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Aspen Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes: August 3, 2021
Call to order: 2:33 pm by Sue Smedstad
In Attendance:
Sue Smedstad, AYC committee member
Karen Dillon, Committee Member
Jay Scharer, Committee Member
Candace Cross, Committee Member
Austin Weiss, Parks, Recreation, Arts, and Culture Director
Erin Hutchings, Recreation Operations Manager and Committee liaison
Desiree Whitehead, Recreation Operations Manger
Absent:
Scott Writer Chair
Steven Buettow Committee Member
Vacant Position for Sparc
Cory VanderVeen, Recreation Director
Public Comments: None
Agenda Approval: Modified to move ½ cent tax presentation to September
Meeting Minute Approval: Approved. Karen Motioned, Candace Second all in favor.
Discussion items:
Presentation on the ½ cent tax renewal process: Postponed for September meeting.
Ice Instructional Presentation: Staff reviewed the presentation on the short- and long-term goals of
Learn to Skate and private instruction. The short-term goal is to allow instructors to teach, providing an
agreement, credentials, and insurance. The long-term goal from staff recommendation is to mirror our
tennis operation with a single contractor following the Request for Proposal process with City Council
appointment.
Critical feedback from committee members stated the importance of having a robust, affordable, and
accessible Learn to Skate program. The program should be a priority for the ice rink staff—support for
the single contactor, a model that has worked in the past. Following the public process will be essential
and setting limits on the fee structure.
See Attached Slide Deck for presentation
Pickleball: Last Wednesday's public outreach session had a tremendous turnout, and feedback provided
preferences on utilities, shade structures, purpose, and amenities. Staff is reviewing the land-use code
and has connected with Marcella Larsen, Maroon Creek Caucus president. The Committee
recommended connecting with Mayor Torre and Barbara Convisor was given as the public feedback
continues.
The plan for the courts remains research, design for 2021. The project would commence sometime in
the fall of 2022, allowing courts to be accessible over the summer months. This project is funding in the
Capital Asset budget for 2022.
The Committee also recommended installing some sign-up systems for the courts when they are busy.
General Recreation Updates: Staffing shortages remain a problem to returning to pre-pandemic
operations. The recovery may take a significant amount of time. Aquatics has not been able to handle
regular hours or support the learn to swim program. The Ice team just finished a successful Bob Johnson
Hockey Camp. The Urban Art Show is open in the Aspen Ice Garden. Fall sports programs are available
for registration. Summer leagues are wrapping up for the season. The Department just finished co-
hosting the Triple Crown Youth Baseball Tournament and hopes to continue this collaboration as the
event was successful.
Project Updates: New carpet for the Red Bick scheduled for installation. Aquatics is continuing the
search for a toddler slide that suits the pool layout. Water features replacement with the remaining
funds is under research. The training room downstairs below the Jr. Hockey office will have custom
professional lockers.
Action Items:
Presentation on the ½ cent tax to be emailed prior to meeting.
Contact list of entities for the support of the ½ cent (Cory)
Next Regular Meeting:
September 7th 2:30-4pm on Zoom