HomeMy WebLinkAbout7 - Matters from the Department
TO: Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
FROM: Kirk Kincannon, CPRP, Director of Parks and Recreation
Sarah DeSouza, Senior Manager of Communications,
Marketing and Partnerships
Alice Guthrie, Recreation Superintendent
SUBJECT: Matters from the Department
DATE: February 28, 2011
A. Boulder Reservoir Master Plan Update
The master plan project is currently in Phase III, which involves development and review of a
draft and final master plan. Staff will use the first quarter of 2011 to develop a preliminary plan
and then check in with the PRAB and City Council in April and May prior to releasing a draft for
public review and comment in June. The PRAB is tentatively scheduled to review the final draft
and consider a recommendation to City Council in July. City Council will review and consider
acceptance of the final master plan in September.
B. Park Development Update
1. East Boulder Community Park
Construction continues with the westernmost synthetic field being completed on
Thursday, February 24th. The remaining work to be completed includes irrigation
system installation, plant material installation/seeding, final asphalt lift for parking lot
and concrete replacement. The contractor will be responsible for grass establishment and
maintenance for a year after final completion has been approved.
2. Scott Carpenter Pool
Construction on the Scott Carpenter Pool Project, located at 1505 30'x' Street, began on
Thursday, February 10`x'. The first phase of this project is the demolition and removal of
concrete deck and gutters. Approximately 75 percent of the demolition has been
completed on Scott Carpenter, which was constructed in the 1960's. Elements of the
Scott Carpenter pool project include the installation of new stainless steel gutter system
and surge tank, new deck drains, new energy efficient boiler/ water heater, new lifeguard
stands, and refinish fiberglass water slide. Work on the total project is estimated to last 10
weeks (depending upon weather and contractors scheduling). The anticipated opening
date for the pool is May 28th, 2011.
3. Valmont City Park Bike Park
Construction on the 2010 Phase la elements is nearly complete. Approximately 95
percent of the trails, parking lot, tot lot and bike features have been completed. Phase lb
(2011) work has begun which will include the large gravel parking area off Valmont
Road by the storage barn, three bridges across the ditches, a multi-use path and Right-of-
Way improvements along Valmont Road, and a number of trees and irrigation throughout
the site. It is anticipated that the park will open in late spring/early summer (weather
dependent).
C. Energy Efficiency Program Update
Work continues on the Performance Contract projects that are overseen by McKinstry. Much of
Phase One work has been completed with improvements such as lighting, building envelop
sealing, building mechanical upgrades and solar photovoltaic installations at South and North
Boulder Recreation Centers. Phase Two work will begin this month with similar improvements
at other city owned assets. Both the South and North Recreation Centers will have a solar
thermal array installed that will preheat the domestic hot water for the pool and restrooms.
D. Pottery Program Update
The Department is finalizing the scope of the Management Assessment of the Pottery Lab, in
order to hire a consultant who has experience with arts programs analysis. The assessment will
include, but is not limited to, the following elements:
• Community and PRAB input
• Portfolio of classes
• Open lab
• Materials and supplies
• Kiln use
• Staffing analysis
• Policies and Procedures
On January 12, 2011, the Department held a Pottery Lab Public Workshop at the West Senior
Center. The topics for small group discussion were:
• What do you value most about the Pottery Lab and its programs?
• What ideas/suggestions do you have for how the City of Boulder's subsidy could be
reduced at the Pottery Lab?
• What ideas/suggestions do you have for increasing instructional programming to attract
and engage a broader segment of the community?
The Summary of Public Comments was provided on the Pottery webpage and to PRAB for
discussion at its January 24 meeting. The Department also conducted a web-based survey with
similar questions soliciting suggestions and ideas from the community. Hard copies of the
survey were also available at the Pottery Lab.
Once a consultant is selected, they will gather information to complete the management
assessment. The consultant will conduct outreach to stakeholders and the community, although a
task force will not be formed for the project. Feedback from the PRAB discussion, the Summary
of Public Comments, surveys and findings from the consultant will be reviewed to aid in the
development of short term, medium term and long term recommendations for the pottery
program. The PRAB will be updated at business meetings in March, April and May, 2011.
Recommendations developed from the process will be used for the Department's 2012 budget
submission.
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