2022-01-12
Blair Park Board Meeting Minutes for January 12, 2022
Call to Order: The Blair Park Board meeting was called to order by
President Neil Jensen at 7:00 p.m.
Present: Neil Jensen, Sarah Boeka, Joe Burns, Steve Tonn, Todd Wick,
Betsy Anderson and Park Superintendent Pat Long.
Approval of Minutes: The minutes were approved by Sarah Boeka and
seconded by Joe Burns.
Approval of Bills: No bills were submitted.
Old Business:
1. Set up subcommittee to review future projects.
The organization of the subcommittee to review future projects
was tabled.
2. The Southern Hills Park being developed will cover 2.9 acres.
When the weather permits the area will be seeded and trees will
be planted. A selection of 6’ trees with a caliper of 1½ inches will
be planted by the Blair Garden Center. Additional plans call for a
parking area, sidewalks, a 30’ x 30’ playground area with poured
in place surfacing as well as a 16’ x 16’ shelter. The initial cost is
anticipated to be $53,000.
3. The improvements to Ridgeview Park should begin this year. The
improvements include digging out existing dirt, leveling the surface
area, forming a new curb and utilizing poured in place surfacing.
There will be replacements/additions made to the existing toys.
The estimated cost is $64,000.
New Business:
1. Discussion with Nebraska Interscholastic Cycling League to host
their 2022 opening bike race for kids grades 6-12 at Black Elk
Neihardt Park on August 28, 2022
Operational Manager Tony Burger and League Director Breanne
Campbell requested the use of the Black Elk Neihardt Park for a
cycling race to be held Saturday and Sunday August 27- 28, 2022
9 a.m.- 5 p.m. A Season Recap Video, Google Map layout of the
race, a race flyer indicating race protocol and a copy of their
Certificate of Liability Insurance were provided. The two day event
is expected to draw 70-80 % of their 208 participating members.
The course will be set up by a Course Marshal and trained course
setters utilizing snow fencing and pins with 2 foot cement pole
holders to mark the trail. Hazard points and crossings will be
identified and marked for the safety of the bikers. Wavers will be
signed by all cyclists. The organization’s 26 foot trailer storing
their race materials will be parked in the parking lot. Cyclist
parking will be arranged with Angles Share for use of their parking
facilities. Port at Potties will be provided as well as containers for
trash. The organization will be responsible for all clean up.
Steve Tonn moved to approve the request for use of Black Elk
Neihardt Park for the Nebraska Interscholastic Cycling League
bike race August 27- 28, 2022 and move the event forward to the
City Council for their approval. The motion was seconded by Joe
Burns.
2. Progress report from Stephen Fullmer on the Neihardt mountain
bike trail progress for both last year and this coming year.
Stephen Fullmer reported Phases 1 and 2 of the natural surface
trail totaling 5.2 miles has been completed. Work remaining
consists of some trail leveling and the addition of two more table
tops. Over 100 riders have been tracing their rides on the trail.
Improvements for 2022 will include a new flow/jump line to parallel
the current Prairie Downhill portion of the existing trail. This
feature will require permanent dirt work construction. Drainage will
be utilized to avoid any erosion. This flow/jump line will further
enhance the bike trail offering a challenge to more advanced
riders.
A pumptrack was also proposed; this track would be a
developmental feature for bikers – it uses an up and down
‘pumping’ motion to propel the bicycle forward instead of pedaling.
It is a structure for practicing balance, learning skills and improving
confidence on the bike. It is suitable for all ages and skill levels; in
addition to all sizes of bikes, skateboards, rollerblades and
scooters can be used on this feature. To insure accessibility the
recommended location would be next to the city trail system or in a
city park. The land space necessary for the pumptrack is
approximately 50’ x 20’ with a 10‘easement. Mr. Fullmer will find
sponsors to fund the project which is intended to cost $50,000 to
$60,000.
3. The Friends of the Arboretum meeting is scheduled for
January 19, 2022.
Adjournment: Steve Tonn’s motion to adjourn the meeting was seconded
by Todd Wick. The meeting adjourned at 8:46 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Betsy Anderson January 19, 2022