Boards and Commissions

Recreation and Park Advisory Board
February 26, 2004
Twinbrook Community Recreation Center
Minutes

Members Present:  Terry Baker, Chip Boylan, Larry Eason, Eric Heckman, Helen Heneghan, and Bob Taylor

Members Absent:  Ben Soloman, Kate Savage

Citizens Present: None

Staff Present: Phil Bryan, Michelle Bean

Re:  Approval of Minutes

Minutes were approved as presented.

Re:  Citizens Forum

None

Re:  Town Center Park Design Update

The Board reviewed a draft plan of the new Rockville Town Square Block 3B.  The Board suggested that additional green space be added.  It was noted that the area will be very hot until the new trees grow to the point where they provide some shade.  The question was asked whether  additional grass be added to the tops of the buildings for park area?

Re:  Park Naming Policy - NRPAnet

As requested by the Board the Park Naming Policy published through the NRPAnet as a consensus of several city’s policies, was reviewed.  The following comments were noted from the Board with respect to the Criteria for Naming of Public Parks and Facilities.

• Section I - It was agreed that this section will work for the City as stated.
  
• Section II - omit “Living people”
  
• Section III – The City will not rename a park but an area within a park could be named - ex. Pepsi Field at King Farm Park.
  
• Section IV – A park cannot be named after a deceased person until at least 12 months after the date of death for that person.
  
• Section V - Agreed as long as it abides by all the other guidelines.
  
• Section VI - The Board asked to review the current plaque policy for the City again before making a recommendation for this section.
  
• Section VII – Agreed as stated

Re:  Multi-lingual Signs 

The Board reviewed Burt’s memo regarding communication strategies for non-English speaking customers at Recreation and Parks facilities, and the need for multi-lingual signs at the Swim Center.  Terry Baker agreed that the symbol-based signs would be the best option.  Terry’s suggestion of symbols was a turtle, a “nemo” fish and a dolphin.  The Board expressed support for the concept of providing key rules and regulations in multiple languages displayed in a flyer rack.

Re:  Subcommittee Listing

The Board reviewed the current subcommittee listing and suggested to disband the following subcommittees:  Car Show and Dog Park.

Bob Taylor suggested that in the future if the subcommittee needs advice on a particular issue they should attend our Park Board meeting.

The subcommittees of Fallsgrove and King Farm should be combined.

Terry Baker volunteered to serve as the representative for the Glenview Mansion subcommittee.

It was suggested that a special events subcommittee be created but after further discussion it was recommended that this subcommittee was not needed.

And the Board recommended that a representative from the Dog Park committee (R-DOG) visit the Board at least twice a year instead of having a Board member sitting on the committee.

Re:  College Gardens Drainage Area Study - Grant and RFP Status

Included as FYI.

Re:  Second Quarter Financial - Helen's inquiry on swim class

Included as FYI.

Re:  Follow up on connecting Maryvale staff w/LPCC Afterschool Program opportunities

Included as FYI.

Re:  Subcommittees

Car Show - none

Citizen Bicycle Advisory Committee - The committee is very active and continues to be very proactive.

Dog Park - none

Environmental Issues- none

Fallsgrove - The shopping center looks great.

Glenview Mansion - The next meeting is scheduled for March 8 at 9 a.m.  The committee found that the current portrait of the Glenview Mansion owner is not the correct person that is in the picture.  A new picture is going to be done of the rightful owner.

King Farm - Moving forward on the lease for the Model Railroad group to move into the garage at King Farm as a new tenant.  It was suggested that the hay dryer barn be converted into a picnic shelter.  The HDC stated that the hay dryer could not be removed and must be restored.  It was also recommended by the task force that the City sell the King Farm house instead of renting it.

Lincoln Park Community Center - none.

RedGate - Closed.

Swim Center - Terry Baker shared with the Board the Swim Center newsletter as well as an article on one of the Swim Center employees Daryoush Babak.

TCRC - None.

Town Center Park - already done.

Youth Sports - Phil shared with the Board the department’s involvement with the Mid-Atlantic Recreation and Parks Sports Alliance.  The group is composed of representatives from Rec. & Parks departments throughout MD, VA and D.C.  Its mission is to encourage youth sports leagues//teams to recognize one player and one coach from each jurisdiction with an Award of Sportsmanship.  The Sportsmanship Award was created to highlight positive sportsmanship in the community.  Sportsmanship awards will be presented at the Maryland State House during the General Assembly.  Nominations selected by each jurisdiction are due in October, 2004 and the awards will be presented in January, 2005.  Applications will be distributed to RBBA< RFL, Swim Team and in-house youth sports teams in April, 2004.

Re:  Monthly Divisional Reports

Included for information

Re:  Old Business/New Business

Bob Taylor reminded the Board to check out the new, lighted crosswalk located at Twinbrook Community Recreation Center on Twinbrook Parkway.

Re:  Adjournment