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Recreation Commission Meeting December 6, 2004 OLD BUSINESS Workout Facility Mr. Baxter brought up the subject of a work-out facility at the Rec Center, talked about by the Commission in the past as something nice to have for the residents of North Olmsted. He wanted to know the current status of the matter. Mr. DiSalvo reported that the main concern with City Hall, primarily the Safety Director and the Mayor, is that they want to make certain there is an interest in a fitness center. The next question would be: is the Rec willing to pay for such a facility. Sometime next year there will be a survey coordinated by the City and the Rec Center. Mr. DiSalvo said that he did an informal survey and everyone was interested, but they felt it should be provided to them; that they should not be required to pay for it: they want it to be a "pay as you go" situation. To manage a fitness facility will require an entire staff itself. Right now, the Rec Center does not have the resources at the present time to entertain the idea (just by staffing it alone). Mr. Kelley noted about the staffing: at Olmsted Falls Community Center at the old fire house, off the gymnasium is a work-out facility. There is no staff. They have the bikes, weights, Nautilus, etc. Mr. DiSalvo said he would look into that situation. Mr. Kelley said that, at the North Olmsted Rec Center, there is nothing for someone middle-aged. Mr. DiSalvo agreed. 20,000 square feet are needed for weight and cardio equipment. Ms. Drenski noted that, before the Rec Center can get that space a building is needed or some area to house the equipment. Mr. Baxter said he thought it was something the Commission had been moving toward doing. Mr. Kelley said that, if the Pro Shop could be eliminated, something could be done. He pointed out that the Olmsted Falls facility doesn't have nearly 20,000 square feet, and there is still useage. Mr. DiSalvo reiterated that he would check on the situation. Commission Responsibilities for Capital Improvements Mr. Miller said that he discussed with the Law Director as to what part the Rec Commission plays in this situation. The Law Director said that is the responsibility of the Commission: that the Members should be setting a priority list with the Commissioner and others. There are so many five, ten, and even twenty-year projects planned that never come to fruition. Council will approve funding for 2005 for capital improvements (as it does every year); however, it's the Commission setting the schedule as to what those items should be. For example, should the Rec Center be funding a bike path that would connect the existing one with the Metroparks down Butternut Ridge/Mastick or some other way; whichever way the Commission wants. The reason Mr. Miller mentioned this is that over ten years ago a city-wide survey was done on recreational uses in the city, and that was the number one thing people wanted (more bike paths). Mr. Miller asked if the Commission should be looking at the issue of outdoor tennis courts; should the Rec Center be funding a survey in the first year of facilities: what the Rec has and what it needs. Should the Rec be putting one in North Olmsted Park or should one be put behind the Rec Center or push to try to get better use of the school tennis courts. Page 5