PARKS & RECREATION BOARD 2020/09/15 MinutesThe City of Lake Forest
Parks and Recreation Board
Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2020
REMOTE ACCESS MEETING
I. Call to Order
The Parks and Recreation Board Meeting was called to order by Chairman Paul Best at 6:30p.m. The
following were present via Zoom meeting:
Board Members: Mr. Paul Best
Ms. Nancy Duffy (6:33pm)
Ms. Shannon Maguire
Mr. Jared Rhoads
Mr. Marc Silver
Ms. Kaci Spirito
Staff: Ms. Sally Swarthout, Director of Parks and Recreation
Mr. Joe Mobile, Superintendent of Recreation
Mr. Chuck Myers, Superintendent of Parks, Forestry & Special Facilities
Mr. Vince Juarez, Vice President of Operations, Kemper Sports Management
Mr. Jason Petree, General Manager, Kemper Sports
Mr. Aaron Dalzot, Lakefront Manager
Mr. Jason Busdeker, Facility Manager
Ms. Dani Spann, Administrative Assistant
II. Approval of Minutes
Meeting minutes of the August 18, 2020 Park & Recreation Board Meeting were presented and
approved.
Board member Maguire motioned for approval of the minutes and Board member Rhoads
seconded. The minutes were then unanimously approved by roll call with 5 ayes and 0 nays.
III. Opportunities for the Public to Address the Board on Items not listed on the Agenda
No comments
IV. FY22 Deerpath Golf Course Fees Discussion
Vince Juarez, Kemper Sports Management introduced Jason Petree, the new General Manager at
Deerpath Golf Course. Mr. Juarez welcomed Jason and gave a brief background. Mr. Petree pointed
out a discrepancy in the Jr. fees, the fee is listed as $1903.00, but should actually be $700.00. Mr.
Petree went over the FY22 fees and some highlights of the pricing schedule. This schedule included
a 3-4% increase in daily fees through dynamic pricing, a cart fee increase on 9 hole play. Several
factors contributing towards fee increases are based on area competition, market trends and
demands and current utilization. There is an overall revenue increase by 9%. Board member
Maguire inquired about the Jr. Fees and range ball pricing. Mr. Juarez answered we are currently on
the low end for pricing on range balls. Director Swarthout explained the Golf Course is an enterprise
fund and any revenues generated go back into this fund. Board member Maguire mentioned an
increase in Loyalty Cards. Mr. Juarez expects to see an increase in these passes in FY22. Board
member Maguire inquired about offering a discount in Jr. Golf Membership based on participation
in other golf programs and marketing this Jr. Golf Membership. Mr. Juarez replied looking into
partnering with the Discover Golf Program. Discussion followed on the fees increase. The IDOT
project is scheduled for this fiscal year with some disruption to the golf course.
V. FY22 Lakefront Fees Discussion
Aaron Dalzot, Lakefront Manager, went over staff recommendation of no increase for FY22 except
for Daily Launch Passes and Resident Guest Passes. The Daily Launch pass will increase from $45.00
to $65.00 and the Resident Guest Pass will increase from $10.00 to $15.00. Board member Maguire
suggested making all the fees available online.
VI. FY22 Fitness Fees Discussion
Jason Busdeker, Facility Manager, went over the staff recommended FY22 fees at a 0%, 2% and 4%
increase. Staff recommends going with the 2% increase. Due to COVID 19, current memberships are
down, 62 memberships have requested being put on hold and 45 memberships were cancelled. This
decline is also due to limited hours of membership and limited exercise schedules in order to follow
safety precautions due to COVID 19. Mr. Busdeker stated the decline in utilization and memberships
are the same overall in the industry. Staff are working on several upcoming promotions for
memberships for middle school, high school and college students. A one and two month
membership option will be available over the holiday season.
VII. FY22 Permit Fees Discussion
Joe Mobile, Superintendent of Recreation, went over the Pavilion Permit Fees. Staff is
recommending to keep the current fee structure for FY22. Mr. Mobile gave a brief history on the fee
structure introduced in 2018, with the plan to revisit the fee structure every 3-5 years. Staff will
reevaluate the current fees at the end of the 4th year to see if there is need for an increase.
VIII. Director Comments
Director Swarthout gave an update on the Master Plan. Steve Konters presented the
recommendations to the Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Foundation with the next step being a
presentation of turf scenarios to City Council. Staff is still looking into the lighting issue at Townline
Park. South Park is set to reopen the second week of October. A date for the ribbon cutting has not
been set. Director Swarthout informed the Board of the following events coming up.
• GO Lake Forest Fall Events–
o Northcroft Nature Walk- October 1st at 10:00am
o Haunted Trail Walk- October 10th at 7:00pm at Northcroft Park
o Cemetery Walk & Tour- October 29th at 10:00am
o Family Glow Walk- November 5th at 5:00pm at South Park
• Croctoberfest- October 4th and 18th from 10:00am-4:00pm at the Wildlife Discovery Center
• Halloween Tricks & Treats Parade- October 30th from 4:00pm-6:00pm at the Recreation
Center
IX. Board Member Comments
Board member Maguire complimented staff on how great the Kinderhaven opening was and how
amazing the communication has been in regards to West Park. Board member Duffy complimented
Chairman Best on the great job he is doing.
X. Adjournment
Board member Duffy motioned for adjournment and Board member Silver seconded. There was a
roll call of 6 ayes and 0 nays. The meeting was adjourned at 8:03 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted
Dani Spann
Administrative Assistant