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DRAFT MINUTES City of Glendale Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Glendale Civic Center 5750 W Glenn Dr. Glendale, AZ 85301 March 11, 2024 5:30 p.m. PRESENT: Reginald Martinez, Jr., Chair Dianna Guzman, Commissioner Kathryn Mawby, Commissioner Marie Nesfield, Commissioner Tom Traw, Commissioner Bud Zomok, Commissioner Lauren Snair, Teen Commissioner ABSENT: Helena Johnson-Bodine, Vice Chair ALSO PRESENT: John Kennedy, Director Heidi Barriga, Deputy Director Manuel Padia, Jr., Recreation Administrator Diane Williams, Program Manager 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Martinez called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Chair Martinez conducted roll call. 3. CITIZEN COMMENTS None. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – February 12, 2024 Motioned by Commissioner Guzman, second by Commissioner Nesfield, to approve the minutes of February 12, 2024 as written. Motion carried. 5. NEW BUSINESS a. INFORMATION: COMMISSION REPORTS Commissioner Guzman visited three parks in the Yucca District; Heroes Regional Park, Sycamore Grove Park, and Orangewood Vista Park. Orangewood Vista Park looked good; it was overall in good condition. However, Sycamore Grove Park needs repairs. Commissioner Guzman completed an inspection report, has pictures to go along with it to submit to Mr. Kennedy. Heroes Regional Park also has quite a bit of things wrong with it, things that are broken, and a lot of lighting missing. Commissioner Guzman has pictures as well as the inspection report. Commissioner Snair went to Kings Park, and overall, it was okay. It seemed safe, just a little neglected. She found some graffiti, and some litter. Everything's very sun-worn, lots of weeds, general stuff, but nothing urgent. Commissioner Nesfield went to Greenway Granada Park on Thursday, February 29th so some of these may have gotten addressed between then and now. The playground area seems okay. The playground surface itself has sun damage, it's a little worn around the edges. The biggest problem that she saw was a buildup of a humongous pile of leaves. The turf was a little dry, and she’s not sure how often it gets watered or how the irrigation system is. The sidewalks, the lighting, and everything else seemed okay. There are a lot of different colored handprints all over the sidewalk. If that's intentional, it's cute. If it’s not intentional, it's graffiti. Commissioner Zomok asked if there's any update on lighting in Murphy Park as it continues to be dark there in the evening. Commissioner Traw commented on Heroes Regional Park. The plans for the soccer fields have been finished and completed. There's been several, pretty serious accidents at the skate park. It seems like about every two months there is an ambulance there; it’s just kind of dangerous. He’s not sure if we need to build too many of those in the parks. Commissioner Traw also noticed some homeless people sleeping in the ramadas every once in a while and questioned what can be done about it. Commissioner Traw asked for clarification on number four of the Advisory Commission goals where it says schedule monthly Commission meetings at various locations. Mr. Kennedy replied that in years past, the meetings have been rotated around to some of our different facilities as ways to allow the Commissioners to see some of our other facilities. He commented the commissioners are welcome to make the request by agenda, and that meetings have been held at Foothills Recreation and Aquatics Center, the Glendale Community Center, and the Glendale Adult Center. Mr. Kennedy stated if there are facilities within our parks and recreation system commissioners would like to have the meetings at, staff is able to make that happen. Chair Martinez mentioned the Commission has also met in the Sahuaro Ranch Park Fruit Packing Shed. Commissioner Guzman requested that either the April or the May meeting be held at Heroes Park Library. Mr. Kennedy relayed he could reach out to the library and check about availability, the space use, and would see if we could schedule that out. Commissioner Guzman asked if the park rangers or anyone power wash the ramadas and the grills (at Heroes Regional Park). Mr. Kennedy replied the ramadas and grills are on a schedule of routine maintenance, that includes various washing and power washing. Ramada rentals scheduling leaves enough time for the ramadas to be cleaned between rentals. Commissioner Mawby commented on being happy to be getting playground equipment. Chair Martinez is looking forward to Tarrington Park getting their equipment as well. Mr. Kennedy thanked the Commissioners for their comments which he noted. He stated staff will collect copies of the inspection reports and pictures after the meeting in order to address them as soon as possible. Mr. Kennedy encouraged the Commissioners to call the ranger on duty number that is posted on all the signs at the parks for things like the graffiti and or homelessness, and staff can act quickly. b. THUNDERBIRD CONSERVATION PARK MASTER PLAN PHASING Ms. Barriga held a discussion on the Thunderbird Conservation Park Master Plan. It was relayed to the Commission late last year; this project would be phased because of the dollar amount. When the concepts were presented to the Commission and to City Council there was five million dollars in funding for the fiscal year. Budget has released $6.5 million dollars in open space and trail construction, giving us $11.5 million dollars in the budget for this project. Staff is seeking a recommendation on how that money should be spent. • 55th Avenue trailhead improvements – $6 million • 59th Avenue trailhead improvements – $9 million • 67th Avenue trailhead improvements – over $5 million Ms. Barriga gave a reminder of the project and relayed staff is seeking the Commission to prioritize the phasing of the trailheads. • 55th Avenue and Pinnacle Peak o Expand the parking lot o Add a restroom building o Add a shaded area outside of the restroom building o Create a visitor landing area for pickup and drop-offs • 59th Avenue, o Transformation in movement of the restrooms o Walking path along the exterior of the parking lot o Increased parking numbers • 67th Avenue, o New restroom o Developed parking lot o Movement of the horse parking lot and trailer parking lot, more to the north leaving students from Mountain Ridge High School to walk a bit farther from their vehicle. Commissioner Zomok asked for the location of 67th Avenue. Ms. Barriga replied that it is 67th Avenue and Patrick, directly across from Mountain Ridge High School. Commissioner Zomok asked if that one is the $9 million project. Ms. Barriga replied in the negative, that this one is $5.4 million and the 59th Avenue trailhead is $9 million. Commissioner Nesfield asked if pieces of each project can be done, or does it have to be the complete rebuild? Ms. Barriga stated it could be done in pieces, however, that will increase costs drastically because mobilization at each trailhead will have to occur at each place. Keeping mobilization in one area decreases the cost because they can take care of that area at one time. Commissioner Traw commented $20 million is a lot of money for one park. Commissioner Guzman and Ms. Barriga replied that it’s for three trailheads. Commissioner Traw commented they are close together in the same district and asked how much money is being spent in other districts, like the Yucca District, for example, where he and Commissioner Guzman are from. Mr. Kennedy reminded the Commission discussing money spent in other districts is not on the meeting agenda, and that these projects have been approved with the type of timing and allocation in mind. Mr. Kennedy used the Heroes Regional Park as an example, which is going to be a $25 million project and the Sahuaro Ranch Park Master Plan has a similar price tag. He also reminded the Commission the Bonsall Park North project is getting ready to start, three community centers in various districts have recently opened, and the districts are considered in the process. Commissioner Traw asked if these are going to be built in phases? Mr. Kennedy responded that is correct as there is not enough funding to do this entire project. Mr. Kennedy stated from an internal staffing standpoint, staff has looked at the usage of these facilities, and 59th and 55th are the busiest of the three locations, with 67th being the third least popular. He commented that staff could make a larger impact by doing the 55th Avenue improvements first, because that parking lot is unfinished right now and requires a gorilla snot treatment twice a year. This improvement would save operating dollars in not having to do that twice a year, and would also provide a better user experience. Currently, a staff member has to unlock the gates manually every morning and this project includes electronic gates that can be controlled remotely helping with customer service. He stated having one person assigned to opening a gate can be a challenge if they get delayed in the morning and are running late, or traffic might be challenging. Mr. Kennedy affirmed staff has prioritized 55th Avenue because it can be done all in one and that's the amount of funding approved in an earlier budget year. He also stated additional money that Ms. Barriga spoke of is technically in an out year, but because it's part of our open space bonding authority, we could get that moved up. Mr. Kennedy reiterated that staff thinks the 55th Avenue trailhead would be the best impact, but still want Commission input as well. Commissioner Traw asked if this is going to be a three-year or five-year plan? Mr. Kennedy answered that it depends on approving the funding and how soon bonds could be issued or at least authorize the bonds that are available. He stated three to five years would be a fair assessment. Commissioner Guzman asked if the prior funding for the 55th Avenue trailhead is not part of the $11.5 million. Mr. Kennedy replied that it is part of the $11.5 million, that $5 million was in one particular fiscal year and $6.5 million is in an out year and was included in that total. Commissioner Guzman commented starting the 55th Avenue trailhead, doesn’t leave enough for the other two or to complete 67th Avenue. She asked Mr. Kennedy if he mentioned that 59th Avenue is also used a lot along with the 55th Avenue? Mr. Kennedy replied that is correct, 59th and 55th, are close to being even in popularity. Commissioner Zomok remarked that staff has identified 55th Avenue as being the hotspot, that leaves $5.5(million) and $5.3(million) for 67th and it's a logical move to not let that money sit there because it's too easily moved somewhere else later. Commissioner Zomok personally feels 59th Avenue should be done, but if staff has identified 55th Avenue rather than the 59th Avenue, it make more sense to spend those dollars and get two for that bang, and then try to find those funds somewhere else. Chair Martinez agreed with Commissioner Zomok, if 55th Avenue is an area of need, disregarding 59th Avenue, having the money to do 67th as well, get two-thirds of the project done, then 55th Avenue and 67th Avenue is the direction we should go. Commissioner Guzman agreed with both the Chair and Commissioner Zomok to start with the 55th Avenue and the 67th Avenue Trailheads. Commissioner Nesfield noted as user of the equestrian part of that park, a restroom on that side would be greatly appreciated. She agreed that 55th Avenue and 67th Avenue would be the direction that I would want to see, and the addition of the extra restrooms will help alleviate the traffic in the one on 59th. Commissioner Zomok asked for clarification on the recommendation staff is asking for to take to City Council. Mr. Kennedy replied staff is recommending 55th Avenue and 67th Avenue. Commissioner Snair commented the recommendation makes sense. Commissioner Mawby agreed with the improvements and commented there needs to be restrooms, and better roads and better trails. Commissioner Traw concurred with 55th Avenue and 67th Avenue. Motion by Commissioner Zomok, second by Commissioner Guzman, to recommend the approval to move forward with the design and construction on the 55th Avenue and 67th Avenue trailhead improvements. c. SPLASH PAD HOURS OF OPERATION Ms. Barriga provided a summary of the splash pad hours of operation for the summer of 2023, following the city's drought management plan. She explained that staff is requesting a recommendation on proposed splash pad hours for summer 2024, and to conduct a community survey with the recommended hours with an option for the community to propose hours. Ms. Barriga relayed that social media comments received last year were varied wanting the splash pads open earlier, or to stay open later than the closing time of 6 p.m. Staff is asking for a recommendation to keep the splash pad hours 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., or to increase or decrease the times. She stated the hours have to remain at seven hours per day. Commissioner Guzman recommended the splash pads be kept open later because of the heat and it’s light out until 9 p.m. Commissioner Traw agreed Commissioner Nesfield asked why there is a seven-hour time limit. Mr. Kennedy explained that in 2022, the City Manager made a declaration that all city operations had to reduce water usage by 5% and Parks and Recreation was specifically asked to look at water usage at our splash pads. He relayed that keeping the number of hours at seven hours per day met the city requirement of a 5% savings. Commissioner Nesfield asked if the hours could be staggered to accommodate people that have to go to work during the week, then close it earlier on the weekends. Mr. Kennedy stated that could be considered, if it’s feedback received from the Commission and from the public survey. Commissioner Zomok suggested opening from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., closing for the hottest part of the afternoon, and reopening at 6 p.m. to 8 or 9 p.m. Mr. Kennedy validated the suggestion; however, the splash pads require a staff person on site to open and close the facilities, presenting a staffing challenge. Chair Martinez recommended a later start time staying open later in the evening if daytime hours can’t be broken up or the weekend hours changed. Commissioner Traw asked whether the park rangers would open and close the splash pads. Mr. Kennedy replied in the negative explaining that Aquatics staff have to open and close because they know how to operate the controls. Commissioner Nesfield asked if the splash pads have to have the same hours. Mr. Kennedy reiterated the staffing challenges and the value in consistency in being open during the same hours. Commissioner Mawby questioned how cutting hours would affect the lower demographic. Motion by Commissioner Guzman, second by Commissioner Traw, to recommend different options for the survey for the splash pad hours of operation for the summer of 2024. d. PARK LIGHTING UPDATE Ms. Barriga gave an update on park lighting projects, which have been approved and the parts have been received. Ms. Barriga will have an estimated start date at the next meeting. • Heroes Regional Park Phase One includes the skate park, restroom, basketball court, the parking lot and the small playground. • Rose Lane Park includes the ball fields, the park, the parking lot, and the interior of the aquatic center. • Sahuaro Ranch Park lighting was discussed with the Commission in February. Commissioner Guzman commented that several lights are missing in the ramadas at Heroes Regional Park. Ms. Barriga informed the Commission that PO’s have been opened and staff is waiting on the light poles for New World Park, Carmel Park, Sunset Park, and Sierra Verde Park. e. HEROES REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN UPDATE Ms. Barriga informed the Commission that plans for Heroes Regional Park Master Plan project are at 60% and mobilization will begin in April. She stated the official groundbreaking will probably happen after mobilization. The project includes: • Three soccer fields, one with synthetic turf • Maintenance yard with a restroom and office space • Green open space play • New adventure playground • Eight pickleball courts • Buffer zones to the North and East • One dog park with three cells: Small, Large, Maintenance Commissioner Traw asked what the cost is. Mr. Kennedy replied that the GMP1 (Guaranteed Maximum Price) is going to City Council on March 26th and the dollar amount has not been finalized; GMP2 will go to City Council as well. Commissioner Guzman asked if the buffer zone is near the dog park. Ms. Barriga replied in the positive. Commissioner Guzman asked if there will be grown trees or little bushes. Ms. Barriga stated the plan is in design, but it will not be little bushes. f. CULTURAL DIVERSITY INITIATIVE Administrator Padia presented information on a new Cultural Diversity Initiative the Recreation Division started in February 2024. Staff met and discussed being intentional in bringing information on cultural diversity into Glendale recreation centers to educate the community. Mr. Padia stated that staff met with the Glendale Inclusion Network and discussed ideas of cultural corners recognizing the different months; i.e. Black History Month, this month is National Women’s History Month. Mr. Padia stated that Brad Giesbrecht (Recreation Supervisor) has been appointed to the Glendale Inclusion Network to be involved in the process of partnering with the Inclusion Network to get the information. Mr. Padia relayed that cultural corners are set up at the Adult Center, Foothills Recreation and Aquatics Center, Glendale Community Center, Rose Lane Community Center, and O’Neil Recreation Center. Mr. Padia shared that staff is working with the Glendale libraries as well, and the Adult Center shares what’s happening at the Library, and the Library shares what’s happening at the Adult Center. Commissioner Zomok asked if the program mirrors the program at City Hall. Mr. Padia replied in the positive. 6. STAFF UPDATES Mr. Kennedy revisited the request received to rename El Barrio Park to Veteranos Park to honor those who have served. City Council gave consensus to implement the park naming policy, which is to survey the community. He indicated the postcard mailers, and the survey will be sent out to the area ½ mile around the park. Mr. Kennedy stated that staff will bring the data to the Commission next month for review and recommendation. Mr. Kennedy briefly shared the Council Item of Special Interest to rename the Glendale Community Center, and that staff will present it at City Council Workshop on March 26th for further direction. Mr. Kennedy shared that the demographics Commissioner Zomok requested at the last meeting has been handed out tonight. Ms. Barriga gave an update on projects, including: • Bonsall North Master Plan – J2 was selected as the design company. The RFP for construction is going to City Council on March 26th.Tentative open date end of 2025. • Sahuaro Ranch Park Master Plan – City Council approved the proposed concept including a Lily Pond and 59thAve enhancements. No funding at this time. Bond election in 2025. • Thunderbird Conservation Park Improvements – this project was discussed earlier in this meeting. • Irrigation and Lighting Projects are ongoing. Updates will be provided with the ongoing CIP updates. • Heroes Regional Park Build-Out project is in the design phase with Dig Studio. The construction contract will be presented to City Council March 26th – project was discussed earlier in this meeting. Commissioner Guzman asked about the project at Bonsall Park. Ms. Barriga explained it includes new tennis courts, new basketball courts, a mini-pitch, a new landscape area, enhancements around the F-15 fighter jet, trees, and new walking paths. Commissioner Guzman asked about concerns with homeless at the park. Mr. Kennedy replied that introducing more positive recreation has seen improvements in wanted activity at the park. He stated that the park was included in the Disparity Report as part of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, and that the Mobile Rec on Wheels program has held activities there. Chair Martinez relayed that he has seen a significant difference in the way the park is being used, and that the park lighting has helped. Mr. Padia shared volunteer opportunities the commissioners can assist with: • Thursday, March 14th - St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon – Glendale Adult Center • Monday, March 18th - Family Pickleball Clinic – Chicken N Pickle at Westgate • Friday, March 22nd - Family Movie Night –Glendale Civic Center • Friday, April 26th - Arbor Day Event – Sunset Ridge Park Commissioner Nesfield asked to have a list of opportunities emailed to the Commission. Commissioner Guzman inquired about Movie Night at the Civic Center. Mr. Padia replied there would be popcorn, the movie will be inside the Civic Center, and Mobile Recreation activities. Commissioner Guzman asked about movie nights in the parks. Mr. Padia shared that it has been discussed as part of the Mobile Recreation program to have movies once a month in the parks. 7. COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Guzman mentioned at the City Council meeting there was a suggestion of putting a pickleball court in at Sierra Verde Park, instead of a splash pad. Mr. Kennedy responded that staff heard the comments and request from the Councilmember from the Cholla District, and staff will do a study which is typically part of the CIP process. Commissioner Nesfield inquired about the installation of a bike practice track by Foothills Skate Park. Mr. Kennedy responded that it was a Transportation Department initiative and that he would get information regarding it. Chair Martinez commented the wear and tear at the new pickleball courts at Bonsall Park is concerning. Mr. Kennedy stated that the project was not a full remove and replace; however, staff will look at it and see what improvements can be made. Chair Martinez shared that the Sahuaro Ranch community has asked him about pickleball courts at Sahuaro Ranch Park. Mr. Kennedy stated that pickleball courts are in the Sahuaro Ranch Master Plan, however, there is no funding for the project at this time. Commissioner Zomok thanked staff for the park inspection reports and for the demographics. He commented on the quality of content in the Parks and Recreation Annual Report, including homeless data and what this department has done regarding it. Commissioner Traw intimated that tennis courts can be used for pickleball. Mr. Kennedy replied that pickleball uses a smaller court, a different size net and layout of the lines. Commissioner Traw commented he was happy to see Heroes Regional Park being developed. 8. NEXT MEETING The next regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission will be held on Monday, April 8, 2024, at 5:30 p.m., at the Glendale Civic Center, located at 5750 W. Glenn Dr., Glendale, Arizona, 85301. 9. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Snair, second by Commissioner Guzman, to adjourn the meeting at 6:43 p.m.