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Parks Board Meeting

The North Plains Parks & Recreation Board gathered on October 13, 2025, to follow up on its summer work session with council, home in on programming priorities, and address facility policies at Jessie Mays Community Park.

Highlights

  • 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 City Manager Bill Ganley will bring the long-delayed parks & communications program supervisor job description back to council so hiring can finally start.
  • 🎬 Board members want Movies in the Park to return this winter, eyeing indoor screenings and partnerships while redirecting unused concert funds toward licensing.
  • 🛝 The board unanimously backed a feasibility study and funding strategy for new play features and amenities at Louie Wence Park, tapping parks systems development charges.
  • 🧽 Jessie Mays pavilion rules will be tightened—private events only, attendance caps, and explicit cleaning-fee warnings—to deter oversized or messy gatherings.
  • đź’° The North Plains Parks Foundation has raised $73,672 so far, with another $350 donation en route after mailing 1,553 fundraising letters.

Notes

  • Housekeeping: Minutes were approved without comment; Commissioner Matt Wyman was excused and no public testimony was submitted.
  • Program supervisor position: Ganley reiterated that the adopted biennial budget already funds both the parks/program supervisor role and one additional sheriff’s deputy (for one year). Council had previously hesitated to activate the parks position, but Ganley intends to present the job description at the next council meeting so recruitment can begin. The role covers community programming and the city’s day-to-day communications presence.
  • August work session priorities: Board members reaffirmed their summer takeaway list—revive Movies in the Park, keep supporting the Parks Foundation, add play equipment at Louie Wence Park, explore seasonal night markets, and install city-branded signage at every park.
  • Movies in the Park: Licensing costs run roughly $500–$700 per showing. The board discussed reassigning the concerts-in-the-park budget, partnering with the school district for gym access, using existing audio/visual gear at Jessie Mays, and teaming with parent groups for joint events. Indoor winter films are preferred while weather remains wet.
  • Parks Foundation update: The fall mailing campaign produced 83 responses (1,553 letters sent to start), totalling $73,672 in pledges plus a fresh $350 donation headed to treasurer Cindy Hurst.
  • Louie Wence Park amenities: Members agreed the pocket park needs a draw. Staff confirmed that systems development charge reserves can fund a feasibility study and future improvements such as a modest play structure, shelter, fencing, or sidewalk realignment. The board voted to recommend that council authorize staff to scope options and costs within those SDC resources.
  • Jessie Mays parking: Weekend cyclists continue to fill spaces early, but complaints remain sporadic. With perimeter parking improvements on the horizon, the board opted to monitor the situation and consider courtesy signage before pursuing enforcement measures.
  • Pavilion rental policy: A recent “overflow block party” exposed gaps in the rental form. Staff and board members will revise the application to (1) limit rentals to private gatherings of roughly 30 people, (2) require renters to acknowledge that cap, and (3) add language about possible post-event cleaning fees. Staff will also explore a formal cleanup charge for council to adopt if needed and consult county health inspectors about food service expectations.
  • Operations constraints: Overflow trash and broken outlets highlight the need for future weekend staffing or on-call support; until then, users should expect variable cleanliness between reservations.
  • Council liaison: Councilor Trista Pittman encouraged members to attend council meetings, keep their top priorities clear for budget talks, and think about the long-term funding path for the parks position.

Follow-Ups

  • Ganley to deliver the parks/program supervisor job description to council and report back on next steps.
  • Staff to update the Jessie Mays pavilion rental materials (attendance limits, private-event acknowledgement, cleaning fee notice) and evaluate a standalone cleanup charge.
  • Board to send council a written recommendation to pursue a Louie Wence Park feasibility study funded by parks SDC dollars.
  • Members to coordinate with North Plains Elementary and parent groups on indoor movie logistics, licensing, and promotion.
  • Parks Foundation volunteers to continue mail follow-up and deposit the latest $350 contribution.

Video Recording