March 4, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes

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March 4, 2025, | 5:00 P.M.  
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD 
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 
 
 
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL 
 
Chair Dykstra called the meeting to order on Tuesday, February 4, at 5:00 P.M.  
 
       
Members in Attendance: 
Vice Chair Melanie Dykstra 
      Board Member Sue McInturf  
 
Board Member Sarah Sharits 
  
Board Member James Montgomery 
 
Board Member Lynette Bradley 
 
Members Absent: 
Chair John David 
 
 
 
Staff Members:  
Erika Berry, Corey Povar, Becky Kuiper, Malorie Heppler, and Anthony 
Anderson 
 
Others Present: 
Marilyn Hespel, Bill Hespel, Kim Foy, and Garrett Griggs 
 
INTRODUCTION OF NEW STAFF 
 
Tyller Ayers, Recreation Assistant, was not available for introduction to the 
Board and will be rescheduled.

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UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES 
 
Unscheduled Appearance – Duane Lidman 
Mr. Lidman reviewed the September 9th Council meeting. He mentioned his 
presentation to the Mayor and Council and reviewed feedback on the 
construction of Park # 70.  
 
 
ACTION ITEMS 
 
1. Approval of Minutes from the February 4, 2025, Parks and Recreation Board 
Meeting. 
 
 
 
Board Member Montgomery moved to approve the February 4th Parks and 
 
Recreation Board meeting minutes, which Board Member McInturf 
 
seconded. The motion was approved unanimously, 6-0.  
 
2. Request Approval of the Mesquite Groves Park Conceptual Plan. 
 
Mr. Mickey Ohland gave a presentation of the Mesquite Groves Conceptual 
Plan.  Vice Chair Dykstra asked what the attendance was like for the public 
meetings.  Mr. Ohland responded that approximately 20-30 people attended 
and that there were approximately 450 survey responses. 
 
Vice Chair Dykstra asked if the walking paths could be used for cross 
country events.  Mr. Ohland responded that they could be used for that 
purpose.   
 
Board Member Bradley asked if paddle boards could be used in the lake.  
Mr. Ohland responded that they would not be permitted.   
 
Vice Chair Dykstra asked what size events would occur at the Amphitheatre 
and Lawn events space and if food trucks will have an area for set-up place 
for sport rentals.  Mr. Ohland responded that the event area is small and 
would only accommodate small performances.  Food trucks will be allowed 
in designated areas. Providing water and power to food trucks is still be 
discussed.

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Board Member Sharits asked if there would be overflow parking.  Mr. 
Ohland responded that there will be 2100 spaces which should 
accommodate the parking need. 
 
Board Member Montgomery asked about the planned recreation center.  
Mr. Ohland responded that it is not in the CIP now but will remain under 
consideration. 
 
Board Member Montgomery asked if any of the existing trees would be 
saved in the project.  Mr. Ohland responded that the trees will be evaluated 
and kept, if possible. 
 
BRIEFING  
 
3. Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities – Bill Hespel 
 
Mr. Bill Hespel gave a presentation on the Mayor’s Commission for People 
with Disabilities.  Board Member Montgomery asked if ping pong could be 
added to the Special Events program.  Ms. Becky Kuiper responded that 
ping pong is not currently an event in the Special Olympics but is 
represented in other Adaptive programming.   
 
4. Marketing – Malorie Heppler and Anthony Anderson 
 
Ms. Malorie Heppler and Mr. Anthony Anderson presented on the city’s 
Recreation marketing team and their role in promoting events, engaging 
with customers, and increased brand awareness. 
 
CALENDAR ITEMS 
 
5. The next Parks and Recreation Board meeting will be held on April 1st at 
5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers Conference Room, 88 E. Chicago St. 
 
6. Chandler Senior Expo, March 5 from 9 a.m.-noon at the Community Center  
 
7. Nature Photo Contest submissions close March  
 
8. Family Season Aquatic pass sale, March 8-23

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9. Spice of Life Senior Variety Show, March 19 and 20 at the Chandler Center 
for the Arts  
 
10. Sonoran Sunset Concert Series - Traveler, March 20 from 6-7:30 p.m. at 
Veterans Oasis Park  
 
11. Youth & Teen Art Show, March 21 from 6-8 p.m. At the Community Center 
 
12. Nature at Night, March 22 from 6-9 p.m. at Chandler Nature Center  
 
ADJOURN – Vice Chair Dykstra requested a motion to adjourn; Board Member 
Montgomery moved to adjourn.  Board Member Krishnamurthy 
seconded, none opposed. The meeting was adjourned at 6:28 p.m. 
 
 
 
_________________________________________              _____________________________________ 
John David, Chair 
Erika Berry, Recreation 
Superintendent