work was performed by county staff. Pending requests in the CIP include scoreboards for multiple fields, batting cages, security cameras and improved handicap accessibility at the War Memorial Building and other facilities.
The presenter told supervisors the department requests additional storage space and possible expansions to the weight room and said community groups have asked for outdoor fitness stations, dog parks and additional courts. Staff said they have budgeted for an assistant director position and are asking the board to consider reserving funds for property purchases to develop a sports complex in the future.
On the standing historical building often referenced as the Hemel/Hemingway building, the presenter said there is community interest in renovating the site. “My suggestion … is that you put some money to the side,” the presenter said, recommending a modest reserve (the presenter suggested a figure of about $50,000 as an example) to support renovation planning and to encourage private donations if a restoration effort gets underway.
Board members asked whether upstairs spaces could support additional courts or rental uses; staff said structural questions remain and recommended engineering review before altering the building. The presenter also noted that some facility improvements would reduce calls for sheriff response by enabling staff to use camera footage to document incidents.
No board vote or formal action was taken during the presentation; commissioners said they would consider the CIP requests during the budget cycle.
