Village of Evendale Recreation Department
Recreation Commission Meeting
Thursday, June 19, 2014 – 7:30 a.m.
Call to Order at 7:40am.
Roll Call – Kevin Ralston, Kirsten Lucas, Mary Teufel, and David Nichols are present
John Doviak and Georgia Bergan, excused absence
Greg McCart and Bill Puthoff are absent
Recognition of Visitors –
Stiney Vonderhaar, Evendale Resident
Chris Patterson, Board President, Gorman Heritage Farm
Cary Belyea, SwimSafe Pool Mgt., Inc.
Amy Ash and Jennifer Shapiro, Lifestyle Essentials
Dion Crockett, Midwest Fitness Educational Camp
Approval of Minutes: postponed, no quorum
Additions to the Agenda:
Amy Ash and Jennifer Shapiro, Lifestyle Essentials
Dion Crockett, Midwest Fitness Educational Camp
I. New Business
a. Chris Patterson, Gorman Heritage Farm Foundation President
· Chris came by today to clarify a question raised at the May Commission meeting regarding Evendale resident memberships to Gorman Heritage Farm.
· In the recently renewed 5 year contract with the village, residents will (still) receive free access to the Farm. In the time since the contract was signed, reciprocal membership benefits at other nature centers, the Freedom Center, etc. have been entered into by the Farm. Additionally, costs are also higher this year at the Farm. With this in mind, the Farm denoted a difference of admission versus membership. Admission to the Farm and its trails for Evendale residents remains free; whereas purchasing a membership would bring additional benefits to residents accessing amenities in other communities, discounts, guest passes, etc.
b. Cary Belyea, SwimSafe Pool Mgt., Inc.
· A great season so far; although the weather has been inconsistent.
· Nelson is back as manager; Mike Spraul, Josh Tomey, and Tony Mazzone are assistant managers.
· Swim lessons are going very well. A new format was introduced this year and has been well received.
· Only one EMS call this year, a child fell and dislocated their knee.
· The frequencies of drowning and near drowning in other communities have been a main topic of the monthly staff meetings. The lifeguards and summer camp staff have been working closely to keep everyone safe at the pool when Fun in the Sun campers come over on Mondays and Wednesdays.
· The surface “painting” at the zero depth area has been well received. During the off season the pool was painted and the Evendale Service Department installed new underwater LED lights.
· Water loss is down to approximately 2” a day. With splash out, and evaporation, this level of water loss is within acceptable levels.
· The outdoor hot tub is losing water, so it is closed until the leaking jet connections can be dealt with. Unfortunately, when the hot tub was installed, concrete was poured around it leaving no work space underneath. Because of the extent of the work involved, this repair may be done after the pool closes for the season. Mary requests if the situation is bad enough requiring replacement of the entire unit that we replace the unit that is not stainless steel. The current hot tub gets hot enough in the sun to cause a burn.
· The SCS play equipment (the mushroom, the water pipes, etc.) look like they need to be painted again. The sun and the chemicals necessitate the lower (underwater) portions of these units are painted every year. The sections above the water line will be painted during the off season.
c. Amy Ash and Jennifer Shapiro, Lifestyle Essentials
· Last quarter included the Wellness Expo, a well-attended, interactive event with over 17 vendors and over 250 participants.
· Special events this quarter included a member appreciation day; and a kid’s fit day with 17 children, ages 6 and up, attending.
· Upcoming challenges include the annual Evendale 100, and a challenge inspired by the fitness requirements to enter this nation’s military academies. This challenge, suggested by Evendale resident David Carmody, will be for the whole family with a team of Lifestyle staff guiding everyone involved.
d. Dion Crockett, Midwest Fitness Educational Camp
· This 501(3c) organization has been located in Sport’s Plus for approximately seven years. Dion’s wife, Sonja, is camp director. Each day, the camp has approximately 50-60 kids, ages 7-12 year olds, from various communities. Camp runs from June to early August. In addition to regular activities, Midwest Fitness Educational Camp plans special trips and events to keep kids active during the summer.
· They are requesting to bring 10-20 kids to the pool maybe once or twice a week. They have two trained lifeguards on staff that would bring the kids down to the pool in the camp’s van. Parents of children attending camp do sign waivers; Midwest Fitness Educational Camp would be open to having the parents complete an additional waiver for the village.
· David will confirm Midwest Fitness Educational Camp is registered with the Evendale Tax Department as a business operating within the Village; and he may go observe the camp. Are the children behaved, respectful, and well supervised? Commission and the department may consider allowing this once or twice after Fun in the Sun summer camp and swim team season is over. If we allow this, would other camps/organizations in Evendale (i.e. Kids Are Fun and Landmark) want the same opportunity? Discussion included whether or not to charge a special rate, or just the standard pool guest fee?
(Note: Midwest Fitness Educational Camp is not registered with the Evendale Tax Dept.)
II. Old Business
a. Lifestyle Essentials’ Monthly report – as noted
b. Evendale Bike & Pedestrian Master Plan update
· A resolution to adopt the plan will be on Village Council’s agenda in July. If council adopts the Master Plan, we would be able apply for grants, if we choose.
· The plan includes linear pathways north to south (Sharonville, Evendale, Reading and beyond) and east to west (Blue Ash, Evendale, Glendale, Woodlawn, Wyoming, Lockland, and beyond). Summit Park in Blue Ash, Griffin Preserve, and Gorman Heritage Farm are all focal points within Evendale or along the way for non-residents.
· Stiney Vonderhaar and Michele Gottschlich have worked very hard on this project. Thank you!
III. Director’s Report
· Programs, and pool season, are going very well in this busiest of busy seasons for the department.
· The pool has had few issues this season.
· The indoor spa needs to have some structural work done, at which time the spa will be closed until completion of repairs. We were hoping to have the outdoor spa available during the indoor work; but as mentioned earlier, this will not happen. Ventilation issues will be addressed at the time of the structural repair.
IV. Phi Lambda Pi Report
· A Mary Kay Cosmetics representative was here, and discussed skin care tips with six Phi girls. The girls also had facials at the event. Hopefully, this event repeats next year.
· Gaga Ball was played one evening by the members. The group had a pool party last night.
· The Concession Stand is up and running at the pool. Fourteen members work at the Stand.
· Griffin Clean Up day has been rained out, twice. Hopefully, Phi will be able to help when Clean Up is rescheduled.
· Upcoming events include July 4th festivities, and a summer trip (Florida this year).
V. Open Discussion
· Over 170 kids are registered for our Fun in the Sun summer camp for children age 3 years through 7th grades.
· Almost 180 children are registered for our swim team this year.
· Tennis courts are being well used. The kids are enjoying Pizza n’ Play and enough adults are attending events to have three courts of doubles running. Mary thanked the department for having (iced) water jugs out on the courts. They have been well used in this heat and humidity. Mary added these courts are the best in the area (lights are positioned correctly, maintained, and divider nets between side by side courts. Country club courts at recreation center price. Not every community has what Evendale has with its facilities).
· Next Meeting: July 17, 2014, 7:30 a.m.
VI. Adjourned at 8:54am.
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