HomeMy WebLinkAbout250206 - Minutes, Recreation & ParksPARKS & RECREATION BOARD
February 6, 2025
MINUTES
Present Absent With Reason
Robin Papa Julie Sanders
Jeff Cline Dwayne Freeman
Eric Michael Amy Sterner Thomas Moore Mike Tesla
Lori Sines
Chair, Robin Papa, called the meeting of the Washington County Parks & Recreation
Advisory Board to order at 3:21 pm. Guests were Jaime Dick, Director of Parks &
Recreation; Andrew Eshleman, Public Works Director; Travis Allen, Comprehensive Planner; Rob Holsinger, Recreation Supervisor; Pam Boyd, Parks Manager; Paul Crampton, Jr., Mayor of Funkstown; Brenda Haynes, Town Manager, Town of Funkstown; Steve Danfelt & Duane Showe, Washington County Girls Softball League
Approval of Minutes
Ms. Papa asked for any additions or corrections to the minutes of January 2, 2025, Recreation & Parks Advisory Board meeting.
With no corrections or additions, the minutes were passed as presented unanimously, 6-0 by the Board. Thomas Moore made the motion to approve the minutes, and Amy
Sterner seconded the motion. Citizen’s Comments
Duane Showe, President of the Washington County Girls Softball League along with the VP, Steve Danfelt, came before the Board to ask for the Board’s blessing to name two
of the softball fields at Kemps Mill after Dwyane Bowlus and Steve Danfelt. Dwayne
passed away a few years ago and had been involved with the Girls Softball League for 22 years and Steve Danfelt who is the current VP has been involved with the Washington County Girls Softball League for 33 years. The signs will go above the scoreboards on field #1 and field #3. Pictures of the proposed signs were shared with
the Board. They have sponsors that will be paying for the signs.
Ms. Sterner made a motion to move forward with naming the two fields at Kemps Mill after Dwayne Bowlus and Steve Danfelt. Mr. Michael seconded the motion and passed unanimously, 6-0 by the Board. Mr. Dick will take the recommendation before the County Commissioners for their approval.
Mr. Showe and Mr. Danfelt thanked the Board for their time and informed the Board that opening day will be April 12th and welcomed the Board to attend.
Commissioner Cline added that he will support this at the Commissioner level and
opening day is a great event for all and thanked Mr. Showe and Mr. Danfelt for all they
do and what they have done at the facility.
Program Open Space Presentations Town of Funkstown Paul Crampton, Jr, Town Manager, Town of Funkstown presented the POS request for FY2026. Park Name: Jerusalem Park Project Name: Funkstown Poplar Street Park Project POS Funds Requested: $135,000 Local Funds: $15,000 Total Project Cost: $150,000
Additional funding is requested for the Funkstown Poplar Street Park Project that was approved in a prior fiscal year. Project Number: POS 76108-21-431. Due to significant project cost increases, the entire project has not been able to be completed. Construction of a 40’ round octagon pavilion is complete, and pictures are included for reference. Due to weather the concrete sidewalk around the pavilion is not currently
complete, but funding is allocated for the sidewalk. Additional funding is requested for picnic tables and grills. Also, electrical upgrade to the property and an ADA paved parking area along with Kayak/Canoe access to Antietam Creek is requested. The project will be a reduction in impervious cover over
the previous use of the trailer park. The public will benefit greatly from the additional green space and park land for recreational activities. This park will be an asset to Washington County for the 250th Anniversary Celebration. The Park land is available to the public and contributes to the Antietam Creek Water
Trail, which promotes and improves recreational access to the Antietam Creek. This Park will also be an asset to the 250th Anniversary Celebration that Washington County is currently working on. Mr. Moore thinks the project is a great idea and asked how the property will fair with it
being in a flood plain. Mr. Crampton said it will do extremely well and building it to withstand flooding. Mr. Crampton thanked the Board for the time and their continued support for Funkstown.
Town of Williamsport
The Town of Williamsport will be rescheduled for another time when they can present.
Chad Rooney, Town Manager, was called into an impromptu meeting in Baltimore. New Board Members
Ms. Papa welcomed the two new board members, Mike Tesla and Lori Sines. Election
of Officers will be held in March. The Advisory Board members and County Staff introduced themselves to the newly appointed Board members and welcomed them to the Board.
Department Reports Parks & Recreation Director’s Report
Mr. Dick took a moment to recognize and inform the Board that Pam Boyd has been promoted to Parks Supervisor. Black Rock Golf Course
Recent weather events have slowed play down at the Course. Simulator is being used by the Public. Staff are working with Non-Profits on the Tournament Schedule for 2025.
Maintenance staff are continuing to work on the Bunker Project filling traps and reconstruction of traps. Tree trimming and tree removal and working on sod replacement around greens.
AG Center Staff is working on the Show Barn concrete floor project we hope to have this project completed by Spring.
The Advisory Board is working with County Staff on the proposed new barn. Hope to
have this project completed by July. Staff are working with the County EDC Department on hosting Farmers Markets this summer at the Facility.
Recently approved to offer gun shows at the Ag Center for the first time. The Fur Trappers have a show in August.
Parks & Recreation Staff have been working on the ballfield schedule for 2025. Met with Mike Kelbaugh, Tournament Director of Hagerstown Softball Tournaments, whose group holds 7
National tournaments in our Parks. They will be providing a dumpster and Port o Pots
for their tournaments. Staff working on the new pavilion project at Marty’s Mythical Woods. Hope to have this project complete by the Spring. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony and P&R
advisory Board will be invited to attend.
Staff worked two weather events this past month and continued work ongoing maintenance and tree removal in the Parks.
On the Recreation side, continue in our current winter program session and worked through weather cancellations. Princess Party is scheduled for Friday, February 7 with approximately 250 youth tickets and 300 adult tickets sold for the event.
The Girls Volleyball league will end February 15th. It has been a positive season for the League. Staff is continuing to work with the City and Community Free Clinic on the St. Patrick’s
Day Run Fest scheduled for Saturday, March 15th. Location has been changed to Hub City Brewery. This was approved by City Council. In need of volunteers for the event. Mr. Michael asked about the golf simulator at Black Rock Golf Course and if the high school kids are aware of it. Mr. Dick believes that since Ryan, Director Black Rock Golf
Course, is also a high school golf coach that they are aware of the simulator.
Mr. Eshleman said right now, at the Golf Course continuing to work on the Learning Center and improvements to the driving range, chipping green and in the future possibly looking at moving and expanding the simulator, but it is not a need right now. The
schools, because of the consolidation of different courses where they used to have
access to and play, now all go to Black Rock. Happy to provide the service for the schools but it also puts extra stress and demand on the course. With the Learning Center it will benefit everyone especially those learning how to play because it will more durable.
Mr. Michael added that Black Rock has been great for the high school leagues in Washington County and Ryan has been great to work with, but it is his understanding
that across the State it has been difficult for high school teams to get on any of the courses. Play has really picked up after COVID and the courses are making money because of it but not making money off high school teams.
Mr. Eshleman added that they do track the high school teams, and it is something they plan to track better in the future because we have a balance to budget as well. Also noted that there is a simulator league at Black Rock as well.
Next Scheduled Meeting
Next scheduled Board Meeting will be held on March 6, 2025, at 3:20 pm in the ARCC on the campus of HCC, Room 220.
Unfinished Business No unfinished business was discussed. New Business
Mr. Eshleman gave the new Board members a brief overview of Program Open Space and how it works and the Advisory Board’s role in the process. The Advisory Board helps provide recommendations for a schedule of projects to be funded that will go to the County Commissioners for approval.
We will not know the allocation amount for POS until the allocation letter comes out in May, but the estimate that Mr. Eshleman came up with for FY26 is $544,000. Ag Center Project Update
Mr. Eshleman gave an update on the proposed multi-purpose building at the Ag Center. The building will not be happening. Some of the funds have been redistributed for the ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act of 2021) funds. Now looking at other project priorities. Some projects that are already in the books need additional funds or planning
for the next big project, which is the North Central County Park, but that project is at least 5 years out from turning dirt because a road needs to be built and there are several phases of the project that need to happen before that can be done. With respect to the POS funds that were assigned to that project, would like to change
the scope and put that money toward other project priorities. Mr. Eshleman has a schedule of where he would like that money to go and is looking for a concurrence by the Advisory Board. Will need the support of the Advisory Board and go through the Budget and Finance process as well to be adjusted and the Commissioners would vote on it. Mr. Eshleman wanted to be sure we are on a parallel track and receiving support
from the Advisory Board. There is approximately $1.3 million available to go towards other projects.
Addressed the tennis courts and funding for repairs, etc. They are being handled through another pot of money so would not need POS money for that in the current Capital budget. Only looking at projects for POS money. Because this is State money
there are certain ways you would want to distribute the money. If all the money goes
toward one project you may kick into prevailing wages and a lot of other State requirements that diminish the purchasing value. The reason why you do not want to put all the money into the next big project, like the North County Park is because it is going to be sitting for 5 years, and 7 years is the lifespan that you want to allocate funds
before it starts aging and then are questioned about what is going on with the project.
A list of projects for consideration: Marty Snook Pool
White coating which has already been funded is the first phase of renovating the pool
and will take place this Spring. The next phase would be renovating the building, the facilities, and roof and the kiddie pool area, which the way it is set up now is not beneficial or useful and how to convert that and maybe make it into a splash pad. Also, other issues with the pump and filtration system, etc.
Mr. Dick added another part of the project they would like to do is zero entry into the pool. Also reiterated a lot of repair work needs to be done in the locker room area with the roof is a priority and the pool pump will need to be replaced at some point as well.
The total for this project would be over a million and does not include zero entry into the pool. There is currently ADA access into the pool with the lift and it works. Mr. Eshleman proposes $225,000 toward this project to keep it under the threshold where it does not need to be a LEED environmental building, and prevailing wages, etc.
to keep it under the 25%. Mt. Briar Wetland Preserve Mt. Briar Wetland Preserve is a thirty-acre natural area with a boardwalk, located in Keedysville. Some of the more environmental conservation active groups are interested
in this area. It is a great amenity, but a largely underutilized asset.
Mr. Dick added that he and Pam Boyd are working with Monarch Alliance group to have the park opened one Saturday a month for them to use. Scouts have also used it for special events by appointment only. Also, talked about adding a walking trail. Mr.
Holsinger has also tried reaching out to find a part-time park naturalist to do some
programs there but has not happened yet. Mr. Eshleman also added that one of the biggest reasons for looking for fundings is because there is not a parking lot in that area and that is why it stays closed to the
public and used by appointment only. Would like to clean that area up and improve it so
it could be open with a small access area, gate-controlled access with gravel parking.
Not something we would ever have a lot of amenities like playground equipment etc. but it is something we already have and maintaining, mowing, etc.
Pen Mar Interpretive Museum and Vending Machine Kiosk
This is on the POS list for FY26 to be funded but will probably not have enough money to be completely funded. The old concession stand has not been used in years and the thought is to turn it into a vending machine kiosk. This would be a great addition for trail hikers and those visiting the park to utilize. Also, would like to have a climate-controlled
environment for the interpretive museum to preserve the items in the building. It
currently is not climate controlled. Mr. Eshleman added that it would not be a big amount, and it is a current year’s POS project and looking at the available funds and trying to balance. If it is going to happen
it might need to be this allocation. Regional Park Walking and Hiking Trails Another project that they are working on is designing and looking at adding another $100,000 to that project to build out the facilities, increase costs, and trailhead parking.
Not adding anything new but trying to give ourselves a cushion with the project. Playgrounds Fortunate to have received LPPI money to modernize many of the playgrounds in the parks. There are three big playgrounds that need to be finished that are also on the
POS request schedule for FY26 and they are Woodland Way Park, Pleasant Valley Park and Marty Snook Playground #2. This playset at Marty Snook #2 sits adjacent to the MIHI playground (rainbow park). That is the last red, white and blue playset of that variety in the County parks. Tried to get a MD bond bill and other funding to do the project as a larger collocated facility to have one larger play area with multiple pieces
with a pad and pour synthetic surface with a fenced in parameter so it’s safe for all children. There is a concept and design for the inclusive playground, but it is very expensive, $1.1 million for the project. Looking to scale back and determine how much to scale back to complete that project. Playgrounds are pricey and the average small piece of playground equipment can be upwards of $200,000.
Mr. Eshleman wanted the Boards thoughts on how important it is to have a large central inclusive playground because it is a big dollar figure, and more money go towards this project or are there other projects and priorities the Board feels are equally important.
Mr. Dick added the pavilion near the MIHI playground is a very popular and always booked. Feels the playground does need to be replaced and it would be an improvement for the Park. Mr. Moore asked about playground replacement at Woodland Way. Mr. Eshleman
shared the challenges and maintenance with the playground equipment and finding parts to replace broken pieces because parts are no longer available. Also pivoting
away from the large structures because of the expense and availability of replacement parts.
Mr. Moore questioned whether it was possible that we use the Greenspace Equity
Program for some of the projects in our parks and trails because it will be growing and taking away from the POS money that we receive. Mr. Eshleman said that it is something he looked at, but this current year we haven’t
made any application because we didn’t have any projects that fell into eligible areas.
Woodland Way is an island surrounded by other eligible census districts and Pen Mar is right over the dividing line, but projects like Doub’s Woods and North County Park, those would be eligible. This is the first year for the Greenspace Equity Program and each year more funds will go to that program. Going forward we will have to think more
strategically with that. That is why Mr. Eshleman asks for a 5-year plan from the municipalities so he can educate and encourage them to apply for other funding such as Greenspace Equity, Community Parks & Playground and POS be the last resort for funding their projects. And the County will benefit more from POS.
Mr. Moore researched the Greenspace Equity Program through their website and was surprised with how much Washington County would qualify for this program. Wondering, if possible, workshops could be offered to the municipalities, so they are educated on these other funding sources. Mr. Eshleman said there is a new Program Open Space DNR coordinator that he has not met yet and typically every couple of
years try to some face time and meet the town managers, etc. and will try to schedule something with her. Mr. Moore asked about the progress on the joint use agreement with WCPS and the County. Mr. Eshleman said there hasn’t been any substantial change in the discussion
in the concept of the schools that have varsity programs the County updating the facilities, they would turn over to the schools and the schools that do not have varsity programs they would fall under the County. Weather permitting to be presented next Tuesday, February 11, 2025, is the capital budget the funds to back that up. The issue with the school is where the money would be coming from to update everything and so
there is a 3-year schedule to fund that so the courts do not need to be resurfaced at the same time each year so it can be on a 3-to-4-year cycle. Mr. Eshleman said he believes things are lining up and right now with the way the agreement is written it is more of a liability for the County because it puts everything on us and into the future. It would also be a better benefit for the community for the County to maintain the courts that have
little or no use while the schools maintain the courts that need to be maintained for varsity sports. Ms. Sterner asked for clarification on the pool project as far as the white-coating project and if it has already been covered financially. Mr. Eshleman clarified that the project
has been awarded for the white-coating and that the project will be started as soon as weather conditions permit. Ms. Sterner feels the pool is important and serves a lot of
the community and summer camp, etc. Ms. Papa echoed that she felt the pool was important and Mr. Moore agreed as well.
Mr. Moore asked for clarification on how we can use the POS money that was awarded
to the multipurpose building for the Ag Center. Mr. Eshleman clarified that the money was on the schedule for the multipurpose building and now that the project is not going to happen Mr. Eshleman will give the State a new schedule with what projects we would like to be funded. The money has not been spent yet so the money will be
unencumbered and moved to the new projects.
Ms. Sterner also added that it has been a long time since the playground equipment at Marty Snook #2 has been updated and feels the inclusive playground is a priority as well.
Mr. Eshleman is looking for a consensus by the Board and their collective thoughts on what projects they would like to see funded with this budget adjustment. The budget adjustment will have to go before the Commissioners.
Mr. Michael said he feels the playground and pool should be top priority and used most by the community. Mr. Moore asked if the feedback the Board members gave was sufficient. Mr. Eshleman asked if there was a consensus by the Board in terms of priority. Mr.
Eshleman said he may still massage the numbers because it may be subject to change once Budget and Finance looks at the proposed changes because there may be other factors such as matching funds, etc. Mr. Eshleman added, full disclosure what he wanted to do with the other funds from the
Ag Center, other general funds, is that he would like to start building a stockpile for North County Park. In talking with our counterparts in Frederick County to build out a 90-acre park is very expensive and will have a planning process and strategy for that. The initial thought is to build in phases and put in amenities that are in demand by the public and get that piece open. Future phases might be conversations with softball
leagues and baseball leagues to build some of those amenities. Outdoor turf fields are the next big expensive frontier. There is some urgence with North County Park. The agreement was signed in 2009. There needs to be a sizeable amount to be able to make a dent in the project and
enough to be open as a park where you have a playground, pavilion, hard courts, etc. A new access road will also need to be built for North County Park as well. The road will be behind the YMCA. It will extend east of the YMCA, behind Cortland Manor and connect out at Marsh Pike.
Ms. Sterner asked of the $1.3 million if there were different timelines on portions of the money. Mr. Eshleman said he would make a 1-year adjustment so projects like the pool
can be done now and the reason for not putting all the money into North County Park is because it will be at least 5 years until the project can be started.
Ms. Papa asked the Board if they were all in agreement and added that all members
seemed to be on the same page that the pool and Marty Snook playground #2 is a priority. It is noted that there was not a vote by Board members on prioritizing how the POS from
the multipurpose building should be distributed. Mr. Eshleman was looking for a
consensus by the Board and the consensus by the Board was that the pool and Marty Snook Playground #2 were important and a priority. No board members rejected or disagreed with the consensus.
Adjournment
With no further discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 4:29 pm.
_________________________ _________________________
Robin Papa, Chair Jeannine Miller McVicker
Washington County Recording Secretary – Washington Co.
Parks & Recreation Board Parks & Recreation