Recreation and Park Advisory Board
 September 23, 2004
Senior Center
Minutes

Members Present: Chip Boylan, Terry Baker, Helen Heneghan, Larry Eason, Bob Taylor, Kate Savage, Ben Solomon, Eric Heckman

Members Absent: Melissa Moore

Staff Present: Michelle Bean, Burt Hall

Re: Approval of Minutes

The minutes of the July 2004 meeting will be tabled until next meeting.

Re: Citizens Forum

None

Re: Staff Report

Burt Hall reported on the current activities at the Sr. Center.

Re: Tour of the Senior Center

Burt Hall gave a tour of the Sr. Center to the Board and shared with them the recent renovations that have been completed at the center.

Re: Effects of Development on Recreation and Parks Facilities and Programs

Burt Hall shared with the Board the memo from Terry Baker regarding the effects of development on Recreation and Parks Facilities and Programs.

Terry Baker stated that there is about a 1/3 increase of persons that will be located near the pool.

Burt Hall asked the Board for some strategies on how to cope with the upcoming changes in population.  Some of the suggestions were to discourage the participation of non-residents for city programs by raising the fee differential, expansion of facilities where we can, such as adding a bubble to the outdoor pool, and addition of new facilities such as the Thomas Farm Recreation Center.

Re: Art in Town Center - Public Art Selection Process for Town Square and Town Center

Kate Savage reported to the Board on her participation on the task force that is working on selecting the public art for Town Square and Town Center.  The city has about $500,000 budgeted for the public art in town center.  The group is preparing a call for entry with their specifications.  The competition will be both regional and national.  Burt Hall also stated that the city hopes to have all of the art installed prior to the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Re: Science Center Feasibility Study

Burt Hall shared with the Board the recent study that has been conducted regarding a new Science Center to be built in Rockville.  A charrette will be held on Saturday, October 30 at the Rockville Senior Center from 9 a. m. - 2 p.m.  Kate Savage and Ben Solomon volunteered to represent the Board at the Charrette.

The County government, several BIO tech firms, MCPS and others have been invited to participate in the charrette.  Burt emphasized that it will be necessary for a wide consortium to come together if the science center is going to have a chance to become a reality.  This would include other local governments, the state, Montgomery County Public Schools, the local colleges and universities, and the business and non-profit sectors. 

Re: Bikeway Project - I-270 Bridge Crossing at MD Rt. 28

Included as FYI.

Re: Maryvale Park Re-Design with possible SWM Facility

Burt Hall shared with the Board the GIS map of the proposed re-design for Maryvale Park that would include the construction of a new rectangular field in the area where the softball field/storm water management basin is located.  A new SWM retention marsh would possibly be built in the eastern section of the park.  This is being studied as an environmental remediation site for the Town Center project.  The consensus of the board was that this would be a positive overall improvement for Maryvale Park.  It was noted that the existing ballfield does not get much use and is not scheduled for games because it regularly floods.  The addition of a field for drop-in soccer that would be a well-drained, reliable field would likely be well received.

Re: Fallsgrove Park/School  Site

Burt Hall shared with the Board a proposed design for the Fallsgrove Park/School site.  The drawings show suggested outlines for sport fields, location of the parking lot, playground, and hard-surface courts.  Burt explained that the developer has offered to install at his own cost, the playground, a section of the parking lot and a soccer field.  The developer would also complete the initial grading of the entire park and plant grass.  The developer’s willingness to complete this work is based on the City’s agreement to allow an existing SWM facility to remain in place in the western corner of the park site.  The Board voted unanimously to support this proposed plan. 

Re: Subcommittees

Citizen Bicycle Advisory Committee - None 

Environmental Issues - None

Fallsgrove & King Farm - Already done.

Glenview Mansion - The group met a couple of weeks ago and viewed the correct rendition portrait of Mrs. Lyons.  Re-landscaped the original gate.  The next meeting is scheduled in couple of weeks to discuss the long range plan for the Mansion and its grounds.

Lincoln Park Community Center - None

RedGate - None

Swim Center - Terry Baker shared with the Board the most recent swim center newsletter.

TCRC - None

Town Center Park - Already done.

Youth Sports - For the first time in the history of the RFL they had to turn away registrants.  Registration was overfilled and the RFL was unable to purchase additional helmets and shoulder pads to accommodate the overflow.  (Unfortunately seven children waited to register until after the league started.)  Over 800 kids are registered to play.  Next weekend, Saturday, October 2, is the 2nd Annual RFL Homecoming, which will be held at Dogwood Park beginning at 9 a.m.

Bob Taylor shared with the Board a new baseball league that is being created which will use wooden bats.  The league is for both children and teens.  It is still in the beginning stages and Bob Taylor will report back when they have more information to share.

Re: Monthly Divisional Reports

Included as FYI

Re: Old Business/New Business

Helen Heneghan inquired about the status of the “praising” letter for Neil Owens and the 501(c)(3) status.  Burt Hall stated that the letter was sent and he will follow-up on the status of the 501(c)(3) at the next meeting.

Bob Taylor inquired about the success of the Arts and Family Music Festival.  Burt Hall shared with the Board that the event went well despite the uncertain weather.

Re: Adjournment