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PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
September 5, 2023
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Madam Chair Dykstra called the meeting to order on Tuesday, September 5th, at
5:00 p.m.
Roll Call
Members in Attendance:
Madam Chair Melanie Dykstra
Vice-Chair Tim Johnson
Board Member James Montgomery
Board Member John David
Board Member Jegadesan Krishnamurthy
Board member Sue McInturff
VACANT
Staff Members Present:
John Sefton, Community Services Director
Josh Wagner, Parks Maintenance and Operations Superintendent
Erika Berry, Recreation Superintendent
Rebecca Kuiper, Recreation Superintendent
Mickey Ohland, Parks Development & Operations Senior Manager
Chris Smith, Aquatics Superintendent
SCHEDULED/UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES
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Duane Lidman presented that in 1979, the Orangetree and Tierra Dobson
subdivisions were developed, but the intended neighborhood park's retention
basin was owned and maintained privately. Mr. Lidman expressed that the basin
has not been maintained properly over the last 43 years. Mr. Lidman referenced
Action Item 13 from the Parks Strategic Masterplan, which states “Consider
exploring options with private developers to meet park needs in North Chandler and
to address other community needs and wants throughout the city”.
Mr. Lidman highlighted a recent redevelopment plan by K Hovnanian Homes to
build 48 single-family homes and a 1.7-acre park within the retention basin, but 2.8
acres would remain inaccessible due to depth, and requiring a 6-foot-high
perimeter fence.
Mr. Lidman suggested considering underground storage solutions for the deeper
part of the basin to eliminate the need for the perimeter fence. Potentially
increasing the park's size to 4.6 acres, meeting recommended standards. He sought
support to make the area accessible for public use, aligning with the Parks Master
Plan's timeline to complete Priority Action Item 13 by 2028.
Madam Chair Dykstra thanked Mr. Lidman and opened the floor for discussion.
Additionally, she requested that this topic be included as a future agenda item for
further consideration and planning.
ACTION ITEMS
Approval of minutes from August 1, 2023
Madam Chair Melanie Dykstra asked for a motion to approve the meeting
minutes from August 1, 2023 Parks and Rec Board Meeting. Board Member
Mongomery made a motion to approve. Board Member Krishnamurthy
seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously.
Rescheduling of the November 7th meeting
Madam Chair Melanie Dykstra asked for a motion to reschedule the following
Parks and Recreation Board meeting from November 7th, to November 4th at
Veterans Memorial Park. Board Member McInturff made a motion to approve.
Board Member David seconded the motion. The motion was approved
unanimously.
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BRIEFING
Park Ranger Discussion Follow-Up from 8/2/2023
Sergent Greg Howarth, who provides operations support for the Park Ranger Unit,
followed up on the discussion questions raised regarding the types of calls received
by the unit, background of the unit, and call statistics.
Sgt. Howarth began by providing an overview of the background and history of the
Park Ranger Unit's transition into the police department. He explained that since
1994, the unit became integrated into the police department to enhance
collaboration and resource sharing. This transition aimed to improve efficiency and
response times for incidents within park areas.
Sgt. Howarth also mentioned that up until July of 2022, the Park Ranger Unit relied
on manual, hand-written paper logs to document their activities and incidents. This
method had its limitations, including potential delays in information sharing and
data retrieval. The transition from paper logs to digital record-keeping with real
time data, has enhanced the unit's efficiency and data management capabilities.
Sgt. Howarth highlighted details about call types received and referenced the
Chandler Police website for more detailed information on call types. A discussion
ensued.
Madam Chair Dykstra requested additional follow-up information regarding the
most up-to-date stats.
Aquatics Summer Operations
Chris Smith introduced his aquatics team and presented an overview of the Summer
Operations.
Chris Smith reviewed the total attendance numbers for public swim at all 6 aquatic
centers. He highlighted the breakdown of attendance between residents and non-
residents.
Madam Chair raised concerns about the breakdown of attendance numbers based
on residency. She expressed concerns about services to non-residents being
subsidized residents.
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Mr. Smith shared statistics regarding the number of rescues that occurred at the
pools.
Riley McAuliffe shared information about swim lesson participant numbers and
related details.
Madam Chair inquired if the capacity numbers for lessons in June and July were the
same. A discussion ensued.
Trevor Jones discussed the total number of participants in swim teams.
He also mentioned the upcoming boat regatta team appreciation event.
Aubrey Billington talked about the staff appreciation event of the year.
She explained that "of the year" awards were presented to highlight outstanding team
members.
Jessica Chamberlain provided information about the upcoming fall programming,
including:
• Public swim
• Lessons
• Fall swim team
• Water fitness
• High School and USA club reservations
Jessica Chamberlain discussed the expansion of water fitness programs.
She mentioned specific offerings, including:
• Aqua fit at Nozomi Pool
• Water walking at Mesquite Groves
• Lap swim at Nozomi
MEMBERS COMMENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALENDAR
• Community Nights, Friday, September 15, 2023
Kyrene del Pueblo 360 S. Twelve Oaks Blvd, Chandler, AZ 85226
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• Dragonfly and Butterfly Bash Saturday, September 16
4050 E. Chandler Heights Road, Chandler AZ 85249
• Grandparents Day September 23, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
202 E Boston St, Chandler, AZ 85225
• Pumpkin Dunk Saturday, October 28, 2023, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Mesquite
Groves Aquatic Center 5901 S. Hillcrest Dr. Chandler AZ 85249
Next Board Meeting – October 3, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers
Conference Room
ADJOURNMENT With no further items, Madam Chair Dykstra requested a motion to
adjourn the meeting at 6:53 p.m. Board Member Montgomery made the motion to
adjourn the meeting. Board Member David seconded the motion. The motion was
approved unanimously.
_________________________________________ _____________________________________
Melanie Dykstra, Madam Chair
Erika Berry, Recreation
Superintendent