Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes 7-6-15r
City of Van Buren, Arkansas
Municipal Annex
111 North 12" Street • Van Buren, Arkansas 72956
Parks and Recreation Meeting Minutes
July 6, 2015
The Parks and Recreation Commission held its monthly meeting on Monday, July 6, 2015 at 5:30 P.M.,
in the City Council Room of the Municipal Complex.
Members Present — Chairman Michael Brammer, Vice Chairman Tyler Wood, Secretary Debbie Thomas,
Brandy Mosby and Doug Young. Others Present — Planning Director Joseph Hurst, Van Buren Chamber
Jackie Krutsch, Jennifer McKinney, Press Argus Ken Fry and from CEI, Jacob Shy and Nathan Streett.
Doug Young was introduced as the new commissioner.
Minutes from last meeting were reviewed. A motion was made by Vice Chairman Tyler Wood and
seconded by Brandy Mosby to approve the minutes. The motion was approved unanimously.
The first item on the agenda was CEI Power Point presentation on updates for Veteran's Park by Jacob
Shy and Nathan Streett. One of the new features was the bathroom. Vice Chairman Tyler Wood prefers
the monument signage. The majority of commissioners want the monument signage. Commissioner
Mosby was concerned about the landscaping needing to be maintained for Veteran's Park. CEI stated
there could be a problem with drainage on the northwest side behind or near the depot but drainage will
be addressed as we progress. Commission stated the restroom location was good. Commissioner Doug
Young asked about sound booth location for stage.
Vice Chairman Tyler Wood also wants an activity area, so that members of community will want to
frequent. Secretary Debbie Thomas said our town needs an attraction for us and for the train excursion
riders. The park at Sulphur Springs wanted to be unique, and opened their farmers market on Saturday
nights because most do daytime.
The following were discussion points:
1. We need more ADA spaces at Veteran's Memorial Park
2. We need a crosswalk directly to Veteran's Memorial Park from the North park
3. It was suggested to call the north park "Freedom Plaza"
4. Everyone wants a sign above the stage with the park name
6. It was suggested maybe there be a wall at Veteran's Memorial and an Arch (pedestrian) at the
northern park, maybe the pedestrian arch is located north of the interactive water feature.
7. We need to include Bike Racks
8. We need to create a walk around the outside of the water feature so people just passing
through don't have to get wet.
9. Roll up doors on the pavilions? - we need to know as soon as possible.
10. It was suggested we make sure there is enough room for vendors on both sides and pedestrians
to walk through the middle of the pavilions. We will absolutely check this again.
11. There will need to be a space made for the sound board, located on the outer sidewalk from the
stage.
12. Electrical power in the pavilions/farmers market.
13. If adding roll up doors to the pavilion, increased width (from ^'30' to ^'40') was suggested. This
does two things: 1. Adds cost 2: Uses ^20' of greenspace inside the park (east of the current
pavilion locations).
• This discussion point is something we need to investigate: could roll up doors could be
added in the future. Would both pavilions need doors added, or just one? If the intent is
to rent a pavilion for weddings, receptions, etc, enclosing both pavilions might not be
needed.
14. Sidewalk/paved road to the rear of the restroom/mechanical room for service. I might suggest
grass pavers as an alternate to impervious pavement.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Tyler and seconded by Brandy Mosby to adjourn. The motion
was approved unanimously.
Michael Brammer, Chairman
Debbie Thomas, Secretary