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Aspen Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes:
October 7, 2025
Call to order: 12:00 pm by Erin
In Attendance:
Harlan Pratt Committee Member
Karen Dillon Committee Member Vice Chair
Ryan Doremus Committee Member Chair
Steve Buettow Committee Members
Dan Michaels Committee Member
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
Scott Chism Director for Business Services
Absent:
Tony Greene, Committee Member
Public Comments: None
Committee Comments: None:
Staff Comments: None
Agenda Approval: Approved
Meeting Minute Approval: Karen moved to approved, Ryan 2nd and all were in favor
Discussion items:
Master Plan and Capital Projects: Progress on the master plan continues to provide strategic
direction for facility development. The most recent evaluation of Recreation Facilities has
encompassed both the Aspen Recreation Center and Aspen Ice Garden. Efforts have been made to
align multiple foundational documents, including the master plan submitted to council in 2022, the
2015 Business Plan, the 2019 Novack Study Aspirations and Actions, and the 2020 SFA Plan, all
aiming to identify priorities such as housing and parking needs. In late 2022, a presentation was
delivered to council with a focus on improvements at the Aspen Ice Garden and Aspen Recreation
Center.
During the 2024 business planning process, the community highlighted critical areas of need, which
include childcare spaces, indoor recreational facilities, enhanced fitness amenities, and expanded
outdoor water features such as pools and splash pads. Recommendations for the Aspen Ice Garden
emphasize the need for improved seating, parking, and functional space. The master plan
incorporates an updated ice rink, while proposed enhancements to ARC involve expanding the
facility to offer more fitness opportunities. Additional considerations include converting the Aspen
Ice Garden into a dedicated community space and adding another sheet of ice to the Recreation
Center.
In 2022, the current council directed attention toward capital improvements and deferred
maintenance. The mayor and council have requested further information regarding the master plan
and potential opportunities. Upcoming presentations will outline preliminary additions to the
Recreation Center. Maintaining two sheets of ice remains a priority as discussed by the committee.
The committee is concerned that the expansion may not address current or future needs and
recommends further vetting and assessment of its impact on surrounding neighborhoods.
Ice Updates: The Ice Garden is open and hiring part-time drivers. Over 90 teams will compete in
Fall Face Off during the last three weekends of October. Leagues begin soon with D-league; men’s
league draft follows later this month.
Aquatics: The Club team's Head Coaches have retired, and a new coach has been appointed. The
annual fall swim meets, including the Fastest on the Fork event, are scheduled for the second
weekend in October. After the annual fall closure, the pools and facility were in good condition.
ARC General. The siding replacement at the Aspen Recreation Center is progressing as planned,
addressing areas damaged by snow removal. Concrete work behind Aspen Ice Garden is underway
for the spring 2026 cooling tower project, and snowmelt concrete on the north side is finished. Aspen
Recreation Center now has new parking lot asphalt. New picnic tables have improved the rotary
pavilion. The pickleball courts were painted; further warranty repairs for courts 1-3 are scheduled for
spring.
Programs, Day Camp, and Red Brick: The gymnastics tournament is set for the second weekend
in October. The climbing wall has been popular, with positive feedback on its new routes. Guest
Services have supported increased activity, filled two coordinator roles and maintaining strong
programming for both fall and summer. Camp and afterschool care are running smoothly. Part-time
work in Guest Services has increased due to a key staff member's medical leave. Trunk or Treat will
be held October 29th from 1:45-3:45pm, scheduled before Fall Face Off crowds.
Financial: The team currently has a cost recovery rate of 48.72%. There has been a decrease in
revenue from private swimming, attributed to changes in instructor availability, as well as a decline
in one-month and annual pass sales. Winter-pass sales are scheduled to begin December 1st.
Action Items:
Next Regular Meeting:
December, 2 2025 12:00 pm-2:00 pm