by Steven Snow, Parks & Rec board member
LAKELAND MUNICIPAL PARKS & RECREATION/NATURAL RESOURCES
ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2019, 5:30 P.M.
CITY HALL, LAKELAND TN 38002
Meeting called to order at 5:35 by Chairman Mark Donley
The regular monthly meeting of the Lakeland Municipal Parks and Recreation / Natural Resources Board was held Tuesday evening, June 11 at City Hall. Present were board members Mark Donley, Andre Nolen, Scott Robbins, and Steven Snow. Absent were board members, Mark Magione and Chad Reynolds
Also present were BOC liaison, Commissioner Michele Dial, Director, Kevin Rooney, Senior Center Manager, Kim Odom, City Manager, Shane Horn.
After the board approving the minutes of the May meeting, Director Kevin Rooney began with a report of the situation at Zadie Kuehl Park. While the installation of motion sensor lighting and a security camera had created some improvement in loitering and littering last month, there has been recent evidence of criminal activity in the park and the Shelby County Sheriffs Office has been requested to increase patrol and surveillance. An engineering firm which was contracted to study drainage in the planned dog park area has suggested the installation of rocks to improve the flow of water away from the dog runs and prevent mud accumulation. Plans are progressing for the installation of fencing this fall with an opening scheduled for next spring. Discussions continue on a planned makeover of the children’s playground area with grant money to create an inclusive play area to include accessibility to special needs youths.
Plantation Hills has been in the news recently for the installation of a life size checker board and pieces, constructed and donated by Parks and Rec board member, Andre Nolen.
Board chairman, Mark Donley reported that the recent hydrologic study of the proposed Athletic Complex found that significant wetland areas would be impacted. The plans for the first phase of the project with multi use fields and public parking would not be affected, but that long range plans would have to be modified. A trail system was discussed for the southern portion of the property adjacent to the Cool Springs Park with the prospects of ultimately connecting those trails with trails in Plantation Hills, IH, and Cool Springs
The hiking and off-road biking trails at IH Park continue to be more precisely mapped and remarked by local Eagle Scouts. Other projects being undertaken by the civic minded scouts are refurbishing planting areas at Zadie Kuehl Park, repairing the ball wall next to the tennis courts at Windward Slopes Park, building benches around IH Lake, and installing a bulletin board at Cool Springs Park.
Installation of the new roof has been completed at IH and it recently passed the test of surviving the recent deluge. In addition new tables and chairs have been purchased for the events held there.
The 2019 edition of the Summer LAMP Concert Series debuted June 1 to an overflow crowd estimated at close to 300. The Memphis Funk ‘N Horns provided the pulse pounding entertainment to the enthusiastic concertgoers. Food vendors, face painters, balloon animals, and giveaways also added to the festive atmosphere. The momentum continues on Sat Jun 22 with the Mighty Electric St. Jude Band preceded on stage at 5:30 pm by children’s entertainer, Patty Shukla with something special for the little ones. Music begins at 6:30 and lasts until 9:30.
Kim Odom reported that the attendance at the Senior Center for May was 352 an increase from the 272 last May. Some of the more popular programs at the center are Dixon Gallery art classes and watercolor classes taught by a Lakeland resident.
Recreation Program Supervisor submitted her report on sports leagues:
Summer T-ball and Coach Pitch Baseball
Practices began last week at the City Hall fields, and games will begin on June 20.
Lakeland Parks and Rec. Game-night at the Memphis Redbirds game will be on June 28.
Soccer
Soccer camp is being held at the City Hall fields this week and next week. We have 33
participants. Fall Soccer Early Bird Registration is now open. Season begins August 17.
Youth and Adult Tennis
Registration is now open for the second summer session of tennis clinics which begin on June 16
for Adults, and June 30 for Youth. Summer camp is currently being held with 11 participants.
Coding Camp
The first week of camp was held at the I.H. Clubhouse last week, and will conclude with the
second week on Friday. Overall we had 15 participants ages 8-12. Campers receive a certificate
of completion and digital art to show to their families.
Registrations Currently Open
For the Fall 2019 Season:
Recreation Cheerleading – Ages 6-11 – This team will cheer for the youth tackle football teams. – Ends June 27.
Tackle Football – Ages 7-10 – Ends June 30
Flag Football – Ages 5-9 – Ends June 30
There are still spots open for Lego Camp in July – Ages 5-13 – Registration ends July 8.
For additional information contact Wendi Haley, whaley@lakelandtn.org, phone 901-867-5407
