PARKS & RECREATION BOARD 2018/02/20 MinutesThe City of Lake Forest
Parks and Recreation Board
Meeting Minutes
February 20, 2018
I. Call to Order
The Parks and Recreation Board Meeting was called to order by Chairman Charlie Kohlmeyer at
6:30p.m. The following were present:
Board Members: Mr. Charlie Kohlmeyer
Mr. Steve Reimer
Mr. Paul Best
Mr. Paul “Skoo” Walker
Ms. Nancy Duffy
Staff: Ms. Sally Swarthout, Director of Parks and Recreation
Mr. Joe Mobile, Superintendent of Recreation Mr. John Eldridge, Program Manager
Ms. Dani Spann, Administrative Assistant
II. Comments By Chairman
Chairman Kohlmeyer introduced the new Board Member, Nancy Duffy. Ms. Duffy talked a little
about herself and her involvement in the community. She served on the Lake Forest Caucus for five
years. Was the fundraising chair for the last two years. Her family has been involved with the
Recreation Center and their programs for many years.
III. Approval of Minutes
Meeting minutes of the November 21, 2017 Park & Recreation Board meeting were presented and
approved.
Board member Reimer motioned for approval of the amended minutes and Board member Walker
seconded. The minutes were then unanimously approved. IV. Opportunities for the Public to Address the Board on Items not listed on the Agenda
No comments
V. Stirling Hall Spotlight
John Eldridge, Program Manager, gave an overview of Stirling Hall and the various program
offerings. He touched on some of the amenities offered and talked about the experienced staff.
Mr. Eldrige went over the Adult classes and workshops. There are many offerings including Beginner
Wheel Throwing, Mosaics and Tile Making. The Youth classes and workshops offered are for all ages
starting at three years old. The facility can be rented for themed birthday parties and private rentals,
such as, baby showers, bridal showers and team building events.
Mr. Eldridge talked about the growth of Stirling Hall over the last year and the increase in
enrollments. He mentioned the attendance has doubled over the past year. Some of the driving
force behind this growth is the expanded offerings, special events and the improved marketing and
outreach through social media. A new event called, Art Bash, has generated some great feedback
and shows the community what they have to offer. Boardmember Walker inquired about the social
media followers. Mr. Eldridge replied most of the followers are parents of the students. The
marketing was discussed and ideas of how to reach out to those on social media that are not
enrolled in the programs.
Mr. Eldridge talked about the following new program offerings and partnerships at Stirling Hall.
• Rosalind Franklin Wheel Class for students
• Empty Bowls is a fundraiser out of Gurnee geared towards needy families
• Partnership with Lake Forest Library called, “Ragdale Reads Event”
• Expanded weekend class offerings
• New Summer Youth Classes/Camps
Board member Best asked if staff has looked into any opportunities to offer programs to assisted
living groups in the community. Mr. Eldridge replied they have worked with Dickinson Hall to offer
some events. Stirling Hall also partners with Lake Forest College and allows them to teach their
twelve week Ceramic class on site. He mentioned the attendance is growing and they are getting
close to the maximum participants. Staff would like to increase the amount of painting classes
offered.
VI. Comprehensive Master Plan of Friends of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation
Superintendent Mobile is requesting approval of joint funding of the Master Plan of Friends of Lake
Forest Parks & Recreation for $30,000 from the Parks and Public Land Fund. He went over the
process to adopt a new plan. In July they met to discuss the upcoming projects, came up with a blue
print of needs and desires of the community, and developed an action plan to achieve these needs.
A bid proposal was posted and three bids were received.
Company Amount Bid
Williams Architects $49,000
Hitchcock Design Group $50,000
The Lakota Group $103,110
The Friends of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation Foundation have recommended and decided to go
with Hitchcock Design Group. If approved for the funding, the Foundation will set up a restricted
fund in their accounting, and all the payments will come from this account. City staff will be very
involved in this process. Board member Walker inquired as to what was completed from the 2008
Master Plan. Joe Mobile replied that Townline Park was a big completion along with other smaller
improvements such as ball fields and playgrounds. Discussion followed on the decision process of
improvements needed. Staff would like to start the planning meetings in April and they anticipate it
being a 16 week project.
Requested Action: Approval of joint funding of Comprehensive Parks and Facility Master Plan with
the Friends of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation Foundation.
A motion was made by Board member Walker to approve the joint funding of the Comprehensive
Parks and Facility Master Plan Project with the Friends of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation
Foundation not to exceed $30,000 from the Park and Public Land Fund and recommend moving
forward to City Council for approval. Seconded by Board member Best. A roll call vote was taken.
The following voted “Aye”: Chairman Kohlmeyer, Walker, Reimer, Duffy, and Best. The following
voted “Nay”: None. 5 – Ayes, 0 Nays, motion carried. The motion was passed.
Comments by Director
Director Swarthout talked about North Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA) and the
opportunities they provide for our residents and other communities. They currently have 13
partners including surrounding park districts, cities and villages. They have found a building site to
house a new facility that can offer much more to its participants. In 2017, we had 41 registrants
within Lake Forest that had 217 registrations throughout their programs. Ms. Swarthout passed
around an invitation to the 2018 Shining Stars Banquet, the City of Lake Forest will be named
Partner Agency of the Year. Ms. Swarthout invited the Board members to join them for the evening.
If interested, please RSVP to Joe Mobile.
Director Swarthout spoke about the upcoming events scheduled.
1. Seuss-A-Bration – February 24th from 1:00pm – 3:00pm at Recreation Annex, Everett Park
2. Summer Camp Registration Opens on March 6th at 8:30am
3. Reptile Rampage- March 11th from 10:00am – 4:00pm in the Recreation Center Gymnasium
4. Passion To Dance – March 17th from 6:00pm - 9:00pm and 10:00am at Cressey Center for
the Performing Arts
5. Easter Bunny Baskets delivery – March 21st from 3:00om – 6:00pm
6. Easter Eggstravaganza- March 24th from 9:30am – 11:30am at Deerpath Middle School
VII. Comments by Board Members
Board member Reimer asked about the engineer working on the North Beach Access Road. Director
Swarthout replied AECOMM will be the consulting engineer heading this and it will be a different
strategy for this road as it involves the Army Corps of Engineers. As of right now, the timing on this is
unsure. Depending on the recommendation, the road may be closed over the season. Alternative
transportation options are being looked into. The question of concessions at the beach came up. In
response, Kemper Sports will be taking over the concessions this year. Discussion followed on the
hours of concessions.
VIII. Adjournment
Board member Best motioned for adjournment and Board member Duffy seconded.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:46pm.
Respectfully Submitted
Dani Spann
Administrative Assistant