[CALL TO ORDER]
[00:00:33]
I AM LEIGH BLACK. IT'S MY PLEASURE TO CALL THIS MEETING TO ORDER. WE'RE GOING TO BEGIN WITH A WORD
[PUBLIC COMMENTS]
OF PRAYER. JEFF GOODIN WILL OFFER.>> DEAR FATHER, WE JUST THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE HERE THIS MORNING. TO SERVE NOT ONLY YOU BUT TO SERVE THE CITY OF ABILENE. WE ASK THAT YOU WILL BE WITH US IN THE DECISIONS WE MAKE THAT WILL BE BENEFICIAL TO THE CITY, OUR SENIOR CITIZENS AND OUR CHILDREN.
GUIDE US AS WE GO THROUGH THIS PROCESS.
THANK YOU FOR LOVING AND CARING FOR US.
REMEMBER OUR ARMED FORCES AS THEY PROTECT THE FREEDOMS WE TAKE FOR GRANTED. WE ASK THESE THINGS IN YOUR
NAME. >> WE WILL START OFF OPENING THE FLOOR FOR PUBLIC COMMENT. YOU HAVE THREE MINUTES TO SPEAK.
IF ANYONE WOULD LIKE TO TALK ABOUT ANYONE ON THE AGENDA ANY OTHER ISSUE, WE WELCOME FOR YOU TO COME TO THE PODIUM AT THIS TIME. STATE YOUR NAME
>> MY NAME IS LYDIA LONG. AND I WAS THE LEAD PERSON WITH THE PARK PEOPLE. AND I'M SORRY TO JUMP AHEAD ON THE AGENDA BUT I DO HAVE A DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENT, SUCKS GETTING OLD. I WANTED TO GET MY SAY IN.
THIS IS WHAT I WANT TO SPEAK TO IS THE RELOCATION OF CAMP BARKLEY. WHICH IS PRETTY FAR DOWN ON THE AGENDA. IN CASE YOU DON'T REMEMBER MY NAME, I WAS THE PERSON WHO HELPED FUND RAISE CAMP BARKLEY FOR ABILENE. OKAY AND WE STRUCK AN AGREEMENT WITH THIS BOARD AND THE CITY OF ABILENE MANY YEARS AGO TO BUILD CAMP BARKLEY. CAMP BARKLEY WAS BUILT PURELY THROUGH PUBLIC DONATIONS. THE LAND WAS DONATED BY THE CITY. THE USE OF THE LAND.
AND CITIZENS WITH ME LEADING, AGREED TO RAISE OVER $250,000 TO BUILD THAT PARK. THE CITY DID THE LABOR ON INSTALLING BENCHES, SIDEWALKS, BRICK, ALL THE LABOR WAS DONE BY THE CITY BUT ALL THE DONATIONS AND EVERYTHING THAT YOU SEE VISUALLY WAS DONATED BY PEOPLE. OF COURSE, WHEN THIS RELOCATION ISSUE CAME UP ABOUT MOVING THE DOG PARK, I HAVE BEEN GETTING CALLS. SO, IN SPITE OF MY BEST EFFORTS, I DECIDED TO COME IN AND HAVE MY SAY.
I FULLY UNDERSTAND THAT THE PARK NEEDS TO BE MOVEDS BECAUSE OF OTHER ISSUES THAT HAVE COME UP. I DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THAT. OF COURSE, YOU KIND OF WANT TO SEE THAT TREE STAY THERE BUT THAT'S THE WAY IT GOES.
YOU DID OFFER UP OTHER VENUES TO MOVE THE PARK TO.
ON SPEAKING TO OTHER MEMBERS OF THE ORIGINAL PARK PEOPLE WHO RAISED THE MONEY, WE KIND OF LIKE ROSE PARK.
ROSE PARK IS A GOOD, CENTRAL LOCATION FOR THE CITY.
IT HAS GOOD ACCESS FOR MANY NEIGHBORHOODS.
IT'S CLOSE IT TO A SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER WHERE PEOPLE CAN COME OVER, USE THE PARK. IT'S ACROSS THE STREET FROM SENIOR HOMES. WE FEEL LIKE THAT WOULD BE A GOOD LOCATION FOR IT. ACTUALLY YEARS AGO, WE ASKED FOR THAT, BUT INSTEAD WE GOT A PIECE OF LITTLE PROPERTY OUT NEAR THE PARK, NEAR THE ZOO THAT NOBODY WANTED AND THAT WAS COVERED WITH DEBRIS ACTUALLY AND WE PAID TO GET THAT CLEANED UP TOO.
WHAT MY CONCERN IS, ALL THE THINGS THAT WERE DONATED IN THE NAME OF SOMEBODY. WHEN YOU GO TO THE DOG PARK TODAY, YOU WILL SEE AND I'M SORRY IF I'M GOING TO RUN OVER.
I PROBABLY AM JUST A LITTLE BIT. IF YOU WILL BE TOLERANT.
I WON'T RUN OVER LONG. OUR BENCHES, FOUNTAINS, BRICKS, ALL THAT STUFF WAS DONATED MANY IN THE NAME OF SOMEBODY AS A MEMORIAL TO THEIR PET, AS A MEMORIAL TO SOMEONE WHO PASSED AND LOVED DOGS AND OUR CONCERN IS THAT WE HOPE THAT STUFF GOES WITH THE RELOCATION OF THE PARK. AND THAT IS THE ULTIMATE CONCERN. I REALIZE THINGS LIKE, I MEAN YOU LIKE AT THAT FENCE OUT THERE AND SAYS WHO CARES ABOUT THE FENCE. I CARE ABOUT THE FENCE BECAUSE THE FENCE COMPANY WHO PUT THE FENCE UP DID IT AT HALF PRICE.
>> LYDIA, I'M SORRY. YOU ONLY HAVE THREE MINUTES.
>> THEY MY MAIN CONCERN. WE TOTALLY UNDERSTAND IT'S GOT
[00:05:05]
TO MOVE. EVERYBODY IS SAYING PLEASE TAKE OUR STUFF WITH YOU. THANK YOU FOR MOVING IT TO AFLOOR IS STILL OPEN FOR PUBLIC COMMENT.
>> GOOD MORNING. CYNTHIA AVEDRASA.
COUPLE ITEMS I HAVE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT.
I GROUP CAME TO YOU GUYS AND THE CITY THREE YEARS AGO REGARDING RENOVATIONS AT SEARS. I KNOW IT'S ON THE AGENDA BUT WANT TO HIT IT UP HERE. I'M NOT SURE HOW GROUPS ARE CHOSEN TO GET HEARD. THERE WAS ANOTHER GROUP THAT APPROACHED THE CITY. LESLIE ANDREWS HAD A MEETING AND RENOVATIONS WERE ULTIMATELY GRANTED.
I'M NOT SURE WHAT THE DIFFERENCE IS THERE.
I WOULD LIKE TO PUBLICLY REQUEST THE $1.7 MILLION OF OF RENOVATIONS WE REQUESTED AT SEARS PARK THREE YEARS AGO BE PLACED ON THE AGENDA AND PLACED INTO THIS YEAR'S BUDGET.
ANOTHER ISSUE IS PLAY GROUND EQUIPMENT AT THE PARK.
I'M NOT SURE IF YOU VISITED THAT RECENTLY.
THERE ARE TWO PLYWOOD BOARDS. THERE'S DAMAGE AND GRAFFITI THERE. IF WE ACCOUNT ADDRESS THE ISSUES AT COBB. I HAVE PATRONS THAT WANT TO USE THE BASEBALL FIELDS. WE WOULD LIKE THEM TO BE UNLOCKED AND ALLOW NOT ONLY TEAMS TO UTILIZE BUT CHILDREN POSSIBLY LIVING IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD TO HAVE FREE ACCESS AND THE LIGHTING IS HIDEOUS. IF YOU GO THERE AT NIGHT, IT'S NOT SAFE FOR CHILDREN. IT'S NOT SAFE FOR PARENTS WHO TAKE THEIR CHILDREN THERE. THERE'S A LOT OF ACTIVITY WE'RE TRYING TO CLEAN UP IN THE PARTICULAR AREA THAT WOULD ASSURE INDIVIDUALS THAT UTILIZE THE PARK IT WOULD BE SAFE.
COBB IS ANOTHER AREA WOULD BE A GOOD PLACE FOR A DOG PARK.
THERE'S A LOT OF LAND THERE AND TREES.
AGAIN I WILL DISCUSS THAT WHEN THE DOG PARK ISSUE COMES UP AND THEY WERE SOME CITIZENS WHO CAME TO ME AND MENTIONED THAT WILHAIR PARK WOULD BE A GOOD LOCATION. THE DOG PARK HAS BEEN ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF TOWN FOR MULTIPLE YEARS, DECADES FOR THAT.
THERE'S NEVER BEEN A DOG PARK ON THE NORTH SIDE OF TOWN.
WE WOULD LIKE A DOG PARK ON SOUTH SIDE AND NORTH SIDE IF THAT COULD BE PLACED ON THE BUDGET BECAUSE PEOPLE ON THE NORTH SIDE LOVE THEIR ANIMALS AS WELL.
WE HAD TO GO TO THE SOUTH TODAY TO BE ABLE TO DO THAT.
I DON'T NECESSARILY KNOW HOW MUCH A CHAIN LINK FENCE COSTS.
I DON'T THINK IT WOULD COST TOO MUCH.
THERE ARE OPTIONS WHEN YOU LOOK AT WHERE TO PLACE THEM ON THE NORTH SIDE. I WILL GO BACK TO COBB.
THERE'S WATER FOUNTAINS THERE. I'M NOT A PLUMBER.
I ASSUME YOU CAN TAP INTO THAT BECAUSE THERE'S A RESTROOM THERE. I KNOW THE ISSUE COBB WILL COME UP THAT'S IN A FLOOD ZONE. LOCAL DOLLARS CAN BE ALLOCATED.
STEVENS PARK IS ALSO IN A FLOOD WAY AND FUNDS WERE ALLOCATED TO
[2. Minutes (Discussion and Action)]
STEVENSON PARK FOR THOSE RENOVATIONS.I BELIEVE THE CITY AND THE PARKS AND RECS DEPARTMENT CAN MANEUVER AROUND THAT TO ALLOW CITIZENS TO EXPERIENCE THAT.
THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU, CYNTHIA.
FLOOR IS STILL OPEN FOR PUBLIC COMMENT.
SEEING THAT NO ONE ELSE WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK, I WILL CLOSE THE FLOOR FOR PUBLIC COMMENT. ON YOUR AGENDA, WE HAVE PRESENTATION,RECOGNITIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS.
WE WILL DEFER THAT AGENDA ITEM TO A LATER DATE AND MOVE INTO THE APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES. PARK BOARD, YOU SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED A COPY OF THE MINUTES AND I BELIEVE THERE'S ALSO ONE IN YOUR PACKET OR ON THE SCREEN. IF YOU WILL TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO REVIEW THAT AND THEN LOOK FOR ANY CORRECTIONS OR ADDITIONS AND
[EXECUTIVE SESSION]
IF NOT, I WILL ENTERTAIN A MOTION TO APPROVE.>> I MOVE WE APPROVE. >> JACK MOVES WE APPROVE THE MINUTES. I NEED A SECOND.
>> I WILL SECOND. >> TONY, THANK YOU.
THE MOTION HAS BEEN ON THE FLOOR AM IT'S BEEN SECONDED.
ANY OTHER DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE,
>> AYE. >> ALL OPPOSED SAME SIGN.
THE MINUTES ARE APPROVED AS PRESENTED.
NEXT WE'RE GOING TO MOVE INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION.
THE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD OF THE CITY OF ABILENE WILL ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS ANY OF THE MATTERS
LISTED BELOW O >> EXECUTIVE SESSION CONCLUDED
[4. YMCA Field Expansion Project (Discussion, Public Hearing and Action to Approve)]
[00:10:38]
AT 9:05:00 A.M. NO ACTIONS OR MOTIONS OCCURRED DURING THIS SESSION. WE ARE NOW READY TO CONTINUE OUR MEETING. WE'RE EXCITED TO HAVE DAVID HENDRICKS HERE FROM THE YMCA. DAVID WAS THE C.E.O. AND PRESIDENT OF THE Y AND WILL BE MAKING A PRESENTATION ON THE POSSIBILITY OF AN EXPANSION PROJECT.GOOD MORNING. I'M DAVID HENDRICKS, C.E.O. OF THE YMCA. I BROUGHT MY BODY GUARD IN CASE I NEEDED HELP TODAY. I APPRECIATE Y'ALL.
YOUR SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY. WHAT A BLESSING IS TO LIVE IN ABILENE, TEXAS TO HAVE A PRAYER BEFORE A MEETING.
THAT'S ENCOURAGING TO ME. WE HAVE AN EXCITING THING WE'RE LOOKING AT. WE'RE LOOKING AT ADING SOME SPORTS FIELDS. THIS IS JUST WEST OF OUR EXISTING BUILDING IN RED BUD PARK.
THESE WILL HELP US EXPAND OUR SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY.
WE WILL GO THROUGH AND TALK ABOUT THEM IN MORE DETAIL.
WE HAVE GOT AN AFTER SCHOOL CENTER THAT HAS ABOUT 150 KIDS IN IT THIS SUMMER. WILL HAVE 200 KIDS.
WE NEED MORE THINGS TO DO BESIDES BEING TRAPPED IN OUR BUILDING. WE HAVE CLOSE TO 400 KIDS PLAYING YOUTH SOCCER. THIS WILL HELP WITH THAT AND WE HAVE AN INFLUX OF KIDS THAT COME PLAY BASKETBALL IN THE SUMMER.
WE WILL GO THROUGH THE SLIDES. INTERRUPT ME AT ANY TIME WITH QUESTIONS. SO EACH SLIDE, 70 BY 110 FOOT.
THAT SHOWS YOU THE LAYOUT. SO ONE IS AN, WHAT I CALL ASTROTURF FIELD AND ONE IS HARD SURFACE.
THE SHADES OF BLUE IS HARD SURFACE.
THAT CAN BE VOLLEYBALL, PICKLEBALL, TENNIS.
VARIETY OF SPORTS. THE TURF FIELDS, PRIMARY FLAG FOOTBALL AND SOCCER. IT HAS SIDE GOALS.
WTH THE LITTLE BITTY KIDS, WE CAN DO FIVE ON FIVE AND THEY CAN USE THE SIDE GOALS. MULTIPLE ACTIVITIES CAN BE HAPPENING AT A TIME. SO LIKE I SAID, A VARIETY OF SPORTS. SO IT WILL BE AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS AND GUESTS. SO THESE WILL LOCK.
YOU WITH LOCK THESE AND THEY HAVE FENCING AND NETTING.
I MENTIONED THAT ON ONE OF SLIDES.
FULLY ENCLOSED AND LOCKING WITH A LOCKING GATE.
WE CAN SECURE THOSE AFTER HOURS. A LOT OF THESE ARE GOING IN URBAN PLACES. I KNOW IT'S NOT AS BIG AN ISSUE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PARK. AS FAR AS LIGHT POLLUTION, PEOPLE IN THE AREA YOU KNOW THESE LIGHTING, THE LED LIGHTING HAS HOODS ON IT SO IT'S DIRECTED RIGHT AT THE FIELD.
YOU DON'T GET A LOT OF LIGHT POLLUTION.
WHERE THIS COMPANY STARTED IS PUTTING THESE IN URBAN AREAS.
PARKING LOTS AND THAT KIND OF THING.
IT'S LIKE A BIG KIT. YOU SHOW UP, DO THE PREP WORK AND INSTALL IT. SO THIS IS THE ACTUAL COURT SO YOU CAN SEE WHAT THE SURFACE LOOKS LIKE.
OBVIOUSLY THAT'S MORE URBAN SETTING.
AND THERE'S A PICTURE OF WHAT THE TURF WOULD LOOK LIKE ON THAT. NOTHING IS CHEAP THESE DAYS.
THAT'S THE APPROXIMATE COST OF IT.
THE URBAN SOCCER PARK IS THE COMPANY AND WE WOULD HIRE A LOCAL CONTRACTOR TO COORDINATE WITH THEM TO DO THE INSTALL.
QUESTIONS FOR ME? >> BOARD, ANY QUESTIONS? DAVID, SO THIS IS -- IF YOU DO GET APPROVAL FROM OUR BOARD, THEN YOU BEGIN THE FUNDRAISING PROCESS?
>> WE HAVE THE FUNDS IN PLACE. WE'RE READY TO GO.
[00:15:06]
ANY QUESTIONS FROM THE BOARD? IF NOT, I'M GOING TO OPEN IT UP FOR PUBLIC COMMENT. ANYONE HAS ANY QUESTIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE. PLEASE COME TO THE PODIUM.>> CYNTHIA VEDRAS. JUST A QUICK QUESTION.
HOW WAS HE ABLE TO GET ON THE AGENDA?
>> HE MADE THE REQUEST. >> WHAT IS THE PROCESS OF THAT? WHAT DOES THAT LOOK LIKE? HE SENT AN E-MAIL TO ME AND THIS IS PART OF THE LEASE AGREEMENT WE HAVE THE YMCA.
>> I HAVE ALSO SENT YOU AN E-MAIL REGARDING THE RENOVATION
THE SEARS. >> WHY HAVEN'T WE BEEN ABLE TO
GET ON THE AGENDA? >> THE CHAIRMAN ASKED TO DEFER
TO A LATER MEETING. >> THE CHAIRMAN?
>> MR. PITTMAN. >> DID HE SAY WHY?
>> NO, MA'AM. AND THAT DECISION IS UP TO HIM
BECAUSE I HAVE ALSO SENT HIM AN E-MAIL.
>> IS THAT WHERE WE'RE GETTING STUCK?
>> I CAN'T SAY THAT. >> IN THE EVENT THAT HAPPENS, IS THERE A WAY TO APPROACH THE ENTIRE BOARD AND THE ENTIRE BOARD MAKE THE DECISION? OR IS THAT USUALLY HOW THAT WORKS? ONE PERSON MAKES A DECISION?
>> IT'S IN CONSULTATION. BUT FOR THE MOST PART, THE CHAIRMAN HAS THE ABILITY TO SAY WHAT CAN AND CANNOT COME ON A MEETING OR WHEN. AND IN THIS CASE, HE IS, WAS NOT ABLE TO BE HERE TODAY SO ASKED IT TO BE DEFERRED WHEN HE COULD
FOR PUBLIC RECORD, THIS HAS BEEN THREE YEARS WE REQUESTED SEARS
PARK BE PUT ON THE AGENDA. >> I'M GOING TO ASSUME FOR THREE
YEARS IT'S IN CONSULTATION. >> NO, MA'AM.
WE HAD PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITIES.
AND A LOT OF TIME, INSTEAD OF HAVING ITEMS ON A PARKS BOARD MEETING, WE HAVE COMMUNITY MEETINGS IN LIEU OF.
>> DID YOU HAVE A COMMUNITY MEETING FOR THIS ITEM?
>> FOR WHICH? >> THE ONE ON THE AGENDA?
>> THEY HAVE A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH US.
WE DO NOT NEED. >> TAXPAYERS THAT FUND THESE.
TAXPAYERS ARE NOT FUNDING THIS. >> THE ONES YOU HAVE MOVED FORTH IN THE PAST CANNOT BE ASKED TO BE PLACED ON THE AGENDA?
>> THAT IS A VERY WIDE VARIETY OF THINGS THAT CAN HAPPEN.
THAT'S TOO WIDE OF A QUESTION FOR ME TO ANSWER.
>> THAT'S FINE. THERE WAS A COMMITTEE STEVENSON PARK CAME UP TO TO GET ON THE AGENDA?
>> THAT WAS PART OF A MASTER PLANNING PROCESS.
>> AND SEARS PARK WASN'T INCLUDED IN THAT
>> NOT THAT ONE. SEARS PARK HAD A MASTER PLANNING PROCESS. IT WAS DONE PRIOR TO ME BEING IN
THIS POSITION. >> SO WHO, THERE'S ALSO A SEARS PARK GROUP THAT YOU GUYS WORK WITH.
COULD YOU DISCLOSE WHO THAT IS? WHAT THAT GROUP IS?
>> YOU WILL HAVE TO ASK THEM. I'M NOT SURE WHO IS ON THAT
COMMITTEE? >> HAVE YOU MET WITH THEM IN THE
YOUR TIME IS UP. >> THANK YOU.
LET'S GET BACK TO THE YMCA PRESENTATION.
BOARD, ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS? >> SO, I WE ARE AT A POINT WHERE I'M READY TO ENTERTAIN A MOTION TO EITHER APPROVE OR DISAPPROVE
[5. Designating Cedar Creek Trail a Linear Park (Discussion, Public Hearing and Action to Approve)]
THE YMCA EXPANSION. >> I RECOMMEND WE APPROVE IT?
>> JEFF RECOMMENDS WE APPROVE THE YMCA EXPANSION.
>> I NEED A SECOND. >> TONY SECONDS.
ANY OTHER QUESTIONS? WE'RE READY TO VOTE.
>> ALL OPPOSED. >> MOTION CARRIES WE APPROVE THE EXPANSION OF THE YMCA. WELCOME.
OUR NEXT AGENDA ITEM IS THE DESIGNATION OF CEDAR CREEK TRAIL AS A LINEAR PARK. LESLIE WILL BE MAKING THIS
PRESENTATION. >> YES, AS MANY OF YOU KNOW, THE CEDAR CREEK TRAIL WAS APPROVED IN THE 2015 BONDS FROM 2016 TO 2022 WAS WORKING WITH RAILROAD TXDOT, AEP.
[00:20:03]
PRIVATE ENTITIES TO BE ABLE TO SECURE THE LAND TO BUILD THE PARK. OR TO BUILD THE TRAIL.IN 2022, CONSTRUCTION DID BEGIN. IF YOU DRIVE BY THERE ALONG THE EAST SOUTH 11TH, YOU WILL SEE THE TRAIL IS BEING BUILT.
THE PICTURES BEFORE YOU ARE A PART OF THE TRAIL THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN BUILT. THIS IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
SO WHERE YOU SEE THE BERMS UP AND THE DIRT OUT OF THE WAY, THAT WILL BE SMOOTHED OUT TO NICE VEGETATION.
THE PROJECT IS SCHEDULED TO BE COMPLETE IN 2023.
ONE OF THE COMMENTS THAT CAME FROM THE MASTER PLANNING GROUP WAS REALLY THE SUGGESTION DO WE WANT TO CONSIDER THE CEDAR CREEK TRAIL AS A LINEAR PARK? ABILENE CURRENTLY DOES NOT HAVE ANY LINEAR PARKS. THIS VERY MUCH FACILITIES WITHIN THE DEFINITION OF A LINEAR PARK. AND SO, WE ARE BRINGING BEFORE THE BOARD TODAY THE CONVERSATION.
THIS WOULD BE, IF THIS IS SOMETHING THAT PARKS BOARD IS INTERESTED IN, THEY WOULD MAKE THE RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL. CITY COUNCIL IS THE ONE THAT HAS THE AUTHORITY TO MAKE AN AREA A PARK OR NOT.
WE'RE VERY CONSERVATIVE ON WHEN WE MAKE THAT REQUEST BECAUSE ONCE THE DESIGNATION IS MADE, IT'S VERY DIFFICULT TO RETRACT IT. AND SO WE'RE VERY CAREFUL WHEN WE LOOK AT DOING THIS. BUT THIS SEEMS LIKE A REALLY GOOD LOCATION TO CONSIDER FOR A LINEAR PARK.
SO WE WANTED TO BRING IT BEFORE PARKS BOARD TODAY.
QUESTIONS? >> DO YOU HAVE A WORD FOR BOARD DEFINITION FOR LINEAR PARK SO WE'RE ALL ON THE SAME PAGE?
>> A LINEAR PARK IS BASICALLY, I HAVE IT HERE IN -- A LINEAR PARK IS BASICALLY A DEVELOPED OR LANDSCAPED AREA OF LAND THAT IS A LINEAR CORRIDOR SUCH AS RAILROAD, TRAILS OR OTHER ELONGATED FEATURES. THE TYPE OF PARKS CONTAIN TRAIL, LANDSCAPING, VIEWPOINTS. ACTIVITIES PASSIVE IN NATURE, WALKING, BIKING, WATCHING WILDLIFE ET CETERA.
SOME OF THE AMENITIES THEY RECOMMEND IN A LINEAR TRAIL ARE THAT YOU SEE ARE PAVED PATHWAYS, LANDSCAPING, NATURAL VEGETATION, PICNIC TABLES. TRAIL HEADS.
SEATING AREAS. OFF-STREET PARKING.
ALMOST EVERY ONE OF THOSE THE CEDAR CREEK TRAIL HAS.
>> SO IT'S BASICALLY PROVIDING MORE OF A SECURITY OR PROTECTION
>> NO INVASIVENESS OF ANYTHING ELSE YOU MAY NOT WANT IN THE
JEFF OR TONY, ANY QUESTIONS? >> I WILL OPEN IN DISCUSSION OF LOOKING AT A LINEAR PARK DESIGNATION.
I WILL OPEN THE FLOOR FOR PUBLIC HEARING.
CYNTHIA VEDRAS FOR THE RECORD. >> CAN YOU VERIFY IF THIS IS IN
A FLOOD ZONE. >> I CANNOT AT THIS TIME.
>> YOU DON'T KNOW. JAI WOULD HAVE TO LOOK AT THE MAPS. SO WHEREVER YOU DID THE SIDEWALK, DID YOU NOT KNOW WHETHER OR NOT IT WAS A FLOOD
WAY OR FLOOD ZONE? >> THE ENGINEERS LOOKED THAT UP.
I DO NOT REMEMBER OFF MY HEAD. >> IT'S IN A FLOOD WAY.
THAT'S DISHEARTENING YOU'RE THE DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND REC YOU DO NOT KNOW IF WE'RE PUTTING DOLLARS IN A FLOOD ZONE.
THERE'S GOING TO BE ISSUES THAT COME UP IN WHICH SOMEONE WILL SAY IT'S IN A FLOOD WAY AND FUNDS CAN'T BE ALLOCATED.
IT'S NOT NECESSARILY TRUE BECAUSE WE HAVE A WALKING TRAIL IN A FLOOD WAY AND THERE HAVE BEEN PARKS RENOVATED IN A FLOOD WAY. HOW DO TAXPAYERS GETTING A
MASTER PLANNING GROUP GOING? >> THERE'S A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT
WAYS THAT THAT CAN HAPPEN. >> COULD YOU LET US KNOW WHAT
THOSE ARE? >> CAN YOU HURRY BECAUSE YOU'RE EATING UP MY TIME. HOW DO YOU GET A MASTER PLANNING
GROUP GOING? >> THERE'S A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT
WAYS THAT CAN HAPPEN. >> OKAY.
CAN YOU LET US KNOW. >> THEY CAN PUT A GROUP TOGETHER AND LOOK INTO IT. YOU CAN APPROVE THE CITY TO SEE IF THE CITY CAN PARTNER. AGAIN, THERE'S A WIDE VARIETY OF
[00:25:01]
WAYS THAT CAN COME ABOUT. >> WHEN YOU SAY THEY, WHO IS
THEY? >> WHOEVER IS INTERESTED IN
HAVING A MASTER PLAN? >> TAXPAYERS.
>> SO LIKE THE GROUP THAT CAME TO YOU FOR THE SEARS PARK
RENOVATION THREE YEARS AGO? >> POTENTIALLY.
HOW DOES A GROUP -- >> CYNTHIA, ON AGENDA ITEMS, THIS DISCUSSION IS ON THE LINEAR PARK.
THIS PROBABLY SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE IN PUBLIC COMMENT.
>> NO IT'S NOT GOING TO BE DONE IN PUBLIC COMMENT BECAUSE IT HAS TO DO WITH THIS PARTICULAR AGENDA ITEM AND YOU'RE NOT GOING TO EAT UP MY TIME. THIS HAS TO DO WITH A PARTICULAR AGENDA ITEM AND MENTIONED A MASTER PLANNING GROUP.
IT'S PART OF THE AGENDA. SO INSTEAD OF EATING UP MY TIME,
COULD YOU ANSWER THE QUESTIONS. >> DO YOU KNOW THE ANSWERS TO
THE QUESTIONS MS. BLACK? >> I'M DEFERRING TO STAFF.
>> DID YOU DON'T KNOW THE ANSWER, JUST SAY YOU DON'T KNOW
THE ANSWER. >> THE ANSWERS ARE COMPLICATED.
>> THEY'RE NOT COMPLICATED. A GROUP CAME TO YOU REGARDING RENOVATIONS. YOU KEEP MENTIONING A MASTER PLANNING GROUP. SOUNDS LIKE ALL WE HAVE TO DO IS SEND AN E-MAIL. IF THEY ARE GETTING DENIED, THERE'S OTHER QUESTIONS WE CAN ASK.
IF THAT'S HOW SIMPLE THE PROCESS IS AND YOU DENY INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE TAXPAYERS THAT PROVIDE YOU AN OPPORTUNITY TO SIT ON THE BOARD, YOU KNOW TO LET US KNOW WHAT THE PROCESS IS.
YOU'RE MAKING IT DIFFICULT FOR NO REASON IF IT'S THAT SIMPLE.
WE'RE BACK ON TRACK TO LINEAR PARK.
AND IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN THE DESIGNATION BEING GIVEN TO THE CEDAR CREEK TRAIL. DO YOU HAVE ANY MORE QUESTIONS? FOR LESLIE. IF NOT, I WILL ENTERTAIN A MOTION TO EITHER APPROVE OR DISAPPROVE THIS DESIGNATION FOR
[6. Parks and Recreation Long Term Funding Sources (Discussion)]
>> I WILL SECOND THE MOTION. >> GO AHEAD.
OF THE DESIGNATION? >> UH-HUH.
>> JEFF YOU SECOND. >> ANY MORE
>> ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. >> AYE.
>> OPPOSED. >> MOTION CARRIES.
SO, CEDAR CREEK TRAIL WILL BE GIVEN THE LINEAR PARK
DESIGNATION. >> LET ME REPHRASE, THIS WILL BE A RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL TO CONSIDER IT FOR A PARK.
>> PERFECT. NEXT ON OUR AGENDA, LONG-TERM
ONE OF THE THINGS AS PART OF THE CITY WIDE MASTER PLAN PROCESS AS YOU KNOW WITH ANY PLAN, IT TAKES SUBSTANTIAL FUNDING TO BRING THE PLAN INTO FRUITION. ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE WOULD LIKE TO BRING BEFORE THE PARKS BOARD IS TO CONSIDER SOME POSSIBLY LONG-TERM FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES SO WE CAN BRING SOME OF THESE THINGS FORWARD OUTSIDE OF THE GENERAL FUND.
CITY COUNCIL DOES APPROVE THE GENERAL FUND EVERY YEAR, BUT THOSE FUNDS ARE YOU KNOW, IT'S A TIGHT BUDGET AND THERE'S A LOT OF THINGS THEY HAVE TO CONSIDER. AND SO, WHAT WE WOULD LIKE TO DO IS BASICALLY HAVE A BRAIN STORMING OPPORTUNITY WITH THE PARKS BOARD ABOUT SOME, HOW FUNDS CAN BE RAISED TO BRING TO LIFE SOME OF THESE IDEAS AND STUFF EITHER THROUGH THE MASTER PLAN OR MAKING IMPROVEMENTS IN A PARK.
SOME CAN BE USED FOR MAINTENANCE.
WHAT IT CAN BE USED FOR HAS NOT BEEN DESIGNATED YET.
IT COULD BE FOR MAINTENANCE. IMPROVEMENTS.
COULD BE FOR A BRAND-NEW PARK. REALLY ANYTHING IS THE LIMIT.
AND SOME OF THE IDEAS I'M JUST THROWING A COUPLE OUT HERE.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE USED TO HEARING IS THE GENERAL FUND BONDS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT DOLLARS, MINOR IMPROVEMENT DOLLARS CAN BE USED FOR A ONE-TIME COST LIKE BUILDING A TRAIL.
WHAT THESE ARE, ARE MORE OF AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THERE TO BE MORE OF A CONSISTENT DOLLARS TO COME IN.
TO CONSISTENTLY YOU KNOW BE MAKING IMPROVEMENTS AND ENHANCEMENTS AND UPGRADING PLAYGROUNDS AND CONCESSION STANDS AND THINGS LIKE THAT. SOME OF THE IDEAS THAT WE THOUGHT WE WOULD AT LEAST THROW OUT TO GET THE CONVERSATION GOING IS PROPERTY LEASES. YOU KNOW SOMETIMES THERE IS THE
[00:30:01]
OPPORTUNITY IN CERTAIN AREAS THAT'S OUTSIDE OF THE FLOOD WAY THAT YOU KNOW WE CAN LEASE PROPERTY FOR SOME DEVELOPMENT WITH THE LEASE DOLLARS COMING BACK INTO THE PARKS DEPARTMENT.WE BEING TALK ABOUT RESTRUCTURING OF PARKS BUCKS.
RIGHT NOW IT'S AN OPT IN OPPORTUNITY.
WHILE WE DO RECEIVE DOLLARS FROM THAT, IT IS A SMALL AMOUNT AND IT DOES HAVE TO ACCUMULATE FOR MANY YEARS TO GET TO THE POINT THAT WE'RE ABLE TO DO THINGS WITH THOSE DOLLARS.
THRE'S A CONVERSATION ABOUT A PARKS FOUNDATION.
THIS HAS BEEN BROUGHT BEFORE THE BOARD OFF AND ON FOR QUITE A FEW YEARS. YOU KNOW FOR A 501 C 3 FOUNDATION TO BE OUT. WRITE GRANTS.
SOLICIT ENDOWMENTS AND BRING DOLLARS THAT HELP FUND THESE THINGS THAT WERE NOT ABLE TO THROUGH THE GENERAL FUND.
AND OF COURSE, I PUT ON THE SLIDE, OTHER BECAUSE REALLY I'M OPENING THE FLOOR FOR IDEAS OR FOR ANYTHING THAT THE PARKS BOARD YOU KNOW MAY KNOW OF OR RECOMMEND US TO LOOKING INTO.
>> WHAT ABOUT PARK PEOPLE? I THINK LYDIA REFERRED TO THAT.
>> THAT WAS A SMALL GROUP THAT SHE PUT TOGETHER.
I'M NOT, I DON'T BELIEVE THAT 501 C 3 IS STILL IN EXISTENCE.
>> IT WAS A 501? >> I BELIEVE SO.
I WOULD HAVE TO CONFIRM THAT. WAS ACTUALLY DONE PRIOR TO ME COMING. I CAN REMEMBER BEING PART OF A NON-PROFIT THAT CONTRIBUTED TO PARK PEOPLE.
AND I THINK IT'S KIND OF ALONG THE SAME VAIN AS YOUR TALKING ABOUT, LOOKING AT OTHER OPTIONS WHICH I THINK IS GOOD.
HAVING WORKED FOR A FOUNDATION AND BEING PART OF NON-PROFITS, THE POTENTIAL FOR PUBLIC TO HAVE A VENUE TO GIVE TO.
ANY COMMENTS FROM THE BOARD? WE HAVE SUCCESSFUL PROPERTY LEASES THAT HAVE SHOWN THE TRAJECTORY ARE BEING ABLE TO BRING IN FUNDS OR BE SUSTAINABLE.
>> WE HAVE NEVER DONE THAT BEFORE.
THIS WOULD BE A FIRST TIME TO LOOK AT DOING THIS.
WE DO HAVE SMALLER LEASES LIKE WITH THE YMCA, BUT THAT IS, THAT WAS MORE OF WHEN WE INHERITED THE PARK, WE ALSO HAD THE LEASE WITH YMCA. THAT WAS IN CONJUNCTION WITH WHAT THAT WAS SET UP WHEN RED BUD CAME INTO EXISTENCE WITH US.
THIS IS REALLY A WHOLE NEW AREA THAT WE WOULD TO LOOK INTO.
ANOTHER QUESTION I HAVE FOR MORE RESEARCH TO BE DONE BY STAFF AS TO WHAT OTHER IF ANY OTHER CITIES HAVE PARK FOUNDATIONS.
>> I DO KNOW THEY DO. I WENT TO A DIRECTOR'S MEETING.
IT WAS APPROXIMATELY A YEAR AGO AND DID TALK TO SOME CITIES THAT OR DID BECOME AWARE OF CITIES THAT DO HAVE PARK FOUNDATIONS.
I HAVE NOT GONE, SO FAR AS TO REACH OUT TO THEM TO GET THE FORMAT OF WHAT THEY DO UNTIL WE HAD THIS MEETING TO SEE IF THIS IS THE PARKING BOARD WOULD EVEN THINK WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA.
>> I THINK -- I THINK IT'S WORTH FURTHER EXPLORATION.
AND RESEARCH. >> I WOULD LIKE INTO FOR THE FUTURE. THAT'S MY OPINION.
HOW MUCH MONEY TO SPEND ON EACH PARK.
WHAT KIND OF BUDGET WE'RE LOOKING AT FOR EACH FACILITY.
FOR EACH PARK WE LOOK AT. I LIKE TO LOOK AT THAT.
>> I WILL SAY WE DO NOT HAVE THAT BROKEN DOWN.
WE'RE ACTUALLY TALKING HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IF YOU ACTUALLY TRIED TO DO EVERYTHING ALL AT ONE TIME.
YOU'RE LOOKING AT HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS.
>> SO I GUESS OUR RECOMMENDATION, DO YOU NEED A
MOTION? >> I DO NOT NEED A MOTION ON THIS. IT'S MORE IF YOU'RE COMFORTABLE AND PARKS BOARD WOULD LIKE STAFF TO DO FURTHER INVESTIGATION, WE WILL LOOK INTO ALL OF THESE OPPORTUNITIES AND CAN BRING SOMETHING FORWARD. I DON'T HAVE A TIMELINE ON WHEN I CAN BRING IT BACK FORWARD, BUT WE CAN DO OUR RESEARCH AND BRING
IT FORWARD. >> I THINK WE SHOULD PURSUE IT.
WE DO NOT TALK ABOUT RESTRUCTURING PARKS BUCKS, IS THERE ANYTHING CONVERSATION ON THAT?
[00:35:01]
>> RESTRUCTURING PARKS BUCKS. >> THE WAY IT IS RIGHT NOW IS YOU HAVE TO DO IT THROUGH YOUR WATER BILL AND YOU SIGN UP AND IT WILL EITHER BE ONE, THREE OR $5 THAT CAN BE DONATED TO PARKS BUCKS. AND YOU PAY THAT WHEN YOU PAY
YOUR WATER BILL. >> I THINK WE TALKED ABOUT THAT AT A PREVIOUS MEETING. MAYBE AT THE SAME TIME.
>> OKAY. WE'RE LOOKING AT ALL EITHER REVISITING OR ADDING NEW OPTIONS.
>> UH-HUH. JUST REALLY LOOKING.
>> YEAH. WE'RE JUST LOOKING AT REALLY OPTIONS OUTSIDE OF TAX DOLLARS TO HELP MAKE IMPROVEMENTS IN OUR PARKS. THINGS AREN'T GETTING CHEAPER.
NOW LYDIA SPOKE IN PUBLIC COMMENT AND WE'RE GOING TO MOVE BACK TO CAMP BARKLEY. NO.
WE'RE NOT. I THINK IT'S, I THINK IT WAS JUST FOR BOARD DISCUSSION.
IT'S LISTED AS DISCUSSION ONLY.
THEY COULD IF THEY WANTED TO. THAT'S FINE.
PLEASE COME TO THE PODIUM. PLEASE COME TO THE PODIUM.
>> CYNTHIA VED RAS FOR THE RECORD.
THE CITY HAS MULTIPLE OPPORTUNITIES TO BRING IN MONEY FOR THE PARKS AND RECS DEPARTMENT.
I'M NOT SURE WHAT'S GOING ON WITH OUR MONEY.
THIS IS A CONVERSATION I HAVE HAD WITH LESLIE FOR FOUR, FIVE YEARS. WE HAVE CHILD CARE THAT BRING IN MONEY, AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS THAT BRING IN MONEY.
SPORTS FEES AND FOR WHATEVER REASON, I DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS THE PARKS BOARD, I DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS LESLIE.
I DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS THE CITY, BUT OUR SERVICES THAT WE PROVIDE AT THE COMMUNITY ARE ALMOST NONEXISTENT AND GOING TO NON-PROFITS. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW MUCH AYSA LEASES LAND FOR FROM THE PARKS AND REC DEPARTMENT?
>> I DO NOT. >> DO YOU MR. GOODWIN?
>> MR. PALLAREZ. IT'S A DOLLAR.
YOU WANT THEM TO COME TO THE TAXPAYERS WHERE THAT'S A HUGE REVENUE SOURCE. INSTEAD OF COMING TO THE TAXPAYERS AND GETTING INTO OUR POCKET.
YOU MIGHT WANT TO KNOW WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT BEFORE SITTING ON A BOARD. THAT ORGANIZATION WAS CREATED BY AN INDIVIDUAL WHOSE COMPANY WAS WORTH $1.6 MILLION.
YOU'RE LEASING THAT LAND FOR A DOLLAR.
AND THAT WITHIN ITSELF IS DISHEARTENING TO HAVE FOUR BOARD MEMBERS THAT DON'T KNOW THAT. I KNOW MS. BLACKMON IS EXTREMELY NEW AND MR. PALLAREZ. I KNOW MR. GOODIN, I HAVE SEEN YOU SEVERAL TIMES SITTING ON THE BOARD.
I'M NOT TRYING TO BE DISRESPECTFUL IN ANY MANNER.
WHEN TAXPAYERS REQUEST ASSISTANCE AND GETTING DENIED THEIR ABILITIES TO BE PLACED ON THE AGENDA BUT YOU WANT TO COME TO US AND LEASE OUR LAND BECAUSE IT'S NOT YOURS AND YOUR LEASING OUR LAND OUT FOR A DOLLAR AND GETTING RID OF AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS AND TRIED AND WE HAD TO COME AND SAVE THEM.
WE GOT THE NUMBERS UP FOR THE DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND REC.
YOU CAN'T EVEN FIGURE HOW TO MAKE MONEY OUT OF THAT.
THERE IS A LOT OF MONEY AT THE CITY'S DISPOSAL TO INCLUDE THE PARKS AND RECS AND WE HAVE PEOPLE WHO DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY'RE DOING OR KNOW EXACTLY WHAT THEY'RE DOING.
AND AT THE END OF THE DAY, YOU KEEP COMING WANTING TO GET IN OUR PACKETS AND TAKE AWAY FROM OUR CHILDREN WHEN WE HAVE TO TO CONTINUE TO WORK WHEN THE MS- ONLY THING SOME CHILDREN HAVE ARE PARKS LOCATED WITHIN THE COMMUNITY AND YOU WANT TO TEAR THAT DOWN. I SUGGEST YOU GO BACK AND RESEARCH STUFF AND FIGURE OUT WAYS TO BENEFIT US A LITTLE
[00:40:03]
BETTER. THANK YOU.>> WAIT JUST A SECOND. >> YES, SIR.
>> I MISSED WHO YOU ARE REPRESENTING?
>> THE TAXPAYER. I'M A TAXPAYER HERE AND IT'S REALLY DISHEARTENING WHEN I HAVE APPROACHED AND SENT E-MAILS TO
[7. Relocation of Camp Barkeley (Discussion, Public Hearing and Action to Approve)]
YOU GUYS. SENT E-MAILS TO THE CITY COUNCIL. LESLIE, I HAVE DISCUSSED WITH HER. I WAS IN DISCUSSIONS WITH LESLIE YEARS BEFORE I STARTED COMING UP HERE.I'M NOT GOING TO DEAL WITH LESLIE ANYMORE BECAUSE --
>> I'M SORRY. YOUR TIME IS UP.
>> HE ASKED ME A QUESTION, MA'AM.
>> YOUR TIME IS UP. >> BUT HE ASKED ME A QUESTION.
>> DO I HAVE TO LEAVE? >> YOU ANSWERED CORRECTLY.
THANK YOU YOUR TIME IS UP. >> MR. GOODIN.
THANK YOU. >> WE ARE NOW GOING TO TALK ABOUT CAMP BARKLEY. AND OUR FURRY FRIENDS.
>> ONE OF THE CONVERSATIONS THAT WE HAD THIS A COUPLE MONTHS AGO AND THE PARKS WANTED TO HEAR A LITTLE MORE FROM MASTER PLAN IN REGARDING TO POSSIBLE LOCATIONS FOR FUTURE DOG PARKS.
WHETHER IT'S MOVING CAMP BARKLEY, KEEPING OR ADDING DOG PARKS IN OTHER LOCATIONS OF THE CITY.
AND SO, I DON'T KNOW WHO HAS THE CLICKER.
ONE OF THE, WHERE THE DOG PARK IS CURRENTLY LOCATED HERE ARE THE STATISTICS ABOUT NELSON PARK AND THE SIZE OF IT.
WE TALK ABOUT THE SMALL DOG PARK BEING APPROXIMATELY 41,000 FEET AND THE LARGE DOG PARK 81,000 FEET FOR A TOTAL OF 122,000, WHICH EQUATES TO 2.8 ACRES. TAKING THAT FOOTPRINT AND LOOKING AT OTHER PARKS THROUGHOUT THE CITY, SOME OF THE IDEAS THAT CAME UP WERE IT'S CLOSER TO MLK PARK.
IT'S ACROSS THE CREEK FROM CAL YOUNG PARK IS ONE LOCATION.
SCARBOROUGH PARK AND FANNIN PARK.
RIGHT NOW IT IS LOCATED IN NELSON.
SO WE BASICALLY TOOK THAT 2.8 ACRES AND LOOKED TO SEE WHERE IN OTHER PARKS THAT WE HAVE, THAT WE POTENTIALLY COULD PUT THAT SIZE PARK OR TWO PARKS AND SO, JUST WALKING THROUGH A COUPLE OF THOSE, THE FIRST ONE IS THE CAL YOUNG MLK, AS YOU CAN SEE, TO YOUR RIGHT IS CAL YOUNG PARK AND TO THE NORTH IN THIS PICTURE IS MLK PARK. THE CITY OWNS FIVE ACRES HERE.
ONE OF THE THINGS I DO WANT TO SAY IS WHAT WE WERE LOOKING FOR WAS BASICALLY SOMEWHAT OF A CLEAN SLATE SO THAT WE COULD TRULY DEVELOP THIS DOG PARK INTO YOU KNOW, SOMETHING STATE-OF-THE-ART FOR DOG PARKS AND SO WE WERE LOOKING AT SOMEWHAT OF A CLEAN SLATE. SO, THIS IS 5 ACRES THAT WE RECENTLY OBTAINED. THERE IS A WATER SOURCE OF THIS LOCATION. WE WOULD NEED TO LOOK AT ADDING POSSIBLY LIGHTING, IRRIGATION, PARKING AND RESTROOM.
REALLY WITH ANY OF THESE LOCATIONS, WE'RE GOING TO TALK ABOUT SOME AMENITIES ARE THERE AND SOME ARE NOT.
WE'RE LOOKING FOR GUIDANCE TO NARROW DOWN THE LIST OF WHAT WE WANT TO TALK ABOUT. THE NEXT LOCATION FOR US TO TALK ABOUT IS FANNIN. FANNIN IS A 2.8 ACRES THAT WE HAVE THAT IS ABOUT THE RIGHT SPACE IF WE WANTED TO ADD A DOG PARK THERE. IT'S DIRECTLY BEHIND MERCY CLINIC IF YOU'RE FAMILIAR WITH THAT CLINIC THROUGH THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT. THERE ARE WATER SOURCES THERE.
WE WOULD HAVE TO MAKE RUN ELECTRIC LINES, MAKE PARKING LOT IMPROVEMENTS AND ADD RESTROOMS TO THE LOCATION.
THE NEXT LOCATION IS KIRBY PARK. KIRBY PARKING LOT -- PARK IS A BEAUTIFUL PARK. IT'S 2.4 ACRES AND WOULD BE A TINY BIT SMALLER. IT WOULD BE MAKING SURE WE HAVE THE WATER RESOURCES, LIGHTING AND THE RESTROOMS FOR IT TO BE A VIABLE PARK. THE NEXT LOCATION IS OSCAR ROSE PARK. RIGHT NOW, THAT IS AN OLD BASEBALL COMPLEX THAT ACTUALLY HAS FOOTBALL, A LOT OF TEAMS PLAY FOOTBALL OR SOCCER PRACTICES IN THAT AREA.
THIS IS ONE OF THE THROUGH THE MASTER PLAN PICKLEBALL WAS VERY
[00:45:01]
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR ADDING TO ABILENE.THAT IS WE DO NOT HAVE ANY DESIGNATED PICKLEBALL COURTS.
SO THIS LOCATION IS ALSO POTENTIALLY BEING LOOKED AT TO EXPAND AND OFFER PICKLEBALL. IT WOULD BE VERY DIFFICULT BECAUSE THIS AREA THAT'S IN GREEN IS 2.8 ACRES WHICH IS THE EQUIVALENT OF WHAT WE HAVE AT NELSON.
IT WOULD BE VERY DIFFICULT AT THIS POINT IN ROSE PARK TO OFFER A DOG PARK AS WELL AS PICKLEBALL.
SO THAT IS ONE DRAWBACK FROM THAT IF PICKLEBALL IS SOMETHING WE WANT TO OFFER. IT WAS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF PEOPLE IN THE MASTER PLAN THAT ARE ASKING FOR PICKLEBALL TO BE BROUGHT TO ABILENE. THE LAST ONE WE WANTED TO PRESENT BEFORE YOU TODAY IS SCARBOROUGH PARK.
AGAIN THIS IS 2.8 ACRES. THIS IS ON THE FAR WEST SIDE OF TOWN. AGAIN THERE IS SOME WATER OUT THERE. THERE IS EXISTING DISC GOLF COURSE THAT WOULD BE IMPACTED TO SOME EXTENT.
WE WOULD HAVE TO ON FIGURING OUT HOW TO MAKE THAT WORK.
WHAT WE WERE LOOKING AT IS YOU KNOW KIND OF MAYBE ONE OR TWO LOCATIONS, ONE ON THE EAST SIDE, ONE ON THE WEST SIDE, GIVING EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL PEOPLE.
BUT REALLY THE FLOOR IS YOURS AND CITY IS HERE TO TAKE DIRECTION ON WHAT LOCATIONS YOU LIKE AND ANY PREFERENCES THAT YOU WOULD LIKE US TO, YOU CAN MAKE A DECISION TODAY TO MOVE IT OR MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR US TO GET MORE INFORMATION IN A
MORE LIMITED AMOUNT OF PARKS. >> THANK YOU, LESLIE.
YOU HAVE GIVEN US A LOT, I APPRECIATE THE STAFF'S TIME IN LOOKING AT THESE OPTIONS. I ACTUALLY DROVE TO ALL THE PARKS YESTERDAY JUST TO LOOK AT THE POTENTIAL.
BOARD, DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR?
>> I RECOMMEND FANNIN PARK AND ALSO RECOMMEND CAL YOUNG PARK.
THAT'S MY RECOMMENDATION. >> I HAVE TWO PARKS.
FANNIN PARK, THAT LOCATION IS NOT FAR FROM SEARS PARK.
WOULD BE A NICE LOCATION TO DEVELOP AND ALSO FOR CAL YOUNG PARK. I PREFER TO HAVE THESE TWO.
THE AREA I CHOOSE. >> CAL YOUNG AND FANNIN.
>> CAL YOUNG AND FANNIN. >> TONY, WOULD THAT BE FOR THE STAFF OR FURTHER RESEARCH OR TAKE --
>> FOR RESEARCH. I LIKE FANNIN.
THAT'S MY AREA AND CAL YOUNG. JEFF.
>> FANNIN, I LIKE THOSE TWO PARKS TOO.
I THINK WE NEED TO DO MORE RESEARCH AND COME UP WITH MORE INFORMATION FOR, OF THE FIVE I HAVE LOOKED AT.
THOSE ARE THE TWO I RECOMMEND ALSO.
I ALSO SAY MORE RESEARCH NEEDS TO BE DONE PRESENTED.
CAL YOUNG STANDS OUT AS A GOOD LOCATION.
AS FAR AS THE SECOND LOCATIO, FROM THE INFORMATION THAT WAS JUST GIVEN, IT SEEMS LIKE IT MIGHT ALTER AS FAR AS SPACE AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT IN OTHER LOCATIONS FOR IT TO BE THERE.
SO, WITH HAVING A CLEAN SLATE WITH FANNIN PARK, THOSE TWO STAND OUT TO ME AS WELL. BUT WOULD LIKE FURTHER
INFORMATION. >> I WILL NOW OPEN THE FLOOR FOR
PUBLIC HEARING. >> CYNTHIA ALVEDRAS.
I ALSO AGREE TO TAKE IT BACK FOR MORE RESEARCH.
THERE ARE CHILDREN WHO UTILIZE THE FIELDS FOR BASEBALL PRACTICE. THERE'S AN ORGANIZATION THAT TRAIN CHILDREN OUT OF THEIR POCKETS SO FREE TO THE PUBLIC FOR TRACK. SO, THAT FIELD IS HEAVILY UTILIZED BY INDIVIDUALS WHO RESIDE NOT ONLY IN THE AREA BUT FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO WANT TO ASSIST CHILDREN WHO LIVE IN THAT AREA. I THINK CAL YOUNG IS ALSO PERFECT AREA FOR THE DOG PARK JUST CONSIDERING IT'S NOT TOO FAR FROM WHERE IT WAS LOCATED FROM NELSON.
PEOPLE WHO ARE FAMILIAR WITH NELSON, IT'S LIKE RIGHT DOWN THE ROAD. I'M TOTALLY IN FAVOR OF CALYOUNG AND NEEDS TO BE ACCESSIBLE TO EVERYONE SO IT'S COVERING THE
[00:50:01]
EAST, WEST, NORTH AND SOUTH. I'M NOT SURE IF I HAVE RODE OUT THERE. THERE'S AN AREA WILL HAIR, I THINK IT'S EAST OF THE PARK. I'M BAD WITH DIRECTIONS.THAT'S PRETTY WIDE OPEN AND FOLKS THAT PLAY SOFTBALL, YOU HAVE THE DISC GOLF THAT HAPPENS THERE.
IT'S A REALLY ACTIVE PARK AND YOU ALSO HAVE COBB.
I LOOKED AT COBB. THERE IS A HUGE AREA THERE.
IT MIGHT FLOOD BECAUSE IT'S IN A FLOOD ZONE I BELIEVE NOT A FLOOD WAY. BUT I DON'T REALLY NOW HOW IMPACTFUL THAT WILL BE WHEN YOU CONSIDER IT'S A CHAIN LINK FENCE. YOU COULD, THEY HAVE THEM SEPARATED OVER AT NELSON. YOU HAVE THE BIG DOGS AND SMALL DOGS. WHEN YOU FIRST GO TO COBB, THERE'S AN AREA HERE AND AN AREA HERE BUT CLOSE TO THE STREET.
THERE'S A LOT OF SHADE THERE THOUGH.
WHEN YOU DO TAKE YOUR DOG TO THE PARK, THERE IS A LOT OF SHADE AND MESQUITE TREES. THERE'S A WATER FOUNTAIN NOT TOO FAR AWAY FROM THE PARK. THE ACTUAL PLAY GROUND.
AGAIN I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THIS BUT POSSIBLY TAP INTO THE LINE TO GIVE YOU THE ABILITY TO PROVIDE THE WATER FOUNTAINS FOR THE DOGS. SO COBB PARK AND WILL HAIR.
I BELIEVE SCARBOROUGH IS ON THE NORTH SIDE.
THAT WOULD BE THE WEST SIDE AND YOU HAVE THE EAST SIDE.
WILL HAIR MIGHT BE BETTER THAN COBB.
I WANTED TO INFORM YOU BECAUSE YOU MIGHT NOT BE AWARE.
NORTHERN, THAT'S WHERE WE HAD OUR SON'S BASEBALL PRACTICE.
THAT'S A PARK UTILIZED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
>> THANK YOU, CYNTHIA. >> ANY MORE PUBLIC HEARING? WE'LL CLOSE THE FLOOR ON PUBLIC HEARING.
BOARD YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN LOTS OF OPTIONS.
I WILL ENTERTAIN A MOTION ON HOW YOU WANT TO MOVE FORWARD.
[8. Sears Playground Update (Discussion)]
>> I THINK WE SHOULD, POSSIBLY CONSIDER ALL FIVE OF THEM.
BUT I THINK WE SHOULD LOOK GIVE A PRIMARY CONCERN TO CAL YOUNG.
>> THERE'S A MOTION ON THE FLOOR FROM JEFF TO DO FURTHER RESEARCH BY THE STAFF FOR FANNIN AND CAL YOUNG.
>> ANY MORE DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
MOTION CARRIES. SEARS PLAY GROUND UPDATE.
I WANT TO GIVE PARKS BOARD AN UPDATE ON THE SEARS PARK.
ON JANUARY 13TH, THE PLAY GROUND WAS CAUGHT ON FIRE AND SUBSTANTIALLY BURNED. SO THEREFORE WE HAD TO TAKE A MAJORITY OF IT DOWN. WE HAVE HAD A LOT OF PEOPLE REACH OUT TO US WANTING TO HELP. SO WHERE WE ARE IS WE HAVE REACHED OUT TO MANY OF OUR PLAY GROUND COMPANIES WE WORK WITH IN ABILENE AND ASKED THEM FOR CONCEPTUAL DRAWINGS OF SEARS PARK. WHEN WE RECEIVE THAT BACK, WHICH SHOULD BE IN THE NEXT WEEK OR TWO.
WE WILL HAVE A COMMUNITY MEETING AT CAESAR CHAVEZ.
I DO NOT HAVE THE DATE YET. SOME TIME IN EARLY MARCH WE WILL HAVE A COMMUNITY MEETING TO PRESENT THE CONCEPTUAL DRAWINGS TO THE COMMUNITY AND GET FEEDBACK FROM THE PEOPLE IN THE AREA WHO USE THE PARK SUBSTANTIALLY.
WHO USE THE PLAY GROUND SUBSTANTIALLY TO HEAR FROM THEM WHAT THEY WOULD LIKE TO SEE. SO THAT IS COMING.
AS SOON AS WE HAVE A DATE AND TIME, WE WILL MAKE THAT PUBLIC AND WE WILL MAKE SURE TO LET PARKS BOARD KNOW.
BUT BECAUSE OF YOU KNOW, THE SITUATIONS LIKE THIS, A LOT OF STUFF IS BEING DONE BEHIND THE SCENES AND PEOPLE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON. JUST WANTED TO GIVE THE PARKS BOARD AN UPDATE. I JUST KNOW SEARS PARK HAS BEEN NEAR AND DEAR TO ALL OF US. SITTING ON THE BOARD.
WE ALL DEEPLY APPRECIATE THE WAY THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND THE SEARS NEIGHBORHOOD AND THE COMMUNITY CAME TOGETHER TO MAKE THAT PARK WHAT IT WAS. SO, I THINK WE ALL APPRECIATE SPEAKING FOR Y'ALL, WE ALL APPRECIATE THE EFFORTS TO MAKE IT MAYBE EVEN NOT WHAT IT WAS BUT EVEN BETTER.
SO THANK YOU. WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING MORE.
>> DO YOU CONSIDER HAVING ROSE PARK AND SEARS PARK LOOK ALIKE? IS THAT AN IDEA? ROSE PARK AND SEARS PARK.
>> YOU CAN DREAM BIG. >> I LIKE ROSE PARK.
IT LOOKED NICE. ESPECIALLY FOR THE YOUNG ONES OUT THERE. THAT'S ONE OF MY IDEAS I LIKE.
I HAVE THE SAME IDEAS. SAME PARK DESIGNS.
>> YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT PARK DESIGN OR PLAY GROUND?
[00:55:03]
>> PLAY GROUND. >> EXACTLY THE SAME.
>> ALSO CONSIDER MAKING, WE TALKED ABOUT PEOPLE ASK ME ABOUT MAKING THAT A TENNIS COURTS. WE CAN DO THAT AS FULL TIME BASKETBALL. BUT LIKE TWO BASKETBALL GOALS AT EACH SIDE OF SEARS PARK WHERE THE TENNIS COURTS ARE.
>> I THINK THAT'S WHY IT'S GOOD YOU'RE HAVING THE COMMUNITY MEETING. I'M SURE, TONY, SOME OF THE SAME THINGS WILL COME UP. ANYTHING ELSE? ANYBODY ELSE WANT TO ADD? THAT'S IT.
[9. Parks Report (Discussion)]
STAFF. WE'RE NOW MOVING TO REPORTS.IT LOOKS LIKE JESUS IS UP FIRST. THIS IS THE SAME THING.
WE WILL MOVE ON TO STAFF REPORTS.
>> IT'S ONLY FOR DISCUSSION AT THIS TIME SO I'M MOVING TO STAFF REPORTS. JESUS.
I'M GOING -- >> IT'S NOT LISTED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT. I'M IN LINE.
>> JESUS, WE'RE READY FOR STAFF REPORT.
>> JESUS, I WANT TO BRING PROJECTS WE HAVE BEEN WORKING ON. WE FINALLY GOT THE VAUGHAN CAMP PLAY GROUND PARKS IN AND THE GUYS STARTED ASSEMBLING THAT AND PUTTING THE COMPONENTS IN. THEY ARE OUT THERE WORKING THIS WEEK. HOPE TO HAVE IT COMPLETED IN THE NEXT COUPLE WEEKS. HOPEFULLY WITHIN ANOTHER MONTH WE WILL BE DONE WITH THAT PLAY GROUND.
WE HAD BLOCKS THAT WERE TAKEN DAMAGE THAT THE PRAIRIE DOG LOCATION AND WE SENT OUR GUYS OUT THERE TO DO REPAIRS FOR THAT. YOU CAN SEE THERE THAT THE BLOCKS WERE TAKEN OFF AND RESET THEM AND CONCRETED THEM BACK IN.
ALSO, WE CONTINUED OUR PLANS WITH THE SIDEWALK REPAIRS AND
[10. Recreation Report (Discussion)]
INSTALLATION TO OUR RESTROOMS TO MAKE THEM A LITTLE MORE ADA ACCESSIBLE. SO, THIS YEAR WE CHOSE NELSON PAVILION TO DO THAT. THAT PAVILION IS USED QUITE A BIT. YOU CAN SEE THE GUYS INSTALLED THE PLAY GROUND AND DID A GOOD JOB ON THAT.>> THANK YOU. >> QUESTIONS FOR JESUS?
>> THANK YOU. KEEP LOOKING FOR ME.
>> ANN WAS NOT ABLE TO BE WITH US TODAY.
I'M AFRAID SHE'S ONLY SICK >> I WILL BE GIVING HER PRESENTATION. STEAMING WHEELS IS SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 11 AT JOHNSON PARK. I WILL SAY AT THIS POINT IN TIME OUR NUMBERS ARE WAY DOWN AT THIS POINT IN REGISTRATION OF WHERE THEY HAVE BEEN IN THE PAST. WE PROBABLY WILL MAKE THE DECISION WITHIN THE NEXT 24 TO 48 HOURS ON CANCELING THIS EVENT. IF WE DOO NOT HAVE ENOUGH REGISTRANTS, PEOPLE REGISTERED TO BE ABLE TO AT LEAST COVER OUR COSTS, OR COME CLOSE, THEN WEVILLE TO LOOK AT CANCELING.
BUT IN THE HOPES THAT WE DO, PEOPLE SOMETIMES LIKE TO SEE THE WEATHER AND WE'RE GETTING CLOSER TO BEING THE 10 DAYS OUT FORECAST WHERE PEOPLE CAN SEE WHAT THE WEATHER IS GOING TO BE ON THE SATURDAY. THE HOPE IS THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE WILL SIGN UP IN THE NEXT 24 TO 48 HOURS.
SO WITH THAT BEING SAID, WE'RE LOOKING AT MARCH 11, 10:00 A.M.
AT JOHNSON PARK WITH EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION OF $35 AND POTENTIALLY, 12 MILE, 32 MILE. WE HAVE SPRING BREAK CAMP COMING UP. THE THEME IS SPORTS GALORE.
IT'S SCHEDULED TO BE AT COBB REERATION CENTER.
WE DO MOVE WHEN WE HAVE THE CHRISTMAS CAMP AND THE SPRING BREAK CAMP, WE DO ROTATE IT AROUND TO ALL CENTERS.
EACH TIME IT'S AT A DIFFERENT CENTER AND THE COORDINATOR AND SPECIALIST AT THE CENTER ARE THE ONES THAT PICK THE THEME AND PUT EVERYTHING TOGETHER. SPRING BREAK THIS YEAR IS MARCH 13-17TH. AND IT'S $65 PER CHILD.
SO, IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR CHILD CARE FOR SIX TO 13 YEARS OLD, FOR SPRING BREAK WE DO HAVE OPENINGS STILL.
NEXT IS THE ASL CLASS. IF YOU REMEMBER WE OFFERED THIS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN JANUARY AND IT SOLD OUT.
SO WE OFFERED A SECOND CLASS AND IT SOLD OUT.
SO, MARCH 20TH WE WILL BE OFFERING A NEW CLASS FOR ANYBODY
[01:00:01]
WHO IS INTERESTED. IT BEGINS ON MARCH 20TH FROM 6:30 TO 7:30 P.M. AT COBB RECREATION CENTER AND $65 PER PERSON. WE HAD A GREAT DEAL OF FEEDBACK ABOUT PEOPLE ENJOYING THAT CLASS.COUNTRY DANCE LESSONS, THE NEXT ROUND OF COUNTRY DANCE LESSONS FROM 6:30 TO A.M. P.M. AT COBB RECREATION CENTER.
A LOT OF TIMES WHEN WE HAVE AT COBB BECAUSE OF THE FLOORING,
[11. Seniors Report (Discussion)]
THE FLOOR IS GOOD TO BE ABLE TO OFFER DANCE LESSONS.IT'S $45 PER COUPLE OR $35 PER SINGLE.
I BELIEVE LAST TIME WE HAD 45 PEOPLE SIGN UP AND SO IT WAS A HUGE HIT AND SO THEY'RE READY TO OFFER A SECOND ROUND OF CLASSES.
ANYBODY WANTS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT COUNTRY DANCING.
>> I GREW UP COUNTRY WESTERN DANCING.
>> BOBBY. YOU'RE UP FOR SENIORS.
>> IT I CAN MAKE IT UP HERE. >> GOOD MORNING EVERYONE.
BOBBY BROWN. DIVISION MANAGER.
SENIORS AND AQUATICS. >> ARE YOU TOO STEPPING?
>> WE HAVE OUR FAVORITE COMING UP OF COURSE, OUR BINGO SAINT PATRICKS DAY BINGO ON THE 16TH OF MARCH.
9:30. SENIORS OF COURSE LOOK FORWARD TO BINGO. THAT'S ONE OF THEIR FAVORITE ACTIVITIES. EVERY TIME WE HAVE A HOLIDAY, WE HAVE A BINGO DESIGNATED TO THE HOLIDAY.
LOOKING FORWARD TO THAT. THEY WILL WEAR THEIR GREEN AND HAVE THEIR COSTUMES ON AND GET A PRIZE THE BEST COSTUME.
DRINK PUNCH AND GREEN COOKIES. YOU NAME IT.
EVERYBODY WILL BE GREEN THAT DAY.
THIS IS A NEW GAME THAT THEY WERE TRYING TO EXPLAIN TO ME YESTERDAY. SO IF I GET IT WRONG, CHARGE IT TO MY BRAIN. IT'S YOU HAVE DESIGNATED LEPRECHAUN WHETHER A COLOR OR NUMBER.
IT'S LIKE A BOARD GAME. THEY WILL PICK THEIR COLOR THEY ARE CHEERING FOR AND YOU ROLL THE BIG DICE AND THAT PARTICULAR COLOR THAT'S ROLLED WILL MOVE SO MANY UP THE BOARD.
THEY MAY LAND ON A SPOT THAT MOVES THEM BACK.
THAT MAY LAND ON A SPOT THAT GOES FORWARD.
THEY GO AROUND THE BOARD AT LEAST TWICE TO WIN A PRIZE.
WE'RE TRYING TO COME UP WITH OTHER THINGS BESIDES BINGO TO CHEER FOR. MARCH MADNESS.
WE HAVE A LOT OF SPORTS ENTHUSIASTS.
THE KANSAS CITY CHIEFS ARE DOMINATING EVERYBODY.
THEY BRAG AND THINK THEY KNOW WHO WILL WIN WHAT.
WE'RE GOING TO PUT THEM TO THE TEST AND LET THEM PICK A BRACKET THIS YEAR AND SEE IF WE CAN GET SOMEBODY TO COME OUT A WINNER AT MARCH MADNESS. THE OTHER CENTERS, I'M GOING TO APOLOGIZE FOR THE OTHER CENTERS. A LOT OF TIMES WE LEAVE OUT SENIOR ACTIVITIES THAT ARE GOING ON.
THEY ALWAYS HAVE SOMETHING GOING ON.
WE WANTED TO MAKE SURE WE STARTED INCLUDING THEM TO LET YOU KNOW THERE ARE ACTIVITIES GOING ON AT THE OTHER CENTERS.
[12. Zoo Report (Discussion)]
THESE ARE THE THINGS GOING ON AT THOSE PARTICULAR CENTERS.DIFFERENT THINGS FROM MARCH MADNESS AT GV DANIELS.
A 42 TOURNAMENT AT COBB. JUST A LOT OF ACTIVITIES GOING ON THROUGHOUT MARCH. THIS IS CONTINUOUS AND WE WILL TRY TO MAKE SURE WE INCLUDE THOSE AS WELL AS INCREASE THOSE PROGRAMS THAT ARE GOING ON AT THOSE SITES.
>> SOUNDS FUN. THANK YOU BOBBY.
JESSIE, ABILENE ZOO DIRECTOR. UNFORTUNATELY, WE HAVE TO SAY GOOD BYE TO OUR THREE LIONS. JUST A REMINDER, THEY WERE ON LOAN TO US FROM FINGERPRINT. SABA, ABGABI HAVE MOVED BACK TO FORT WORTH. AFTER NATURAL PASS AWAY, WE REACHED TO OUR FRIENDS WITHIN THE COMMUNITY AND THEY'RE ABLE TO ACQUIRE ANOTHER BLACK RHINO. AHURU, HE'S A BLACK MALE.
JUST A REFERENCE THAT BLACK RHINOS ARE SOLITARY.
HE DOESN'T NEED A COMPANION. OUR GOAL IS TO HAVE HIM FOR A FEW YEARS. WHEN WE ESTABLISH OUR MASTER PLAN, HE WILL GO BACK TO FOSSIL RIM.
IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN HIM. COME OUT.
[01:05:03]
HE'S ALREADY DOING PROGRAMS AND MEETING OUR GUESTS.I IMPLORE YOU TO CHECK HIM OUT. WE HAVE THE STAFF JOINING UP WITH THE ACCB COMMUNITY. THEY HAVE GONE DOWN TO THE SAN ANTONIO STOCK SHOW RODEO. WE PARTNERED UP WITH ACBD TO PROMOTE TOURISM HERE AT ABILENE. WE'RE PROMOTING NOT JUST THE CITY OF ABILENE BUT ALSO OUR ZOO AND WE ARE REPRESENTING OUR STAFF AS WELL AS A LOT OF NUMEROUS ANIMALS ABOUT THE ZOO AND THE IMPORTANCES OF COMING TO CHECK OUT ABILENE NOT JUST SAN ANTONIO. COME ALL THE WAY HERE ON THE BORDER OF WEST TEXAS. LASTLY, WE HAVE OUR NEXT FUNDRAISING EVENT. IT'S COMING -- IT'S WILD DAYS.
THIS IS ACTUALLY FREE TO OUR MEMBERS.
IF YOU HAVE A MEMBERSHIP IT'S FREE.
OTHERWISE DAY ADMISSION INCLUDES THE WILD DAYS.
WHAT IT IS, EXCUSE ME IS A SHOW THAT WE BRING ANIMALS ON STAGE AND ACTUALLY GET INVOLVEMENT FROM THE AUDIENCE AND BRING THEM UP STAGE AND GO OVER THE CONSERVATION MESSAGES AND THE IMPORTANCE. ANIMALS AT ABILENE ZOO.
SUPPORT YOUR ZOO. MARCH 11 THROUGH 19TH.
>> THANK YOU JESSIE. ANY QUESTIONS.
I'M SORRY STAFF, I DIDN'T ASK IF YOU HAVE
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.