PARD Director FY18-19 | Second Quarter Report This report covers items relative to the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2018-2019. If an item was overlooked, please email the item and related details to gary.packan@cityofdenton.com, so it can be identified in the next report.
Park and Playground Updates NEW | North Lakes Park Homeless Camp Clean-Up Parks Maintenance staff contracted with Freedom Services to clean-up litter from a homeless camp in a wooded area in North Lakes Park. Staff and Freedom Services removed 2.79 tons of trash from the former camp site. The parcel has a substantial grove of trees and is densely filled with privet (evergreen shrub) within its under-story. Staff will continue to monitor the park. NEW | Potential Future Park at Old City Landfill We met Solid Waste staff and members of the Mountain Bike Focus Group at the old City landfill in Crossroads and toured the 75 acre facility for potential of a future park. Solid Waste is planning a July City Council presentation for potential site improvement concepts. NEW | Playgrounds Park Maintenance staff are planning the construction of new playground structures in 2019 at the MLK Jr. Rec Center and the following parks: Carl Gene Young Sr., Quakertown, Nette Shultz, McKenna, and Patrick Park in the Carnegie Ridge Subdivision. NEW | McKenna Park Due to the construction of a new roundabout at Bonnie Brae Street and Scripture Street, the parking lot will need to be relocated. With that, the relocation of the playground and development of a new loop trail within the park are being designed. UPDATE | Patrick Park, neighborhood park in the Carnegie Ridge Subdivision On Feb. 26, staff were given the green light by City Council to move forward and as of late March concrete had been poured for the pavilion slab and sidewalks. NEW | Lake Forest Park Dam and Pond An engineering firm was hired to assist the City in the development of construction drawings for the eventual improvement or rebuilding of the dam and dredging of the pond. The contract provides a 90-day window for the project to be completed. Staff has maintained contact with the Good Samaritan Society Lake Forest Village to provide progress updates within the park. UPDATE | Rayzor Ranch Park Staff hosted a public meeting on March 18. So far, grading has been completed. UPDATE | North Lakes Park Dog Park Staff broke ground at the site for the new dog park and we hope to open by the end of the year.
Fred More Park
Project and Construction Updates NEW | Real Estate Analysis for Potential New Parks and Tree Preserves We developed a new process in which property can be analyzed to determine its projected benefit for the City and parks system. A series of properties were selected for potential parks and/or tree preserves and evaluated based on a new series of criteria. After a review of 18+ unique considerations, each property was ranked and prioritized, then presented to City Council in a closed session. NEW | Service Center Fence and Landscape Design Staff created and provided CMO with a draft design and costs for a fence design at the Service Center. NEW | Lake Forest Park Easement In January, City Council approved an easement to assist the neighborhood development of the property to the east that will eventually connect to Lake Forest Park via two separate trails. NEW | Southwest Park Easement PARD staff is working with the Water Utilities Dept. on a public hearing to obtain approval of a water easement for public utilities along Allred Road and Bonnie Brae Street. UPDATE | North Lakes Park Tennis Center Construction On Feb. 26, City Council approved the design and construction drawings are being developed. UPDATE | American Legion Hall Senior Center Renovation Construction Construction drawings are done and it's currently in the permitting stage. We're working towards bundling the ALH construction contract with construction of the Tennis Center Pro Shop. UPDATE | North Lakes Parks Maintenance Building Construction Construction began in March 20 and we anticipate completion in May. UPDATE | Cemetery Improvement Plan Contractors completed renovation of the storage building, repairs and straightening of headstones, and installation of decorative landscaping. A contract to complete the remaining fence with the ornamental style was approved in April and construction begin in May. UPDATE | Eagle/Elm Street Beautification Projects Construction began with the removal of trees and site grading. On April 10, staff was informed that a new water and sewer line are to be installed in the median and constructed was halted. UPDATE | Parking Lot at South Lakes Park for Improved Access to Londonderry Playground The traffic study was performed and a public meeting is scheduled for May 23.
Fiscal Year 2018-2019 Budget Overview, Cost Saving Initiatives, and Efficiencies Q1-2 | Oct. 2018-Present General Fund Revenue Year-To-Date Revenue $317,393 (14% of target) Year-End Revenue Estimate $2,285,255 (97.3% of target)
General Fund Expenses Year-To-Date Expenses $4,058,303 (38% of budget)) Year-End Expense Estimate $10,702,253 (100%)
Recreation Fund Year-To-Date Revenue $829,342 (35% of target) Year-End Revenue Estimate $2,145,280 (90.3% of target)
Recreation Fund Expenses Year-To-Date Expenses $2,110,240 (39% of budget) Year-End Expense Estimate $5,470,192 (100%)
Waiting on a budget amendment to come through which will increase our FY 18-19 budget authority in both Rec Fund ($180,849) and General Fund ($131,979). Majority of budget amendment is due to missing reinstatements, baseline adjustments, Park Foundation salary, and a missing Rec Fund supplemental which was approved but not added to our budget.
Status | Current Supplementals Park Maintenance · Completed | Hired Landscape Architect and started designing projects in-house. · In progress | Developed designs for Eagle/Elm, Dallas/Teasley, South Lakes parking lot. · Completed | Performed winter maintenance per right of way tree tree trimming approval. · Completed | Mowed park property- transition to new companies was a challenge; adjustments are still being made and monitored. Leisure Services · In progress | Installing new NAT window tints · On-hold | Awaiting the start of ALH construction · On-hold | Awaiting HBU funding consolidation · Completed | Expanded hours of NL Rec Center · Completed | Maximized additional part-time funds to hire more pool deck staff to increase the swimmer safety at the NAT. Capital Maintenance Allocation · City Council approved allocation for staff to replace irrigation controllers and lightning detection system in May.
THE GAME PLAN Planning The Future of Parks Denton Parks, Recreation, and Trails Master Plan In November, staff began collecting data so we have a base of information to start the planning process. Staff selected 15+ consultants and industry association experts to assess and evaluate certain assets and services including, but not limited to, aquatics capital, recreation centers, forestry, trails, playgrounds, skate parks, mountain biking, athletics, maintenance, tennis, and more.
OUTDOOR SIGN PLAN
Outdoor Sign Plan In December, Assistant City Manager Mario Canizares delegated the development of a new outdoor sign plan to Parks and Recreation. The purpose of the plan is to unify sign design and fabrication for various facilities including City Hall, Parks and Recreation facilities, and maintenance centers. We're executing this plan in tandem with the development of a park signage plan.
Urban Forest Master Plan Urban Forester Haywood Morgan hosted a kick-off meeting for the Urban Forest Master Plan on April 4 with the help of KDB, Streets, Engineering, Environmental Services, and more.
Integrated Pest Management Plan The Texas Organic Research Center is creating a plan for Denia Park to serve as our pilot program for 100% organic maintenance. On Nov. 15, staff met with the team to outline the plan and a final draft was sent to the committee on Dec. 11 for final review. We anticipate presenting it to City Council on May 7.
Strategic Plan Staff have been working together to implement the new PARD Strategic Plan that rolls up and parallels the City's Strategic Plan. In November, an interactive online form was distributed to encourage team members to "Play a Part" in organizational initiatives as a quarterback or team player. Final assignments have been made in preparation of work team implementation.
COMMUNICATIONS Public Meetings and Master Plans
Master Plan Consultants and Subject Matter Experts
Master Plan Community Input Workshops
Adtion Sports Focus Group, Feb. 11 | Report Completed
Staff Open House Input Workshops, April 22 @ Denia Rec Center Open House Community Workshop, April 24 @ Denia Rec Center Open House Community Workshop, April 25 @ Denton Senior Center Open House Community Workshop, April 25 @ MLK Jr. Rec Rec Center
Aquatics Capital SME | Report Completed Recreation Center SME, Feb. 28Â | Report Pending Athletics Division SME, March 13| Report Pending Bike Park Focus Group, March 25 | Report Pending IPM Focus Group Meetings | Completed and Adopted Trail Consultant Meetings | Ongoing Mountain Bike Focus Group, March 25 Urban Forest Master Plan kick-off, April 4
Neighborhood Meetings
Disc Golf Consultant, April 11 Mountain Bike Focus Group, April 11 Playground Consultant, April 24 | Report Completed
Patrick Park, Feb. 19 Rayzor Ranch, March 18 McKenna Park, March 18 Sequoia Park, March 21
Parks, Recreation and Beautification Board Jan. 7 Board Meeting Rayzor Ranch Park, Master Plan, North Lakes Hours of Operation, PARD Funding Sources
Feb. 4 Board Meeting Southwest Park, Patrick Park, Tennis Center, Park Naming Policy
March 4 Board Meeting McKenna Park, Standards of Care, 10-Minute Walk, Master Plan, Policies & Procedures, Park Tour
COMMUNICATIONS Collaborations, & Partnerships Mayor Chris Watts signed a Resolution on Feb. 26 that commits PARD and the City to improve accessibility to local parks by promoting the 10-Minute Walk to a Park Campaign. Economic Development and a Downtown Music Venue PARD Staff are assisting Economic Development in the development of concepts for outdoor music and entertainment venues in the downtown area. Rotary Club and Quakertown Park Project The Rotary Club expressed interested in a service project to celebrate their 100th anniversary. They're considering renovation of the stage or a small reading nook near Emily Fowler Library. Denton Parks Foundation Partnership Progress continues to move forward with the announcement of the new Park Foundation Executive Director, Brooke Moore. Parks, Recreation, and Beautification Board The board continues to meet monthly and will tour our facilities as part of their May 6 meeting. Public Art Committee On Feb. 7, we presented a proposal to place a sculpture in the new North Lakes Dog Park. Aquatics NAT Committee The Aquatics NAT Committee continues to meet monthly and has served to assist and provide feedback relating to recent changes in pay, the hiring fairs, and master plan. Commission for Accreditation of Parks & Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) We submitted our application to NRPA in December and are in the first of three phases towards achieving our goal for accreditation. To date, we have completed 92 of 151 standards of best practices in the self-assessment portion of the first phase. Once done, we'll pursue the next two phases which include the on-site visitation and the Commission’s review and decision.
Launched in March to help keep the community informed
PARKS & REC ORGANIZATIONAL UPDATES
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2nd Quarter New Hires & Promotions Congratulations Adrian Luna, recently promoted to Crew Leader for North Lakes
UPDATES
Four Summer Jobs Hiring Fairs On site testing No offsite testing required Increased hourly wages Paid lifeguard swimsuits
Welcome NEW Field Service Worker III Ryan Moyer with our Parks Electrician Welcome Special Events Coordinator Christy Sayer
Temp Seasonal Hiring Wages PARD Staff and Human Resources worked diligently to research and gain approval for an increase in temp seasonal wages. Over the course of the last few years, hiring and retaining staffing has been a challenge. After research, it was determined that the department was not competitive with other recreation providers as well as the private industry.
Q2 | PARD TEAM HIGHLIGHTS big thanks
Thank you to the Park Maintenance staff for the clean-up at North Lakes Park! A thank you card was hand delivered by a resident on behalf of the Sequoia Trail neighborhood for installation of the trail.
MLK Jr. Day Celebration Staff hosted a community event on Jan. 21 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. with over 500 in attendance and dinner for 300 guests.
Master Plan Overview A Master Plan video was created to promote the overview and purpose of a Master Plan. It was released in March and has received over 4.7K views.
Black History Month Celebration Staff hosted a community celebrtation on Feb. 16, with special guest speaker John Wiley Price.
Social Media at its BEST Kudos to Kali with the new marketing position and meaningful stories. Betty Kimble's story and February post received 370 Likes, 31 Shares, and 29 comments.
Teen Council Adapted Hosted theRecreation second Hosted our first Day Hike annual Teen Council at Clear Creek Natural Battle of the Bands. Heritage Area.
Facility Naming Policy Heather Gray coordinated an update to the Naming Policy and it was approved by Park Board. This will be presented to City Council along with the new Sponsorship & Donation Policy.
Congratulations! Tom Klimko received his NRPA CPRP certification.
Congratulations! Megan Thomas received her NRPA CPRE certification.
Q2 | RECORD ROW HIGHLIGHTS
Adult Basketball Record-breaking 12 teams. Most registered in one season
Tennis Tournament Hosted five tournaments with 744 youth players and an est. $63,795 economic impact.
Spring Break Camp Record-breaking registration with 549 kids enrolled over five days, up 34 from last year.
Softball Tournament Hosted USSSA fast pitch tournament with 14 teams and an est. $43,200 economic impact.
Senior Center Open House Record breaking attendance with 257 program registrations, and 35 new members.
Youth Volleyball Record-breaking 80 youth volleyball teams. Largest TAAF rec league in the State!
TRAPS Maintenance Rodeo Congratulations David Valdez for placing second in the State in the Zero Turn Obstacle Course and congratulations Justin Hammond for placing third in the Backhoe event.
Accounting Wrap Up and Friday Reports Accounting | Projects Closed Update | Worked with Accounting to close out the following department projects: 1. Sequoia Park Improvements 2. Southwest Park Fence Repair 3. TXDOT NW Trail Extension 4. Registration Software 5. Carl Young Sprayground 6. Fitness Equipment Replacement 7. Audio/Visual Equip – Rec Center 8. Mack Park Property Purchase
Accounting | Projects Opened Update | Worked with Accounting to open the following department projects: 1. Water Works Park Addition (re-opened for wave pool study) 2. South Lakes Parking Lot 3. HWY 380 Green Ribbon Design 4. Dallas-Teasley Beautification Node 5. Eagle-Elm Beautification Node 6. I.O.O.F. and Oakwood Cemetery Improvements 7. SW Park Master Plan and Design 8. Denia and North Lakes Rec Center Cabinet Replacement 9. Parks, Recreation, and Trail Master Plan 10. North Lakes Maintenance Shed
Friday Reports and Informal Staff Reports We continue to send department updates for the Friday Report and are making efforts to maximize opportunities to provide City Council with additional information that demonstrates how our team contributes to making Denton a place of choice. Jan. 11 | NAT Closing for Event, Trash Screening at MLK Jr. Rec Center, Temporary Storage Lockers Jan. 18 | MLK Day Events, IOOF Cemetery Improvements, WWP Season Pass Promotion, Memorial Benches, Emerald Ash Borer in DFW, ALH Construction Update Jan. 25 | Water Park Passes Feb. 1 | Industrial Street Park, Appreciation from Sequoia Park Neighborhood, ALH Senior Center Design and Construction Update, Parks 10-Minute Walk Campaign Feb. 8 | WWP Promotion Results, G. Roland Vela Athletic Complex Update Feb. 22 | Radio Tower Light at McKenna Park March 1| Radio Tower Light at McKenna Park, March 8 | Radio Tower Light at McKenna Park, Rayzor Ranch and McKenna Park Public Meeting March 15 | Sequoia Park Public Meeting March 22 | North Lakes Park Clean-Up, Mountain Bike Public Meeting
Strategic Plan
The following are Team Lead and Team Assignments for Strategic Goals and Key Focus Areas
Watch for the Next Steps...
Key Focus Area 1 | Organizational Excellence Process, Service, and Communication Improvement 1.1 Strengthen Culture of Service QB Melissa Smart; Trisha, Sara, Brittany, Brooke, Heather Keanna, Justin H., Jennifer E. » Develop policies and procedures » Develop customer service best practices & training ✔ Distribute Customer Service Staff Survey 1.2 Improve Program Management QB Maria Denison » Implement a formal program evaluation process 1.3 Enhance Internal Communication QB Gary Packan; Tracy ✔ Implemented Workplace ✔ Distribute a digital Quarterly-Report to update staff ✔ Implemented the Highlight "REEL" online ✔ Installed "Play Book" boards at CHE and Service Center ✔ Leadership to meet every 4-6 weeks to provide updates and highlights 1.4 Improve Retention and Career Progression QB Cathy Avery; Drew ✔ Develop a recruitment strategy to attract quality applicants » Develop a plan that outlines career training opportunities 1.5 Develop and Communicate Key Performance Measures QB Eddie Valdez; Heather 1.6 Implement NEW of Cost for Service Model QB Rachel Wood; Cathy, Jason B., Heather, Eddie, Laura 1.7 Build and Promote New Branding Initiatives QB Kali » Increase social media marketing impressions » Added news update to PARD City website ✔ Distribute Facebook Best Practices highlighting brand consistency ✔ Began development of a new video series to support the new brand 1.8 Maximize Technology & Pursue New Opportunities QB Chris E; Monica, Kali » Develop on-board customer service training using LMS ✔ Installed Ipads kiosks at Denton Civic Center ✔ Promote and increase online registrations/transactions » Acquire software to track and maintain assets 1.9 Achieve and Maintain Award Winning Excellence QB Caroline; Heather » CAPRA Accreditation » Texas Recreation and Park Society Gold Medal Award » NRPA National Gold Medal Finalist and Award
Key Focus Area 2 | Public Infrastructure Construction and Park Development 2.1 | Develop 2020 Capital Improvement Projects QB Drew; Caroline, Cathy, Tom, Craig » Develop a city asset inventory and identify capital needs 2.2 | Complete Current Capital Improvement Project Efficiencies QB Drew; Monica, Marshall » Parks Bond Projects ✔ Vela Soccer Complex (May 2019) Playground Replacements (December 2019) Tennis Center (December 2020) Tennis Courts at South Lakes Park (December 2020) McKenna Park Improvements (December 2020) » Park Capital Improvement Projects Dallas/Teasley Median (October 2019) Eagle/Elm Median (September 2019) ✔ Industrial Street Park (April 2019) North Lakes Dog Park (December 2019) ✔ I.O.O.F. Cemetery Improvements (September 2019) South Lakes Park Parking Lot (Spring 2020) American Legion Hall Senior Center (April 2020) ✔ Trail expansion at Sequoia Park (July 2018) Restroom at Carl Young Park (December 2019) Restrooms at Quakertown Park (December 2019) North Lakes Park Maintenance Building (December 2019) 2.3 | Develop Operational and Capital Standards QB Laura; Gary » Create park standards to determine levels of expected maintenance and guide budgetary needs ✔ Adopt a resolution setting a 10-minute walk to Denton parks (February 2019) 2.4 | Park Dedication & Development Fees Ordinance Revision QB Laura; Heather ✔ Hire Dr. John Crompton, Texas A&M University
Key Focus Area 3 | Economic Development Fund and Financial Resource Improvements 3.1 | Improve Management of Financial Resources QB Heather » Update 915/916 Funds Ordinance » Expand HOT funds ✔ Retain flexibility for Recreation Fund » Submit Leisure Services Capital Maintenance Supplemental ✔ Collapse the GF and RF accounts for select business units 3.2 | Educate City Council, Park Board, & Park Foundation to be stronger advocates QB Caroline; Cathy, Drew, Keanna ✔ Submit weekly to the Friday Report ✔ Increase communication & agenda items with Park Board ✔ Re-engage Parks Foundation 3.3 | Promote Economic Impact QB Jason B. » Develop and implement a more accurate reporting process for hosted tournaments » Develop and promote success through an annual HOT Fund report 3.4 | Strengthen Existing Destination Partnerships QB Adam; Sara, Chris, Monica » Develop a plan to expand sport tourism
Key Focus Area 4 Safe, Liveable, Family-Friendly Community Community-Centric Improvements 4.1 | Develop Master Plan QB Glenn; Tom, Justin Hammond » Hire a firm to guide the department through the process ✔ Conduct a community needs assessment analysis (On-going) » Adopt of a resolution for new Parks, Recreation & Trails Master Plan » Develop Southwest Park Master Plan » Develop mini-master plans for each park to for system Master Plan » Complete Urban Forest Master Plan 4.2 | Develop New Partnerships and Offer More Programs QB Sara; Keanna, Melissa J., Maryann, Adam, Chris, Jennifer E. ✔ Expand summer camp opportunities » Expand program and resource opportunities to support facilities 4.3 | Develop Best Practices across all Divisions QB Monica; Marshall » Develop operational and capital standards » Develop service-related best standards 4.4 | Adopt a resolution setting a 10-minute walk to parks QB Eddie and Gary ✔ Adopt a resolution setting a 10-minute walk to Denton parks (February 2019) 4.5 | Update the Sponsorship, Donation & Naming Rights Policy QB Heather ✔ Present City-wide Sponsorship Policy to City Council ✔ Present Naming Policy to City Council
Key Focus Area 5 Sustainable & Environmental Stewardship Asset and Environment Resource Management 5.1 | Develop methods/technology to track asset condition deferred maintenance to reduce costs and improve asset life QB Craig; Drew ✔ Request funding via a Supplement for CityWorks software » Create an excel database to record past, current and future assets ✔ Develop and maintain Playground Improvement Plan ✔ Develop and maintain Cemetery Improvement Plan 5.2 | Strengthen culture of conservation and preservation resources QB Haywood; Tracy, Kali 5.3 | Adopt a new Integrated Pest Management program QB Laura; Russell, Drew, Marshall ✔ Develop a focus group for program input ✔ Implement a test-pilot site at Denia Park ✔ Present new IPM Program for City Council approval