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Aspen Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes:
March 5, 2025
Call to order: 12:00 pm by Erin
In Attendance:
Harlan Pratt Committee Member
Tony Greene, Committee Member
Karen Dillon Committee Member Vice Chair
Ryan Doremus Committee Member Chair
Steve Buettow Committee Members
Candace Cross Committee Member
Austin Weiss Director of Parks, Recreation, Arts and Culture
Erin Hutchings, Recreation Operations Manager and Committee liaison
Desiree Whitehead Recreation Manger
Jay Slater Recreation Operations Manager
Absent:
Public Comments: None
Committee Comments: None
Staff Comments: None
Agenda Approval: Approved
Meeting Minute Approval: From December: Ryan Motioned, Tony 2nd and all were in favor.
Discussion items:
Aspen Youth Center
The Aspen Youth Center is undergoing reorganization. Michela Idhammer has left her position, and
the center is actively recruiting for a replacement. Due to these changes, the center has reduced its
hours. The committee position will be filled once the new director is in place.
Ice Updates: The search for an Ice Supervisor is ongoing. The Lewis Ice Arena's condensing fan is
scheduled for replacement on April 1st. After the ice is removed from the Aspen Ice Garden,
concrete work will begin in preparation for the cooling tower project. Additionally, repairs will be
made to leaking drains in the Zamboni room. A new Zamboni will be purchased this year.
Programs are progressing well. The hockey leagues are wrapping up, and drop-in curling has been a
great success. Cosmic Skate has helped alleviate facility congestion during early-release
Wednesdays. "May the 4th" will be celebrated at Aspen Ice Garden, and street hockey will return for
its second summer.
Aquatics: Candace has returned from leave, and pool staffing is stable. The engineering team is
exploring options to replace the current chlorine delivery system with a lower-maintenance and
potentially more cost-effective alternative. Water polo was a big hit over the winter, and in March,
kayaking will take over its time slot. Learn-to-swim programs are ramping up as the spring and
summer approach. The Aquatics team is also seeking more opportunities to offer CPR and First Aid
courses.
ARC General Lauren Anderson has been selected as the Pickleball contractor, with her contract
beginning on May 1st. A grand opening is anticipated in early June. The Rotary Pavilion will remain
available for small gatherings such as birthday parties, but space and parking limitations restrict
larger events. New equipment has been added to the facility, including a Peloton spin bike for the
cardio room and new benches for the weight room. The engineering team will assess the condition of
the batting cages and work on their operation.
Programs, Day Camp, and Red Brick: The Red Brick Gym is receiving a new roof. Programs and
day camps are running smoothly. The next community event will be the Easter Egg Hunt.
Financial: The final recovery rate for 2024 is still being calculated, with an estimated figure of 47%.
This past winter break showed higher usage compared to the previous year.
Action Items:
Next Regular Meeting:
June 3rd , 2025 12:00 pm-2:00 pm