04-20-21-PTRC MInutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes April 20, 2021 Page 4 F. Spring/Summer Recreation Programs Update Staff Liaison Vaughan said the City’s spring programs will begin this month. There are two programs for adults starting, yoga and tai chi. Youth tennis lessons are beginning in May. Seasonal staff is being hired. There aren’t as many participants as in pre-COVID years, but people are starting to register for programs. Committee Member Dietz added that the AARP driving classes are being offered online. 4. NEW BUSINESS A. Location for Tree Planting Staff Liaison Vaughan said at the last PTRC meeting there was discussion about where the committee would like to see trees planted. Donations were received from the Friends of the Parks and Trails for a tree to be planted in Valentine Park. Council Liaison Grant said some of the developments that have taken trees down and can’t replant on the property need to pay fees and the City can determine where to plant new trees. New Perspective has money that will be available and the committee can make recommendations to Council as to where they’d like to see trees planted. There will be a lot of trees that can be planted. Chair Van Valkenburg suggested that committee members check their local areas and make suggestions at the next meeting. Interim Public Works Director Swearingen said Google Earth might show bare spots in the city. B. Parks and Trails Survey Staff Liaison Vaughan commented that at the last meeting the idea was brought up of surveying residents about improvements they feel would be welcomed in the parks and trails. He wondered what other thoughts the committee had about a survey. Chair Van Valkenburg said to start they could ask residents as they are out and about. Committee Member Nelson felt they should do something more comprehensive, possibly an on- line survey. Chair Van Valkenburg thought the idea was good but a lot of work. He thought people generally tell the Council or committee members when they have ideas. Committee Member Beggin said he brought it up because he saw so many people on the trails during COVID and he thought people don’t really know that there is a parks, trails and recreation committee and that they could have input. Committee Member Anderson wondered if they could have the City post on the Facebook page asking for feedback and providing contact information, or in the newsletter.