TOWN OF CARY
Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Advisory Board
2001  MINUTES

February 5, 2001, 5PM

111 James Jackson Avenue
Cary, NC 27511 

 
ATTENDANCE:
 Board Members:  Chair Liza Weidle, Allison Ascenzi, Lisa Duke, Jamie France, Tom Hemrick, Toby Kennedy, Stan Latta, Greg Lytle, 
Absent:  Vibha Goel

Staff:  Mary Barry, Meredith Bridger, Lyman Collins, William Davis, Virginia Howell, Dwayne Jones, Doug McRainey, Gail Taylor, Judy Willard 

Guest:  Reid Miner
Call to Order – Chair, Liza Weidle called the meeting to order.
Introductions:  Staff and new board members introduced themselves.  New board members beginning their terms in February include:  Allison Ascenzi, Lisa Duke, Jamie France and Stan Latta.
Minutes – The Minutes of the January 8, 2000 meeting were approved with changes duly noted.
Committee Reports
  Cultural Arts Committee – Toby Kennedy, Chair gave an overview of the committee's purpose and goals.  This committee was established to advise the town staff and Town Council, through the board, on issues relating to the arts.  Toby noted that primary goals of this committee include:  1) a Cultural Arts Needs Assessment study to address growth of cultural arts, programming and facility needs; 2) that a communications network be developed; 3) that the CAC develop a volunteer core; 4) that sharing information is a critical component of the CAC releveant to educating artists, groups, organizations, Town Council, staff and citizens. 5) that a forum be created to promote cooperation among the various arts groups around Cary.  Plans are underway to hold a forum in May.  Toby further noted that there are four openings on this committee and applications continue to be submitted..  Board member Lisa Duke asked if this committee had a budget.  The answer was no.  Toby extended an invitation to new members to attend the monthly meetings which occur on the 2nd Tuesday of each month and noted that the meeting place rotates at cultural arts facilities within the department.

ACTION:  Tom Hemrick motioned that Toby Kennedy continue to chair the Cultural Arts Committee; the motion was seconded by Stan Latta.  Motion carried. 
  Greenway Committee - Greg Lytle
This committee was established to advise the town staff and Town Council, through the board, on issues relating to Greenways. This committee meets at 111 James Jackson Avenue (PRCR) on the third Thursday of the month. Greg noted that there were 4 openings and there was a lot of interested applicants. Greg reported the following:  1) Cary Glen was making progress; 2) Sears Farm Road has a lot of possibilities with a connection to Brooks Park; 3) Youth member Liz Nacewicz   and Teen Council members are working on the greenway clean up project (Hinshaw); 4) Cary Road Race proceeds will fund greenway amenities in support of the trails; 5) working on updates to the Master Plan.
ACTION: Toby Kennedy motioned that Greg Lytle remain as chair to the Greenway Committee; motion seconded by Tom Hemrick.  Motion carried.
  Athletic Committee - Athletic Program Supervisor William Davis reported.  This committee was established to advise the town staff and Town Council, through this board, on issues relating to athletics.  Members of this committee:  1) advises in areas of programming, i.e. league ages; 2) serves as a conflict panel, i.e. handling special requests; 3) observes and evaluates coaches; 4) reviews appeals; 4) volunteers at team placements and drafts; 5) attends coaches' meetings.  This committee has six members that serve 3-year terms and 4 league representatives (baseball, softball, basketball, girls baseball) that serve one-year terms and one teen representative serving a one-year term.  Typically, this committee met on an as needed basis; however last year it went to regular monthly meetings on the second Thursday of the month.  Additionally, William noted that it would be beneficial for the league representatives to serve a two-year term as opposed to a one-year term.  William announced that staff is working with this committee on a new program, Spirit of Sportsmanship Celebration scheduled to take place May 5th.  Chair Liza Weidle will appoint a chair to this committee at the March meeting.
  Teen Council - Liza Weidle
Liza briefed new board members on the activities of the Teen Council.  Teens serve as youth representatives on this board as well as the Cultural Arts Committee, Greenway Committee and Athletic Committee.  They involve themselves in many service projects and assist with many special events i.e., Cary Road Race, Easter Egg Hunt and many others.  One of their projects include a greenway cleanup led by Greenway Committee youth member Liz Nacewicz.  Members attend State Youth Council Conferences and will participate in a Youth Leadership Training at the Dare Ropes Course on Aril 7th. A ski trip is scheduled for February 12th and forty-seven members will participate.  Currently, membership includes 130 middle school and high school students.
  Teen Program Sub-committee - This committee is scheduled to meet on February 13 at 12 noon.  Two committee members' terms have expired leaving two vacancies.
ACTION:  Greg Lytle motioned that the board delegate authority to Liza Weidle to appoint members to this committee; motion seconded by Tom Hemrick.  Motion carried.
ACTION:  Tom Hemrick motioned that Liza Weidle remain as chair person to this committee; Toby Kennedy seconded the motion.  Motion carried.
Youth Matter to Cary - Liza Weidle noted this upcoming event on May 12 will focus on youth and will include a jamfest and $7000 in prizes.
Land Dedications – None
Department Reports
  Administration

Division overviews - Mary Barry, Director of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department welcomed new members and explained that the department was divided into four divisions:  1) Administrative. Division; 2) Recreation Programs Division; 3) Cultural Arts Division; 4) Athletic Division.  Each division head then gave an overview for their respective divisions.
Administrative Division - Judy Willard, Recreation Program Specialist outlined the areas of the Administrative Division: divided into 1) Planning & Design and 2) Program Support.  The Recreation Projects Coordinator supervises the Recreation Projects Specialist, and Administrative Specialist, who oversees the front office staff of 2 Secretaries and 1 Customer Service Representative. I also supervise 1 graduate assistant.  Areas of responsibilities include:

1. public information & marketing-Comprehensive Program Brochure (goes out 3 times a year); PRCR’s homepage; promoting our PRCR’s programs, events, and services through the web, PSA’s, advertisements, etc.; Public Relations (presentations, job fairs, civic expos, festivals, etc.). 2) customer service and staff training; 3) grant writing; 4) program evaluation & analysis; 5) National accreditation; 6) Work teams (focusing on processes and procedures); 7 Dedications and groundbreakings; 8) Volunteer program; 9) Administration division budget.

The planning section, within the Administrative Division, is comprised of three full-time staff.  These consist of a Principal Planner and two Park Planners.  The planning section is responsible for the planning and design of park and greenway facilities.  The development of a park facilities is based on the departmental Master Plan (Parks, Greenways and Bikeways Master Plan).  This 10-year plan includes recommendations for over twenty new parks and fifty miles of greenway.  Areas of responsibility also include development of the capital improvement budget and management of the Town's land dedication program.

Highlights -  Mary Barry noted the following:  1) The town closed on a 51 acre tract of parkland on Penny Road, almost to Holly Spring Road; 3) Green Hope Elementary School Park to be dedicated February 12 and is a product of a joint venture with Wake County Schools.  The town built the gymnasium and the Y and Dream Camps also partnered for the three soccer fields; 4) February 15 there will be a Work Session on the Aquatics Feasibility Study in Council chambers starting at 5 p.m.; 5) February 17 there will be a Public Input Session on the Skate Park Design at the Bond Park Community Center form 10 a.m. until noon; 6) February 20th will be the Volunteers Recognition Banquet at  the Cary Community Center starting at 7 p.m.; 7) February 21st will be the Boards and Commissions Orientation at the Cary Senior Center from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.   
  Athletics - William Davis
  The Athletics Division is comprised of 4 full-time with a new staff position added this fiscal year for Thomas Brooks Park. There is around 40 temporary staff (scorekeepers and field supervisors). We also employ 60-70 officials (volleyball, baseball, and basketball). The Athletic Division is divided into 4 main areas: Youth, adult, special events, and tennis. We have around 10,000 participants annually.
Youth Programs: basketball, baseball, softball, tennis

Adult Programs: softball, basketball, volleyball, tennis

Special Events: Tennis Tournaments, softball tournaments (local, state and national), Cary Road Race, Hot Hoops (3v3 Streetball), Track & Field events

Highlights/Updates:

Polar Doubles – 2/4&5 – 42 doubles teams participated

Cary Road Race – 4/21 need volunteers so mark your calendar (had around 1100 runners last year)

Pony Girls Softball Nationals – 8/5-12 also mark your calendar to help out some throughout that week.
  Cultural Arts – Lyman Collins
 

Cultural Arts Division - For over twenty years the Town and the department have had arts programs .  The first departmental facility was the arts center, which was shared with the senior center in the small building behind the library. Cultural Arts became a separate division in 1994 when the departmental name changed to Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources.

The division programs and offerings include:

The Jordan Hall Arts Center which focuses on visual art classes and activities but also features some performing arts classes as well. Programs start for children and parents as early as 18 months. A very busy facility, there are classes and activities for all ages.

The Page-Walker Arts & History Center features the recently opened Cary Heritage Museum. The Friends of the Page-Walker, a private, not-for-profit organization, spear-headed the drive to save the historic building and today it serves as a venue for classes, performances, meetings and rentals.

Festivals and Special Events. Lazy Daze and Spring Daze are annual festivals featuring artisans and entertainment. This year will mark the 25th anniversary of Lazy Daze. Also, there are events in Sertoma Amphitheatre, Holiday Tree Lighting, MLK Dreamfest, and Kwanzaa.

Applause! Cary Youth Theatre. Now in its second year it has proved very popular with young people and the general audience as well. Over 170 youth auditioned for the most recent production. Theatre classes are now being coordinated with productions as a way to serve more youth.

Public Art Master Plan. Authorized by Town Council in 1999, the Master Plan is looking at how the Town should/could be involved with placement of public art in public facilities. Cary Visual Art, a private, not-for-profit organization, has worked with the division to contribute public art to Cary.

Regency Park Amphitheatre. Opening in May this new facility will offer Cary citizens an entire new array of performing arts events and activities. The division is currently review management and operations options for this state-of the art facility.

In addition the division works with a wide array of cultural groups and has the advice and support of the Cultural Arts Committee, a subcommittee of the Park, Recreation & Cultural Resources Advisory Board.
  Recreation Programs - Dwayne Jones
 

The Recreation Program Division consists of the following facilities:

Community Centers – The staff at the Cary Community Center oversees the Safety Town program. The Cary Teen Council is also based out of the Cary Community Center, although they have outgrown the space and now meet at the Bond Park Community Center. The Bond Park Community Center is the home to Summer Day Camp and oversees the Teen Adventure Camp, which will be held at Green Hope Elementary School Park this summer. Community Centers offer a wide variety of programs and activities for the citizens of Cary, including fitness, preschool, and educational classes.

Cary Senior Center – The new facility opened in December 2000 and its primary focus is to offer programming for senior adults in Cary. The center houses a computer learning center called SRNET that provides seniors the opportunity to become trained in using computers. SRNET uses a group of core volunteers to conduct these classes.

Bond Park – Two full time staff oversee the operations of the park which includes the DARE Ropes course, lake front operations, and shelter reservations and maintenance. The park is open 365 days a year.   The Stevens Nature Center at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve offers a variety of environmental education classes and activities to all ages. Major programming efforts are focused on preschool and family activities. Laura White, the facility supervisor, recently applied for and received a $12,000 grant from International Paper to go towards the exhibits in the Nature Center. There will be several new facilities coming on-line within the next year. Middle Creek Community Center is scheduled to open August 2001. This center will be located on West Lake Road adjacent to the West Lake Elementary School. The Cary skate park project, which is in the schematic design phase, will also be a Recreation Program facility. Finally, design for the Total Life Center, an adult day care facility, at the Cary Senior Center is in site plan review process and construction should be completed by the end of the year.

Old Business
  North Cary Park Concerns - 1) slide - staff has contacted the contractor to check the slide and give suggestions; 2) fence at volleyball courts - Mary Barry noted that staff will monitor participation for one year and then make a decision; 3) landscaping - will be complete in one month; 3) directional signs to greenway - 3 more signs to be added.  Additionally, Tom Hemrick suggested posting a map of the trails at the park.  Toby Kennedy felt that walls were necessary at basketball courts and noted that the access gate to Cary Parkway blocks the full pathway.  Toby recommended that all openings at gates and barriers should be at least 4 feet wide/clear and in the direct line of travel (i.e., maintenance access and gates should be offset).
New Business
  A.  Boards/Committee Orientation - Mary Barry reminded board members of the upcoming boards/commissions orientation/appreciation event taking place on February 21st, 5:30-*:30 p.m. at the new senior center.

B.  Future Agenda Items
1.   Meeting Times - Board members discussed changing the meeting time of this board's monthly meeting.  Some members voiced concerns about leaving work and traffic to get here for the 5 pm meeting.  

ACTION:  Toby Kennedy motioned to change the meeting time of this board to 5:15 p.m.; and further that staff would be available to board members from 5:00 p.m. until the 5:15 p.m. meeting start time; motion seconded by Stan Latta.  Motion carried.  Liza suggested that board members email concerns to staff prior to meetings.  Additionally, Liza requested that committee minutes (Athletic, Cultural Arts and Greenway) be mailed prior to the boards monthly meetings.
2.  Citizen Speaks Out - Chair Liza Weidle requested that a permanent agenda item be added to this board's agenda allowing the citizens to address the board with items of interest.  

ACTION:  Greg Lytle motioned that Item III on the agenda be designated "Citizens Speak Out"; motion seconded by Toby Kennedy.  Motion carried.  This agenda item will follow approval of minutes.

3.  People for Parks - Liza Weidle will contact our representative for People for Parks and request that he give the board an update.  

4.  Celebration for Umstead - Greg Lytle noted that he was chair of the Umstead Coalition and would  like to meet with Mary Barry to discuss the possibility of the Town being a sponsor for the Umstead Celebration on April 21st.  This would be held in conjunction with Earth Day.

5.  Chair Liza Weidle noted that she was focusing on engaging more citizens and developing linkage to involve more citizens with activities of the department.
Adjourn

 

Back to TOP