Parks & Environment Committee

Meeting date: 
Monday, May 9, 2016
CITY OF O’FALLON
Park & Environment Committee
May 9, 2016
5:30 P.M
Public Safety Building
Minutes of a regular meeting of the Parks & Environment Committee of the City of O'Fallon, held in the Public Safety Building Community Room, 285 S. Seven Hills Rd, O’Fallon, Illinois March 9, 2016
 
I. Attendance:
MEMBERS
X    Holden, Chair (6)
 
X    Gerrish, Vice  (7)
X    Albrecht (2)
X    Meile (1)
X    Hagarty (3)
X    Smallheer (4)
 
 
 
 
 
  II.     Council:          Bennett; Cozad: Drolet; Kueker; Marsh; McCoskey; Roach
           Guests:           Kasten; Pitts; R. Zelms
           Staff:               Denton; Funk; Randall: Shekell; Hutchison
                           Meeting called to order at 5:30 p.m.
 
  III.   Minutes:         March 14, 2016
Motion:           Meile motion to approve the minutes March 14, 2016 Meeting
  Second:           Smallheer
  Discussed:      N/A
  Approved:       All
 
  IV.    Feasibility Study – Community Recreation Center
 
Overview Studies:
          A.             Feasibility Draft Study:  Presented tonight
B.             Game On:  Should be completed by late May or early June.
          C.             Economic Impact Study:  Family Sport Park & Parks & Recreation Department- June 2016
 
          Executive Summary General Statements:
The City contracted Ballard*King to complete such study.   
A Feasibility Study is assessment of proposed project that:    
  • Objectively and rationally uncover strengths and weakness of a venture.
  • Opportunities & threats
  • Ultimately discover the chance for success
 
General Statements:
 
  • Demographic primary market was City of O’Fallon & Village of Shiloh.Secondary service equates to a 20-minute drive time from a central point in the City.
  • The median age and median income in the primary service are favorable for an indoor recreation center.
  • The median age is lower than the national number and median income is higher.Both point to a high level of participation and ability to pay for services.
  • < >
    Top Four Activities:Walking, Exercising w/equipment, Swimming and aerobic exercising.
  • Recreation Department have become a viable option for offering enrichment programs.Many public school settings have eliminated such programs.(arts, daily P.E.)
  • Recreation Centers are providers to become feeders private and non-profit programs.
  • < >
    Significant demand for fitness and wellness with increasing age range for cardio, weight and functional training space for seniors and retirees.People are staying active, longer.
  • Market analysis and public input process was completed with a portion of debt recovery and 100% of the operational costs.
  • Phased approached for 65,000-75,000 square feet facility, with recommendation of 86,500 total build out for 50,000 primary service area population.
  • Annual pass structure is aggressive, but consistent with the goal of capturing 100% of the operating expenses.
  • The penetration rate for membership is approximately 5% of the primary service area, and 1% of the secondary service area.
  • Non Resident rates are approximately 15% in difference, staff would recommend, 20-25%.
  • Market constraints at this time falls short(barely) of the 50,000 number in the primary area while the secondary service area significantly exceeds the number.Primary area does continue to show moderate growth.
  • The demographics and participation statistics are such it is the belief an indoor facility would be successful
  • The market is not saturated.Components will be key drivers in membership numbers.
  • Gymnasium space is currently at a premium.
 
Research gives us an opportunity to learn and give better understanding of the project. 
 
General Questions:(not answer)
1.       Did follow up contact with preschools that didn’t participate in the small groups happen? 
2.  Why was the index data from 2006-7?  Is that the most current?
 
Staff will contact B*K for a response.
 
  1. Staff Reports:Presented
     
    ADJOURN Motion:  Smallheer
    Second:              Meile
    Approved:             All
     
    PREPARED BY:    MJ Hutchison
    Next Possible Meeting: June 13, 2016