Parks & Rec Advisory Board Meeting

What?

show up in it?

I don't know.

Please do.

Good evening everyone. Uh welcome to the August 26, 2026 Apex Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting. Uh like to call this meeting to order and we always start with a moment of invocation. Thank you. Next is the Pledge of Allegiance.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Next up is the approval of the special meeting uh minutes held in July. Um so as always, these things are sent to us in our email to be able to look over prior to the meeting. If one has any objections, just need a motion to approve those meeting uh those minutes.

I make a motion to approve the special meeting minutes held in on July 29th.

Second.

It's been motion and properly second. All in favor?

I.

Any opposed? Motion carried. Next up, the executive report and projects program report.

So we'll start with Miss Angela. She's going to hop up. We received a question about the shade structures out at Pleasant Park. So she's going to offer an explanation about why they ended up where they ended up and why they are there in the first place.

Do you want to ask the question again? So in case you didn't know, I love pickleball and we have amazing courts easily accessible here with our parks.

We just recently got two awesome shade structures at Pleasant Park um and I specifically wanted to know about the process and why they are what they are. Um and then we can discuss that just a little bit, I think.

Okay. Um so yeah, we we had many requests not just for um from pickleball people about those who were waiting to play um at uh Pleasant Park but also at the Nature Park and um and then additional shade structures within the parks like at the playground areas where mostly where I think where parents were asking to sit while they were watching their kids play. And so we started a planning process and put together a budget. Uh we have some from that was spent for last year and then we have additional funds for more shade canopies within the parks this year. Uh the pickleball um shade structures were put uh in a sense adjacent to the playing area on the side between the sidewalk and the fence for the playing courts. Um where we sort of we already had bench seating, and it's sort of the only place that had walkways already available and seating available. Um I think I understand in some ways some of the concerns cuz beyond the question, we had some other people who said the shade doesn't give you shade all hours of the day that the sun is up. And that's pretty typical of shade canopies and that you unless they're much much much wider than the space that you are seating in, you have early morning sun that's at an angle and you have afternoon sun that's at an angle. And so, we kind of fit what we could in the area that we have there. Um but we couldn't make them much wider in

a sense from the fence to the sidewalk area because of overhangs. And we put them over the benches that we had since that was already infrastructure that was there. I know in the mornings when there's a big group that plays about 9:00 a.m., the sun is pretty much at their backs. And then in a sense, it shades the courts at that I mean, a section of the courts at that time. Um we couldn't put them much lower because of clearance for anything we might have to bring in on the sidewalks and people walking. Um and so, we're kind of we were kind of limited in where we could put them, and we didn't really have any room anywhere along that side. I think at one point maybe there was some people that asked for them on the side, but there was landscaping and drainage in that area, and we have um there are some underground utilities that we're working around. So, while it looks like open grass area, there's other utilities buried in the footings and stuff need space for that. So, that's kind of where they are where they are there. Um I know at the nature park the plans include a structure that's over There's bleacher seating that's there. And so, that structure will have But there's space for that and there's an accessible walkway to that bleacher seating. And so, that's kind of a different setup, which would be more conducive to having seating, especially if you're up higher, you're closer to where the canopy sits. And so, the shade gets to that upper level sooner than it would if you were sitting at the lower levels.

My first question is how much shade do you think they provide at this point? How much How Give me a, you know, how much shade do you think is actually provided by that structure? And I will talk a little bit about on the courts, cuz it does provide on the courts as well. Um but I guess I instead of asking the question,

it is 1 hour of shade directly at 12:00. And that is the only time those benches are shaded. Which seems a little silly. The only reason that is is because they are astronomically high. They're wonderful structures that are probably going to be there for a very long time. But if they were put lower or even just like that, they would actually be providing the shade that it looks like they were intended to provide. And I'll talk a little bit about the shade that it does get after 12:00. Um first of all, during the summer, when we all are dying for shade out there, nobody plays after 12:00. It's way too hot here. I say nobody. Okay, that's extreme. Some occasional person, me included, will play after 12. But other than that, when you are shading the benches that are chained inside the courts, I've discussed this before, those benches themselves inside the courts are absolute hazards. The courts are from here to the actual playing courts is where the benches are. It is not safe for benches to even be there. And I have been told before something about ADA regulations that the benches have to be inside the courts. I you know, if that's the truth, great. Uh and I'm not saying it's not true, but I'm saying it's a hazard. And I hate throwing that word around, but it's just the truth. Um the shade doesn't work, which is so sad. And I'm only bringing it up because I'm happy that it happened, but I don't want it to happen like that

again. So, at the next park, consult other pickleballers if you want or, you know, just make sure that the shade is actually providing shade. Providing it inside the court is actually getting people to sit inside the court after 12. And already twice in 2 weeks, someone running from the court for the ball has completely obliterated the person sitting on the bench. And again, that's what I'm saying, that it it's not safe to have benches in there. But when we have to choose between finding the shade and being safe, it's it's just not a good setup. In the most part, if we can fix it by lowering it, that would be great. I'm glad you mentioned that the reason it's so high is because of equipment. There's it's mostly sidewalk, which is great. But now there's also mulch, another safety thing. We get our the mulch on our shoes cuz we have to actually walk through it um to get on the courts from the bench. Mulch on our shoes on the courts, slipping. There's a little like electrical thing box or something in the ground that's covered by the mulch, so it's sticking out a little bit, which is you know, of course, the function of it, but it's sticking out at an angle like this. So, this part is absolutely trippable. And this is at a complete angle. So, someone steps on there, they're already at an angle, they're running into the poles. They just don't notice it and and clip the the part that's sticking out. And again, they're tripping. I just feel like consulting the pickleball community one time,

we would have none of those problems. And I love that we are constantly having to, you know, listen to the community and make updates, but I want to make sure that the next one is more functioning um is what and and that's why I'm bringing it up in hopes that one, we can figure out a fix to the current problems at Pleasant Park, and then two, make sure that the next shade structures are functioning as shade on those benches. That's the extent for me.

And just to follow up on that, so knowing that, I mean, but it's not giving the shade as much, could it not have a little extension of the shade connected to the existing infrastructure which can kind of like could be a retractable shade that can be attached to it to kind of solve uh the existing problem.

well, I think if um just if it's a stationary shade structure, it it would be like adding the mechanical and I I think you just you would start over before you would have something that's like retractable or or you would create you know you you get something that's bigger. I'm hearing that I mean there's I'm sure there's and I've I mean I haven't been out there to see them as they have been installed. Um I'm sure that you know, talking about the constraints as far as like your your you are dealing with clear you know, vertical clearances. Um putting it in a an area that was that had existing pavement, it would make sense that it it is going over an area of seating. You have your choice whether to stand under it or you know, if it can capture some shade for that bench at certain times a day. Yes, um I mean any kind of umbrella like you have to move with the shade. If it's a stationary structure, it's hard to be able to kind of perfectly land it unless it is a very large and then you're you're kind of going to

very large.

into the one of the the amount. Um well, I guess maybe it's you know, what what drove the height of it to be able to um

you know, set it at whatever you know, actual height that it it is set because I mean the size of it and the height and yes, the sun changes the angle is going to change all throughout the day. Um so it's whether it's going to hit the courts or hit directly under. Yes, it's going to only kind of hit directly under when the sun is kind of straight above. Um hearing about the mulch if if people are walking through mulch, mulch is not supposed to be a walking surface. The any any um structure in it I mean should sit level, but I also think it's hard to to say it's a tripping hazard cuz it's not a place that people should be walking, also. So, that's that's kind of difficult to um I I don't know, kind of think that that's a an an issue um because it's not a I mean, it's not a walking surface. Um so, I I could see that there's I mean, there's a number of challenges. I'm not arguing to I mean, not have any kind of community conversations in in anything that we do. I mean, I don't think there's a reason not to in any way, shape, or form. But, I also understand need to kind of measure and balance what you're hearing and the desire from who's using it versus kind of the some of the physical challenges. We have utilities running through here, so we can't put it through here. We have an existing We don't have the budget to create new paved areas cuz you also can't put it over grass or or or you don't want to put it over mulch or anything. Um so, I'm I'm it's it's always a balancing act, too, I'm sure. And I'm speaking I'm not not meaning to speak for you, either.

And I do think I mean, there's there's some things that are about this site as it was being designed and it progressed. So, the original plan had three pickleball courts. And while we were in design and before we were really fully under construction, we realized that there was such a demand that we wanted to see what we could do. So, we squeezed in three more courts, added a retaining wall, you know, changed all of that. But, what that did

was normally in those areas we put the benches at the back of play, not on the side of play, and we ran out of space. So, instead of having benches like we normally do in in those court areas, we would put them at the the back ends of the play, not along the sides. And so, cuz because we ran out of of real estate to have the courts be long enough to have them safely sit behind the game. So, they're sitting on the side because of that design choice. Um yes, you want them inside, but that was a that was a choice of the options because it would be behind somebody in play. Um which seemed, if you will, as a hazard more hazardous than putting them on the side. Um and then, you know, that space that we have those benches were swapped out. They originally were back had backed benches that faced the parking lot. Because of accessibility, we swapped them with benches that we had to put the backless benches just in case, like the idea that somebody for accessibility would sit and face to the pavement, but somebody could turn around. But what's happened now is they've turned around and are using not the accessible pavement, but the mulch that sits. And I'm I'm pretty sure part of that is there's a swell there to keep the water moving. And so, something that's maybe level is not level to the ground, but it's level to like a horizontal plane. So, maybe there's things we can look at. I don't know that we can move utility boxes, and and I'm not sure if those are electric for the light poles, if they're part of the um setup for irrigation that's in that around that area. I do know a lot of utilities run between the the court and because of rather than running them around the back and outside, we ran the shortest distance to get utilities. And if there's light poles there, part of

that's electric, and the other part could be irrigation. Um

I'd imagine just a quick fix of Is there any bushes or anything that's that would kind of help prevent people from even wanting to go in that direction, Lisa? Is there any foliage or any bushes? Cuz I In construction I've been in construction for close to 20 years, and typically in residential and commercial, if there are some sort of boxes in the way, they would try to hide them and conceal them with the bushes and stuff like that, which kind of

It depends on the detours people from even going in that Is there anything like that in that area?

That would be a great idea there just because because it's the benches are here, the mulch in that box is is here. So, it's sticking out this far. Here's the bench and here's the gate. So, this path to the gate is directly over that mulch area.

fill that gap with some

Yeah.

foliage or some bushes

or if you if you put something there so that you can't go through it, that would be much safer. Um but it's so close to the entrance of the gate, I don't know if that's even possible. It's It's probably not possible.

by the gate to watch the play.

Right, because that's the the view is between sidewalk, bench, mulch, playing area.

And this this is another talking about this vegetation and as almost an aside, um just given how expensive shade structures are, but they are shade from day one, can we also couple that with like planting some trees also so that it's not going to be day one, but eventually they will provide some shade that we're not

There are trees in the parking lot, but again, you're it's parking space, sidewalk, mulch, court. It's then like a narrow strip. But I guess I'm kind of just holistically when we talk about shade for playgrounds and for other then that it's it's broader than just, you know, putting in a shade structure someplace. It could also be coupled with with trees, tree plantings.

Well, as a soccer coach

for the community where there's no shade out there, often times we find it's hard to make everybody happy because sometimes we practice in the morning, maybe some shade, but then we have some practices in the evening, shade's a little different. So, it's just depending on where the sun is and where your shade is, on what what time of the day you're there.

And for us it's it's as soccer mom, um we always have to we I bring my shade canopy and so, you know, we we bring our own. So, you know, showing up and and just throwing up the shade canopy and it's a place that the team can while they're while they're while they're on the sidelines, they can be under the under the canopy. So, I do think it's hard it's hard to have a permanent solution that completely works for us.

Well, for the time being, um the solution would be the shade structure looks like this. This is not helping anyone except at 12:00. If we just put connected to what's already there, just a shade piece that is now at an angle towards the top, if you want, you know, towards the top at an angle. If you put it at the angle, now it's actually providing some shade. I'm just saying because I again want the future of the parks and development of the shade park that we totally appreciate to be done in a more usable manner. It's just not functioning the way it is right now. Unfortunately. And you all know me enough to know I don't say things like that, you know, I don't I support everything this parks and rec is doing. So, I want to make sure that the future plans are more usable. Is what I'm saying. Do you know how high they are? Do you know, by any chance?

I think maybe 9 ft.

9 ft?

Maybe. At the edge, yeah. So, at the bottom of the the where the pole is.

Yeah.

Well, to before it pitches, 9 ft.

And then it's higher in the center.

And I'll talk about just the shade structures in general. So, they're engineered. We've got engineered specs to them.

Mhm.

To add something to something that's engineered spec like that, I don't know that we'll be able to do that.

Well, it's like liability. Well, it's like wind loads and I mean it's kind of structural. So, yeah, you're taking out the structure.

that cuz I mean, it's a great suggestion, but when you go into engineered specs for things, I don't know that they'll be able to do that. But we can look into it for sure. I do have a question. So, the benches inside the courts. Is there a need for benches inside the courts, period?

I I can't It's not even safe. No.

So,

There's no need.

say it this way, but like taking the safety out of it, is there a purpose for the benches inside the court?

Definitely not. No. When you're waiting to play, you're waiting outside the fence on the benches that you guys have provided that that are great, that fit almost everyone. The size of them, the fact that they're backless, so nice. But they are metal, and so they are constantly heated um and they're hot, but you know, that's not a complaint at all because of the fact that we're happy to have the seating because that's where we're waiting. When you're done with a pickleball match, there's, you know, three on this side, three on that side. Wonderful. You're coming out so that you're not in the way of play. Is how pickleball works.

Definitely sounds like a cool amenity. All right, I'm smiling cuz I'm just thinking about the days in the park.

It's amazing.

has no benches, there's no shade. There's none of you know, it's 2026, so it's, you know, but I think what what it sounds like is maybe, you know, in the spirit of being solution-focused, right? Future plans and thoughts. Um

you know, about, you know, now and I and I've been a part of this for a long time as far as the community consideration of what we do with our parks. It's always included, always considered. But definitely being a part of the master plan and, you know, us having those sessions and inviting the community out to provide feedback. Um but, it sounds like, you know, in the future, being, you know, I guess, inclusive of the thoughts of benches, shades, and all that kind of thing. So, I just want to move us along a little bit here, but, you know, in the spirit of, you know, being solution oriented, I think it sounds like, you know, being uh in a way, I guess, it sounds like, you know, the inclusion of, you know, those pickleball players, um what amenities they have there at the court. That sounds about right?

Yeah.

And we I mean,

And thank you.

we appreciate the the the feedback and the comments. I think somewhat of retrofitting pieces, you know, that like you're limited and in this case, limited in like looking at what was available and the ideas, maybe there was space that was available that we could put bleachers, but it would be on the other side of the basketball courts and that that doesn't really fit it like it might have provided shade for longer, but it wouldn't have fit. People would have been like, wait, are we done? When, you know, and and that that sort of thing. And we couldn't go towards the drive aisle. So, we were we were sort of hamstrung into that space, but I I do think we we were out there, we looked, we've kind of monitored like hours of shade or knowing that it's going to be the best in the middle of the day, um and thinking in some ways, while it's not perfect, early morning hours, you haven't quite gotten the heat yet. And it just happens that it sits that way that the game is played with a big group that meets in the mornings and there isn't a place for us to put the canopies in the parking aisle, which is where it would need to be to cover the benches. at that angle. So, I mean, that's cuz I know where it is, it's on the courts. It's into the the game of, you know, the play zone of

the game at early in the morning when that group is usually active. So.

What is the shade?

The shade. In the morning when the sun's coming up, the shade is sitting across onto the courts.

On the on the courts themselves?

Yes.

On on the benches inside the courts, correct?

Yes. But it was like if if we could have moved the shades farther away so that the shade was far but that would have been in the middle of those parking spots.

Yeah. Moving it lower would have also accomplished the shade as well.

And we might I mean I know I it's always

do want to move on and I appreciate you listening to me cuz I knew you would. Um so I know you all do your absolute best and I support that. Um so I thank you for your time, you know, and hearing me out.

And there might be something I like we're always trying to find creative solutions and and we have a really good contractor, you know, firm that provided those structures and the rest of them that are going in at the park and and I think if there were if there is a an add-on or an addition that we could find, we'll ask. I just know that we worked with them to get what we thought was the best we could get at what we had available in the space we had available. So.

Thank you.

And I guess a little bit of the skirt coming down from the shade itself would solve the same problem as if equivalently the shade had been lowered. So and it's a very simple add-on to the sha- existing shades. I don't think so it'll violate any design rules per se.

They're metal poles, yeah, but beautiful shade structure up there. Well, the canopy is nice.

Thank you.

Thank thank you.

I think that's more than enough for the

I know. Yeah.

Okay. I don't know if you had anything else. All right.

But no, I will tell you. So we do have a Peak Academy coming up. Nick is a part of that. So he'll get to enjoy that.

My husband's in it this round.

He is. Is he in your same?

Yes.

So

we're doing that next Wednesday and the

Wednesday after at Pleasant Park. Different setup than what we used to do. We used to do bus rides and then be on the mic and telling everybody what was going on with us. Don't think that was as popular as we thought it was at the time.

I loved it.

So, we I know you were on it.

And so, we got a little different feedback from it last year. So, we're switching it up and basically we're going to have seven stations that we split all the groups into. You bet you essentially get a piece of every division that we have in the department. So, it'll be a cool thing.

He has loved it. It is I can't I'll I'll be in the next class for sure. I couldn't add another thing to my schedule this go around.

Yeah, and I guess that's pretty I mean, that's pretty much it. Obviously, we're pretty busy going into the fall season. So, lots of sports happening. So.

And thank you for the notes from last meeting that I missed. Very, very nice. I could tell that there was some time taken on it seemed like a very long meeting. So, thank you very much. I appreciate it all that. I know it was Candace cuz it was done very well.

Candace did a very good job with that and I will like shout out to her because

Absolutely.

the the people that we contract, they didn't touch it this time because they were something came up. So, she did the entire minute package for us.

Page one, I knew very well who took care of that.

So, thank you for saying that. Yeah, I'm on a roll right? Yeah, pretty much all I have.

Appreciate you, sir. Don't have anything for chairman's report, public comment today. There's no old business, so we'll move right along into new business. And first up on the new business agenda is the presentation and possible motion for the inclusive playground ADA access.

I'm ready to get started.

This is really cool, by the way.

Just so y'all know before she gets

wait.

Really cool concept.

All right, we'll get started on this one. Um the first the the presentation. All right, so the first one on the agenda is the presentation for Apex Community Park Inclusive Playground and ADA access improvements. So, for those who do not know, this is the smaller playground at Apex Community Park that's right off of the main entrance from Laura Duncan Road, just across from the new hockey rinks that have been constructed. Um it's tucked behind um the maintenance building that shows up in the picture here. Um and the current playground is served parking lots that are um also close to the uh the baseball uh fields that are on either side. So, this project focuses on replacing the existing aging play structure, reconfiguring the pathways to make them ADA compliant, add a new add new site furnishings, and evaluating the connectivity to existing greenway trails within the surrounding proximity. So, Apex Community Park has received two Land and Water Conservation Grants in the past, and several of the amenities, including this playground, was constructed with the grant money. And so, this project is a suitable candidate to reapply for this grant and request funds for replacement. Um we have not currently reached a stage of um knowing how much funds we will be requesting, but we have started the process of um just getting the application ready and um finishing all of the requirements to to get the project grant ready, at least. Um the grant application cycle um

it's due November 1st, so we are um making sure that we are ready by then uh to apply for this grant. Um so we are working with um Surface 678 for this project um as our prime consultant. Um they have completed the site survey and site analysis, as you can see on this slide. Um and you can see the yellow bubble in the center, that's the existing playground. Um the three baseball fields are two on the south, one on the northern side. Um the aerial image is a little bit older, so where you see the hockey field on the top left corner, um that's where the hockey rinks are. Um and the two parking lots kind of flank uh on the two sides of this play structure. And as you can see on the side, um shows the condition or the I I would call it the story of accessibility at this playground. Um the top picture shows um it's a little bit harder to see, but the pathways are more than 5% um that are required for ADA compliance. Um the second picture shows how the settlement is happening, where we are we are seeing some lips um and it's not um wheelchair accessible by having those um tripping hazards in the pathways. And then the bottommost picture, it's kind of compromised with the shade from the trees, um but there are stairs that go to the restroom. And they don't have handrails, so there are several uh compliance issues that conflict with what is required for ADA. And so the The is to make sure that we are creating these ADA compliant pathways, access pathways, connectivity to the larger um park, and then be able to expand this playground where right now it only serves a smaller age group, but by making it more inclusive for all ages and abilities, we will be able to expand its play value.

Um so our consultant have um given us these couple of these next slides that are really great at explaining um their thought process. So the first thing that they um have explained through this slide is thinking about um inclusive design um is beyond accessibility. So accessibility is the legal requirement. We have to satisfy that, but beyond that, it is the participation and the imagination of kids. And so they they came up with this really um simple idea of what accessibility means. It's basically asking questions like, can I get to a certain place by myself? Can I get back from that place by myself without any assistance? Um and do I need any um help to get to from place A to place B? Or um can my my caretaker see me without having to navigate different places around? So that kind of gets that idea of accessibility. Participation um is about the choice. So can I play with my friends? Or can I play by myself? Um can I try something that I have not tried before? Or can I master a skill and then get from uh different levels of adventures and build my skills um and physical ability to through play. And then the last one is about imagination. It's about role-playing, pretend playing. That's how naturally kids learn. Um and be able to have that sense of um role playing and also enhance that play value. So, thinking about inclusive design from this accessibility, participation, and imagination perspective. And so, they took this concept there's a lot going on on this slide. So, I will just quickly explain their high-level thinking. Um they took the inspiration from the hockey rinks of the game of hockey and yep applied that to this

inclusive play thinking. So, in hockey um there are three zones. Um the defense zone, offense zones, and and the the middle zone. And so, in terms of thinking about defense, they are thinking about passive play opportunities. The middle zone is where the exploration is happening whether you go on one side or the other side. And the um offense zone is where the most challenge and the adventure is happening. So, kind of using that as a metaphor when we um continue to expand on the concept of this playground. And so, this is what their high-level um vision diagram is looking like currently. Um so, you can see from the parking lots, we will be looking at two welcome zones um that kind of bring us into this space. And then as kids go through the side, they can explore different play areas and then get to the place where they can see the extreme challenge or the adventure towards the end of it and be able to navigate their their place in this um um in this play space and be able to um expand their their play area beyond what exists currently in this in this location. So, this um project currently is in the um this high-level conceptual design. Our plan is to have several again community engagement events where we'll be touching base with the community and getting their feedback before this design is finalized. Um currently we have the design development funding for this project. Um no construction funding has been authorized yet. Um and so our plan is to get this project granted. So if if we get the grant, we are able to stretch our uh funds that we have available. And so we are requesting um the advisory board's support for the playground

replacement project and to the support for pursuing the LWCF grant funding.

And um are you putting forth a a notion of not not a cost estimate because I mean we're so early, but are you putting forth a rough order of magnitude? Do you have to for the grant application?

We will, yeah. Yeah,

Great. So you're going to identify that before November.

Yeah, that will be our next step is to work with the consultant get a little bit further in the design so we can get some numbers from them.

And this is a part of the capital improvement plan.

Mhm.

So

Yeah.

So as I heard you uh support from us on the playground replacement project and the funding request for this, all right? So we just need a uh if there are no other questions or

yeah.

Um the advisor, you know, advisors or contractors, are they asking families that have ADA needs? Are they seeking those?

Yes, we will be having some um engagement events um either attend our one of our special events that's coming up or um we'll be able to have an open house.

old men?

Sorry.

Directed to me, by the way.

Target target audience.

And also just said the street hockey on the street hockey side of things, we've got some sled hockey folks that

Oh, yeah.

That's That's part of the driving force also to make this more accessible and accessible playground.

Oh, that's cool. Okay. Other questions?

I would just say something to be mindful of, too, is it would normal like a regular playground like the previous one, you're thinking about age. You know, sometimes there's signs that say 5 to 12 or 2 to 5 or whatnot, but with this group you're thinking it their limitations like to I know you're kind of being silly, but that there there is isn't that limitation in terms of age. It's more so a population that has a a special

support that they need. Um so, I'm excited about it, but just something to be mindful of. It's Um and then of course to Lisa's point about being, you know, upfront about engaging that community right away as early and often. Um the families, too. Um it's but you guys are on top of that, but just thought I should say those things, you know.

Yeah, I'm definitely in in support of being able to move the project forward and specially if we can go after some grant funding. I think that's that's great.

If not, uh just need a motion.

Um I can make a motion um to approve. I guess. Uh to go ahead and to support um

Playground replacement.

Putting forward the um grant application as well as um supporting the playground replacement project, you know.

Yeah, I second that.

It's been motioned and properly seconded. Um all in favor?

Aye.

Any opposed? Motion carried.

Thank you so much.

All right. So, we'll move on to the next one. So, next two are just up project updates for you all. The first one is the Palm University event update. Um the Parks Planning Team facilitated the Town's Comm University workshop event on June 25th. Um, it was it was called Parks and Greenways Planning 101 in collaboration with the Community Development and Neighborhood Connections Department. This was an opportunity for the residents to learn about Park Planning Team and our work in the planning, design, and construction of town parks and greenways. Participants toured um Hunter Street Park. There, staff shared their experience on design decisions behind park amenities, how people use park spaces, and how our team considers maintenance and management as integral part of the design process.

Residents also heard about the project updates on the proposed bike park. And then as part of the interactive session, participants got an opportunity to be um a a parks planner working in teams to design park with a number of recreational amenities and Greenway connections. They learned how available budgets impact the project scope and phasing strategies. Um, the event was very well attended with over 30 participants um and also enjoyed um by everybody. Um, they asked several informative questions and engaged with the staff about various projects. So, no action is needed on this um project update.

Thanks for the update. I love seeing some of the celebrities in the pictures. And alumni also.

That's hilarious, but just thank you. That being a part of that was really, really nice. Being within the community, but also learning just a little bit about what you all do in regards to planning was amazing. Please continue to do programs like that. The more community the we can get, the better, but that program was incredible. So, thank you for having it.

Totally second that. It was awesome.

Yeah. Thank you.

Well.

All right. So, we'll move on to the next one. So, this is a follow-up from the conversations we have had at the Comm University. Um so, during the during this event, participants mentioned the need to simplify the process for parks and greenway users to report any repair issues or concerns. So, our staff is developing an outreach plan to direct visitors to the existing online portal um that contains a fillable report form. Um a video providing the details about the report form will be posted on social media um in conjunction with the flyers that

will be posted at the um bulletin boards at existing parks. Um so, just note that this is an existing form that's already on the website. We will be just creating more of an awareness campaign around it, so people are people know where to go and file the report or their um concerns. So, communications and park planning staff will be also focusing on highlighting our hardworking park operations staff who take care of our facilities. Um the staff will continue to monitor the success of the outreach plan um with the intention that the flyers we are posting can eventually become permanent signage at the parks um and along our main um major greenway corridors. The entire Comm University event and the signage initiative was made possible through successful interdepartmental coordination um between the community development and neighborhood connections department, the communications department, parks planning and park operations staff, and our lovely PRAB members as well. So, again, no um action is needed from the advisory board. It's an update for you.

example of you all listening to the community and really acting on what they were asking for. Amazing. Good job again, as I can't express that enough. I think this will really help uh with this whole process.

Thank you.

Two check marks that information and access or access or accessibility to get things changed. Uh I get to go brag to my friends at Town of Cary. I got some friends. I lived there for 8 years, so I got some friends I get to go brag about making some change around here, so Um other thoughts, comments, questions?

Thanks for the updates.

All right. Thank you for this as well. Um this is part of the passport program. If you haven't done this passport program, please do it. It is a blast.

I'm embarrassed, but the truth is there were two parks that I've actually never even been to.

Which of them?

Forgive me. Sugg's Farm. Oh my gosh, tucked away, so perfect. I was almost like I don't want to tell people cuz it was amazing and so shaded and perfect and wonderful and Salem Pond Park.

Oh, really?

Now, my kids are in their mid-20s, so that's why, but all the other parks I had already been a part of.

Which one's your favorite?

The program, the passport program is a blast. Not only do you get this awesome thing, but you get some amazing stickers as well. So again, I can't I keep doing it. Good job, guys. Thank you.

Don't let people know about that one anyway. Yes, thank you for that. All right. Well, if nothing else, uh just need a motion to adjourn.

Motion to adjourn.

I'll second.

Motion properly seconded. All in favor?

Aye.

Meeting adjourned.

Thanks. I told you we to keep that. Yeah.

Yeah.