The proposed Dog Park at Zadie Kuehl Park was among topics at the Aug. 13th Municipal Parks & Recreation/Natural Resources Advisory Board (PRB) monthly meeting at City Hall.
An overview of July’s discussions of adding a Canada Road entrance and parking area for the future dog park at Zadie Kuehl was presented to the Board. Kevin Rooney, director of the Parks and Recreation Department, said a gravel parking area will cost approximately $92,000.00. To add a paved parking lot would cost approximately $150,000.00. The cost was presented to the BOC (Board of Commissioners) in July. Discussion on the topic was deferred to the next BOC meeting.
PRB member Scott Robbins made a motion to recommend a budget amendment of $200,000.00 to fund an additional paved parking lot and lights needed for the dog park. it was seconded by Andre’ Nolan and approved.
There was an update on a $200,000 Community Block Development grant received for an inclusive playground to replace the old equipment. Funds to be awarded in 2021, said Mr. Rooney, but funds can be spent now and will be repaid to City in Fiscal Year 2021. Forward progress is contingent upon legal paperwork on both sides, he said.
All PRB members were present for the meeting. Commissioner Michele Dial had an excused absence. City Hall staff on hand included Shane Horn, city manager, Mr. Rooney and Kim Odom, senior center manager and special events.
Athletic Complex
TDEC (TN Department of Environment and Conservation) has estimated mid-August for a contract date. From there the City can move forward with the design phase of the project.
IH Park/Clubhouse
The LAMP concert on July 24 featuring Will Tucker Band was a huge success with the largest crowd of the season. The $5,000 LAMP sponsorship check presentation made by Sprouts Farmers Market was hosted with commissioners Wesley Wright and Michele Dial both attending.
The IH Clubhouse’s main room and rec room is in the process of getting new LED lighting and switches.
Windward Slopes
Aaron Lawrence will install shade structures on benches at Windward Slopes Park on August 24 and August 31, and if necessary, he will finish project by Sept. 1. This is his Eagle Scout project idea.
The mister has been replaced in park.
City Hall Park
Fields had a lot of wear and tear from recent sports programs. A spreader was rented Aug. 1. Fields have been irrigated and sodded in places. Rye grass will be planted for winter to protect Bermuda grass.
Cool Springs Park
Public Works has bush-hogged the park. (Presented by Kevin Rooney.)
Oak Ridge Park
Trees planed two years ago are not doing well. The Tree Doctor is coming out to advise. Will update Board on report, according to Mr. Rooney.
Park Administration
An ADA transition plan is in place for all Tennessee municipal parks as part of a state-wide requirement for cities with a population over 50,000. City Engineer Emily Harrell is planning to bring Lakeland parks up to code as well. Kimley-Horn is surveying parks and will provide staff with a priority list. This project will be an ongoing for several months.
Recreation/Sporting Programs Update
Parks and Recreation is search of an intern to help the recreation program supervisor during games. “We’ve reached out to the University of Memphis but haven’t heard back from anyone interested, said Mr. Rooney. The job pays $10 hour.
Summer Baseball ended Aug. 1st with our team Pizza Parties.
Fall soccer season began Aug. 17th. The season is played at the St. Paul United Methodist Church fields. There are 130 participants ages 3-12.
Lakeland IFA soccer teams will begin play at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex and will play in local tournaments beginning in September. There are have two each boys and girls teams.
Youth and adult tennis clinics began this month.
The 10U tackle football team will be playing within the MFL (Municipal Football League). This team will compete against Arlington, Bartlett, Collierville and Millington. The season began this month. Conditioning is currently underway during the weeknights at the City Hall Fields.
The flag football 5-7 age division has 4 teams, including a team from Arlington Youth Sports that joined the Lakeland league this season. The 7-9 age division has seven teams. This is the biggest turnout yet. Practices are at the City Hall fields and games have started.
The City will have one Competitive Recreation Cheer Team of 15 girls who will compete in local competitions and will also cheer for the 10U tackle football team. This is the second season for competitive rec. team. There will also be 19 girls for the Recreation Cheer Team that will only cheer for our 10U tackle football team. Practices are at LMPS after school during the week. Both teams are coached by Memphis Pride Cheer & Dance.
Lakeland Lego Club (fall session) will feature Space Adventures beginning Thursdays, Sept. 5th thru Oct. 10th at the IH Clubhouse from 5-630 p.m. Registration is open at www.lakelandtn.org.
Lakeland Senior Center
Attendance for July was 280. Attendance down most-likely due to lots of rain throughout. The Center was also closed on July 4th and 5th. Attendance for July 2018 was 327.
… Photo courtesy of Kim Odom
