By Chad Reynolds, P&R Board member
Before the PRB (Parks & Recreation/Natural Resources Board) meeting Tuesday (2.11.20) at City Hall, members gathered to wish farewell to Kevin Rooney, director of the Parks and Recreation Department, who has resigned his position.
Link to agenda: https://tn-lakeland.civicplus.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/912
Mari Authement, a Lakeland citizen, shared an opportunity with the Board to have a tennis fundraiser (final date to be determined) at the Windward Slopes tennis courts. A date will be announced later. The goal of the fundraising event and future fundraising opportunities is to raise funds to add two more courts as well as lights. The City could apply for a grant up to $25,000 to match these funds. Having four courts would make that location USTA (United States Tennis Association)-certified which would open up many tennis opportunities.
Zadie Kuehl update
The Board reviewed design proposals for the inclusive playground to be built at Zadie Kuehl Park. The designs were provided by Landscape Structures and Play & Bliss Products. The Board decided to reach back out to both companies for further design updates.
Athletic Complex update
- 90% of the design plans will be ready by the end of February and will be presented to the City’s Planning Commission. The Barge Architects are looking into the cost effectiveness between extending power lines to the complex versus using solar power.
- Projected opening is October 2021
Soccer Grant update
Considering possible locations, including the Athletic Complex, to take advantage of a soccer grant. With this grant, we would have to make a 10-year commitment of using the fields 50% of the time or more for soccer in order to qualify for the grant
IH Park/Clubhouse
- Homeschool group has volunteered to build a bridge across a creek in IH Park
- The homeschool group has also volunteered to help with trash pickup and removal of privet
- TVs will be installed in the clubhouse by Saturday
- Geek Squad will handle installing TVs and HDMI components.
- Front doors to the clubhouse will be replaced once a solution regarding the use of the lock is determined
- Potential LAMP bands were discussed. Decision was made to start by calling each band to see which bands are available and decide which bands to invite at the next PRB meeting. Almost Famous has already been booked for the June 6 LAMP concert. The other dates for the summer are June 27, July 25, August 22, September 26
Park Administration
- Plaques have been purchased and sent out to previous PRB volunteers as a way of saying “Thanks”. Previous volunteers were not available to accept plaques at our meeting
- Search underway for our next Director of the Parks and Recreation Department
- Tree City Application is in to be a Tree City USA for the 14th year
- Signs showing Lakeland is a Tree City will be displayed on Canada Road at Highway 70 and another at Highway 64
- March 21 will be our Lakeland Arbor Day
Recreation/Sporting Programs
Basketball
-Last 2 weeks of regular season play, Feb. 14-15 & Feb. 21-22
-Playoffs Feb. 27-29
-Recently had our Grizzlies and Tigers League night which was a good turn out
Soccer
-Begins March 7
-Registration is open
-Competitive begins playing Feb. 20
Cheerleading
-Season is over for the competitive teams
-Rec team still cheering at our 7/8 rec basketball games
-Planning an end of the year party
Football
-In the process of planning a facility tour with Memphis Tigers football during summer workouts
-May even be able to practice at their facility before or after the tour
Senior Center
Attendance report for January
2020: 405
2019: 412
Attendance totals are head counts per activity based off a sign-in sheet located at the front door. All participants are asked to sign in for every activity/event they participate in.
Update on Senior Dinner
Hoedown & Chili Cook-Off Jan. 24 was a success. The event brought in approximately $600. The pulled pork was donated by James Kerley, a friend of the Center. Lakeland resident, Jack Otto, won the chili cook-off. It was the third consecutive time Mr. Otto took home the championship trophy. The entertainment, Big Barton Band, was provided by Creative Aging (grant).
Added to program
- Craft Corner: “Once-a-month” craft project. Projects include crafts like wreath-making, Christmas ornaments, painting terra cotta planters, etc.
- Jewelry Making: Classes will be held quarterly.
- Art Canvas: “Once-a-month,” painted art canvases.
The newly added projects mentioned above are being instructed voluntarily by Lakeland residents – Penny Monroe, Karen Parsley, Nancy Vailes and Gail Bishop.
Update CDB grant/upcoming events
The Community Development Block grant program through Creative Aging is going very well. We are filling all the workshops and studio to maximum capacity and have a waiting list.
- A Mosaics five-Week Studio started Thursday (2.13.20) at the Center.
- TN Shakespeare Company will perform “12th Night” — a 45-minute Shakespeare play during a Potluck Luncheon on Tuesday (2.18.20)at 11:30 a.m. at IH Clubhouse
… Photos by Jim Willis, Lakeland Currents
