By Kim Odom,
special events coordinator and Lakeland Senior Center manager
The Parks and Recreation/Natural Resources Board (P&R) met for their monthly session Oct. 8th at City Hall.
Kevin Rooney, director of the Lakeland Parks and Recreation Department, updated members on the Athletic Complex which is planned for Memphis Arlington and Canada Roads.
The City was awarded a contract for $500,000 for the Athletic Complex which was on the Oct. 19th BOC (Board of Commissioners) agenda. After approval by the BOC and the paperwork was signed by Mayor Mike Cunningham, officials from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation signed the contract.
At the November P&R Board meeting, Mr. Rooney will share information about the contract, noting design work can start, getting closer to a construction start date for the Complex.
Among projects discussed for the IH Park/Clubhouse were LAMP concerts, facility upgrades and rental rates.
The LAMP concert Sept. 28th was the last of the summer series and featured Jerry Patton. The series ended its season on a good note. Parks and Recreation also spotlighted an estimated 50-60 youth recreation football players and cheerleaders, as well as LMPS (Lakeland Middle Preparatory School) football players and cheerleaders during Homecoming at the LAMP.
Plans for next year’s LAMP concerts will begin earlier than last year with feedback and input from the P&R members regarding band selections to begin in January or February. Suggestions for improvements to the summer concert series are welcomed by the P&R Board.
IH Clubhouse upgrades are almost complete. There are still a few new lights to install. The front door to Clubhouse will also get an upgrade soon.
There was discussion on IH rental rates for 501(3)c (nonprofits). Nonprofits are consuming Saturday rentals at the discounted rates and preventing potential revenue for Parks and Rec. Mr. Rooney will research how other municipalities are handling nonprofits and work up rate details for P&R. A report will be presented at the November meeting. Item will be moved for to the agenda for possible motion on the topic at next month’s P&R meeting.
Link to agenda: https://tn-lakeland.civicplus.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/879 . Members Scott Robins and Steve Snow had excused absences for the meeting. In addition to Mrs. Odom and Mr. Rooney, Shane Horn, city manager, attended the meeting.
Zadie E. Kuehl Memorial Park update
No unusual trash was found at Zadie Kuehl Memorial Park. The number of after-hours visitors is on the decline. Park staff will continue monitoring the parks. Shelby County Sherriff’s Office will continue to patrol the park as well.
Action on the dog park budget amendment of $200,000.00 was made by the P&R Board to fund an additional paved parking lot and lights needed for the park. An update will be given at next month’s PRB meeting.
Windward Slopes
Residents interested in hosting a fundraiser to light the tennis courts and parking lot could not nail down a date to host the event. The fundraiser has been postponed. They hope to host it next year.
Park Administration
The City has hired Chris Cole as recreation program supervisor. Mr. Cole has a Bachelor of Science in recreation and sport management from the University of Tennessee. He has already dug in to running the programs and is doing a good job so far.
Recreation/Sporting Programs Update
Soccer
Fall Soccer season is underway.
Tackle Football
The season continues thru the end of October. There’s a good possibility the team will make the playoffs.
Flag Football
Games season concludes at the end of October.
Cheerleading
Cheerleaders is going strong.
Basketball
The program for co-ed ages 5-14 should have 3 to 4 competitive this year, which is up from last year. Approximately 75 to 80 youth registered for the rec program. The cap is 225.
Lakeland Senior Center
Attendance for September was 518. Attendance in 2018 was 380.
