Parks and Recreation Committee — Charleston, WV
Date: 2021-01-28
Time: 17:30

CITY OF CHARLESTON
 West Virginia
 Council Member – AT LARGE

Caitlin Cook Parks & Recreation Committee, Chair
704 Lower Donnally Rd Environment and Recycling Committee
Charleston, WV 25304
Telephone: 304.543.4879
caitlin.cook@cityofcharleston.org



 UNTIL FURTER NOTICE, MEETINGS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC VIA
 ZOOM
A meeting of the Council Committee on Parks and Recreation will be held on January 28, 2021. The meeting
will begin promptly at 5:30 PM.

*Join via internet:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87864476450?pwd=dk1HMmZaVFFXUjFoMkpaa3hTWE9oZz09
Passcode: 656836
*Join via Telephone: (312) 626‐6799 or (929) 436‐2866
Webinar ID: 878 6447 6450

 Agenda

Approval of Previous Minutes

 1. 10‐29‐2020



East End Dog Park

Cato Park

Skate Park

Magic Island

Look Ahead to Spring/Summer




CC/ns




 City Council | 501 Virginia Street, East | Post Office Box 2749 | Charleston, West Virginia 25330
 www.charelstonwv.gov | 304.348.8179 | 304.348.8038 fax

CITY OF CHARLESTON
 West Virginia
 Council Member – AT LARGE

Caitlin Cook Parks & Recreation Committee, Chair
704 Lower Donnally Rd Environment and Recycling Committee
Charleston, WV 25304
Telephone: 304.543.4879
caitlin.cook@cityofcharleston.org



 UNTIL FURTER NOTICE, MEETINGS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC VIA
 ZOOM
A meeting of the Council Committee on Parks and Recreation will be held on January 28, 2021. The meeting
will begin promptly at 5:30 PM.

*Join via internet:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87864476450?pwd=dk1HMmZaVFFXUjFoMkpaa3hTWE9oZz09
Passcode: 656836
*Join via Telephone: (312) 626‐6799 or (929) 436‐2866
Webinar ID: 878 6447 6450

 Agenda

Approval of Previous Minutes

 1. 10‐29‐2020



East End Dog Park

Cato Park

Skate Park

Magic Island

Look Ahead to Spring/Summer




CC/ns




 City Council | 501 Virginia Street, East | Post Office Box 2749 | Charleston, West Virginia 25330
 www.charelstonwv.gov | 304.348.8179 | 304.348.8038 fax

 Page | 1 of
 MINUTES
 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING

 5:30 P. M., OCTOBER 29, 2020

*IN RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, THE MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION
COMMITTEE WAS CONDUCTED ELECTRONICALLY. THE MEETING WAS MADE AVAILABLE TO THE
PUBLIC AS A LIVE STREAM VIA ZOOM (PER THE AGENDA).

Caitlin Cook, Chairperson, called the meeting of the Charleston City Council Committee
on Parks and Recreation to order at 5:30p.m., OCTOBER 29, 2020.

Committee Members Present:
Caitlin Cook, Chair
Chad Robinson, Vice Chair
Jeanine Faegre
Joseph Jenkins
Pat Jones
Deanna McKinney

ABSENT: Robert Sheets


A roll call was taken, and it was determined that a quorum was present.



 1. Approval of Previous Minutes 2-27-2020 - Councilmember Faegre motioned to
 approve the minutes of the previous meeting on 2-27-2020. Councilmember Jones
 seconded. There was no objection and the minutes were approved.


 2. Approval of Previous Minutes 9-9-2020 - Councilmember Faegre motioned to
 approve the minutes of the previous meeting on 9-9-2020. Councilmember Jones
 seconded. There was no objection and the minutes were approved.


 3. Update on Dog Park – Councilmember Cook stated that the funding for the East
 End Dog Park and concept is progressing. Planning was heavily influenced by the
 surveys conducted by East End/ Main Streets group. She has meet with staff from
 Parks and Recreation to discuss location, types of activities, shade areas, improved
 seating areas, etc. Councilmember Cook thanked Parks and Recreation Director
 Rashaun Sayles, her team and Councilmembers Hoover and Steele for their work.
 She added that most likely, work will begin Spring 2021.



 October 29, 2020

 Page | 2 of
4. Update on Rec Center WiFi Use for Students – Councilmember Cook stated that
she is grateful to the Administration for opening the Rec Centers to provide wi-fi and
a safe space for students. Sayles stated that there is an average of 28 kids using e-
learning throughout all the centers. Improvements to the MLK Center include:
painting, renovating the kitchen and the floor project. They are discussing upgrades
to the field to bring back the Senior Softball League to the MLK Center. Projects that
have had to be moved to Spring 2021 due to Covid-19 and the weather are: the
multi-recreational area at the MLC Center, basketball courts and the splash pad at
the East End Community Park. For Halloween, there will be a candy drive-through at
MLK Center.


5. Update on Vandalia Pool Project – Councilmember Cook added that there is not
anything new to report on this project. Sayles added that she just received the final
proposal from the Vandalia Civic Club that day. The next step will be an MOU and
consult with the Engineering Department.

Councilmember Jenkins stated that, regarding the community grants, he mistakenly
believed the Vandalia Club was a 503(c)(3), but they are not. Councilmember
Faegre added that she wanted to contribute to the Edgewood Garden Club, but they
are also not a 503(c)(3). She added that the State Garden Club is, and she was
informed that funds she contributed will be distributed to the Club of her choosing.
Mayor Goodwin advised that she will consult with the City Attorney and City
Manager for legal guidance.


6. Chilton Trails – Councilmember Cook added that the trail in the South Hills area
came from a donation from the Chilton family in 2005. She added that at the end of
September, several students from GW helped Parks and Recreation clean the trail.
Councilmember Cook acknowledged Daniel Carter, Giovani Periche, Adam Keith,
Chase Compton and Chris Muto for taking initiative and ownership of their
community.


7. Proposed Skatepark – Councilmember Cook added that Council had recently
approved the MOU with the DoH to locate the skatepark under the I-64 bridge. She
added the this is an outstanding location that will allow access to a lot of citizens. A
working group, with a wide demographic, met to discuss what they would want from
the skatepark. The project should be completed in 2021.

Mayor Goodwin added that during the team townhall held on the West Side, the
Administration was told that the new skatepark is meaningful to the young skating
community in the City. The Mayor added that it will also bring in skaters from other
areas into the City. The Brad and Alice Smith Foundation has expressed interest
due to the project. The Mayor added that the bid will go out the following Monday.



 October 29, 2020

 Page | 3 of
 8. Proposed Updates to Cato Park – Councilmember Cook stated that Cato is the
 largest park in the City, home to the Parks and Recreation Department, a pool, a 9-
 hole golf course, soccer fields, several trails and a playground.

 Sayles added that they want to install a pump track, which may require moving
 several golf course holes, that will include and ADA area. A biking track will be
 installed along the perimeter of the golf course.

 Mayor Goodwin added that there were early discussions about closing the golf
 course at Cato due to low numbers. Due to Covid-19, the course has seen an
 increase in use. There will likely be changes to the course, however, to
 accommodate updates and additions to the park. Mayor Good added that the park is
 ideal for a cross-country training and competition course. There are also plans to
 add a dog park and archery course.

 9. Miscellaneous –
 In reference to the North Charleston field, Councilmember Faegre asked about the
 condition of the concession stands. Sayles replied that the one by the little league
 field is in good condition. The one by the football field needs a lot of work, such as a
 new AC unit and an ice unit.

 Councilmember Jones added that they had previously discussed a way for children
 to cross the 4-way intersection on 7th Avenue to access the North Charleston Rec
 Center, and asked if there had been any new ideas for that. Sayles replied that there
 are currently signal buttons to cross. Councilmember Jones added that most kids
 don’t want to walk all the way to 21st Street. Instead, they cross at the bridge, which
 is dangerous. The Mayor suggested consulting with the Head of Streets and Traffic
 for a possible solution.

 Councilmember Jenkins mentioned that a parcel near Hamilton Trail at Danner
 Meadow can’t be used for anything expect trails. He added that the property sold for
 taxes a few years ago. He suggested that the Land Reuse Agency look into the
 property. Director of Planning, Dan Vriendt, added that he has walked that property,
 and he agreed the property would a great parcel to add to the Danner Meadow Park.




Councilmember Faegre motioned to adjourn the meeting. Councilmember Jenkins
seconded.

Meeting adjourned.



 October 29, 2020

 Page | 4 of

MINUTES
 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING

 5:30 P. M., JANUARY 28, 2021

*IN RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, THE MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION
COMMITTEE WAS CONDUCTED ELECTRONICALLY. THE MEETING WAS MADE AVAILABLE TO THE
PUBLIC AS A LIVE STREAM VIA ZOOM (PER THE AGENDA).

Caitlin Cook, Chairperson, called the meeting of the Charleston City Council Committee
on Parks and Recreation to order at 5:30p.m., JANUARY 28, 2021.

Committee Members Present:
Caitlin Cook, Chair
Chad Robinson, Vice Chair
Jeanine Faegre
Joseph Jenkins
Pat Jones
Deanna McKinney (arrived at 5:43)

ABSENT: Robert Sheets


A roll call was taken, and it was determined that a quorum was present.



 1. Approval of Previous Minutes 10-29-2020 –
Councilmember Robinson motioned to approve the minutes of the previous meeting on
10-29-2020. Councilmember Faegre seconded. There was no objection and the
minutes were approved.



 2. East End Dog Park –
Councilmember Cook informed the Committee that work on the East End Dog Park had
started. The beginning structure for one of the shaded areas has been installed as well
as a separate area for smaller dogs with its own entrance and an ADA compliant picnic
table. The Director of Parks and Recreation, Rashaun Sayles, is pleased with the
progress of the park despite the time delays that the pandemic has caused.
Councilmember Cook added that the original fencing had also been repaired.
Remaining work to the park includes: determining the best method to prevent dogs from
getting their heads stuck under the perimeter fence, the larger shade structure repairs, 2
additional benches, updating the water station (by repairing and adding a new water



 January 28, 2021
fountain as well as a new dog washing station), an additional picnic table, 3 maple trees
for shade and more grass seed and fertilizer.



 3. Cato Park –
Councilmember Cook reminded the Committee that there had been a generous
anonymous donation to the City to be used for Cato Park. Some improvements may
include: an archery course along the existing trails (for individual use and for
competitions), a dog park (named in honor of fallen Patrolman Cassie Johnson) to be
completed within 60-90 days with a water source to be included later. Councilmember
Cook added that the walking/bike path that will go around the perimeter of the golf
course will be partially paved for ADA compliance, with the goal for it to be completely
paved in the future.

Councilmember Jenkins asked why the entrance was so far away from the parking.
Councilmember Cook replied that it is because of a steep incline in that area.
Additionally, there is parking on the other side of the playground, close to the entrance
of the dog park. Councilmember Faegre asked if there was an estimate to be able to
add the water feature to the dog park, and Councilmember Cook stated she will get that
information to her.



 4. Skate Park –
Councilmember Cook stated there will be a few changes to the final design for the skate
park. It will be maintained by Parks and Recreation, and construction is set to start in
the Spring. She added that there will be a variety of structures for various skill levels.
The people that will be using the park have had input into its design. Mayor Goodwin
added that they had been meeting with about 25 skaters in the area to gather their
input.



 5. Magic Island –
Councilmember Cook added that there is a lot of space that isn’t being used. She
requested that the Committee members think of possible additions to Magic Island that
would be an attraction but would also accommodate frequent flooding. She suggested
shelters for gatherings. Councilmember Faegre expressed concern over the homeless
population in that area.



 6. Look Ahead to Spring/Summer –
Mayor Goodwin added that Councilmember Robinson had brought up issues with
turfing some of the fields, and had gotten some pricing for that. They are looking into



 January 28, 2021
securing funding to turf the MLK field as well as the Kanawha City field. Councilmember
Robinson added that the goal is the make the MLK field multi-use with softball, baseball,
football and soccer.

Councilmember Cook added that Rec Centers remain open to e-learners and
afterschool programs. They have seen consistent students in the North Charleston and
Kanawha City Centers. There has not yet been a determination as to when the Centers
will be fully open.

Councilmember Cook added that renovations to the various Centers completed by the
Parks and Recreation Department include: ADA restrooms, remodeled kitchen at MLK,
flooring projects/upgrades to MLK, free public golf at Cato Park, updated lighting for the
fields at North Charleston, free meals to all e-learners through partnership, back-to-
school supplies for students through partnership, free shoes to school age kids through
partnership, an afterschool program at Kanawha City through partnership, their first
Pickle Ball Tournament, hosted an MLK Celebration, new public access computers at
the North Charleston and MLK Centers, created hand-crafted Christmas decorations for
outdoor display. Councilmember Cook commended the Department for adapting their
Halloween and Christmas events during the pandemic.

Councilmember Knauff asked for an update on the playground on Bigley Avenue.
Sayles replied that they do intend to install a playground there this Spring. She was not
sure if it will be the same type of playground, possibly with smaller, educational
structures. Councilmember Robison added that ideally, they would be able to put a gate
at the end of the alley for access to unloading/loading that would allow for the parking
area to be closed off safely. Councilmember Knauff added that he will discuss it with the
Board and Councilmember Bailey.




Councilmember Faegre motioned to adjourn the meeting. Councilmember Robinson
seconded.

Meeting adjourned.



 January 28, 2021