2016-06-06 RAC Minutes
Minutes of the Recreation Advisory Committee held on June 6, 2016.
Members present: Daniel Brady Manuel Hadad
John Ise Jonathan Meltz
Jacqueline O’Donnell Felipe Villamizar
Ken Whittaker
Members absent: Christia Alou Kendra Borja
Also present: Jerry Estep, Recreation Director
Leslie Rackl, Executive Assistant
David Ocampo, Shores Travel Soccer
Michael Sastre, Travel Parent
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m.
Mr. Ise made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 11, 2016, meeting. Motion
seconded by Mr. Brady and unanimously approved.
Mr. Estep gave a summary of the recreation programs at this time. The aftercare program has
70 enrolled. At this time there are 100 people enrolled in week one of summer camp, soccer
tots have 25 enrolled and Fit 4 Fun has 12 enrolled. The recreation department is gearing up
for Summer Camp. Swim camp will be run by swim team coach Adam Madarassy this year. It
was noted that the St. Rose gym and Johnson & Wales are not available for use this year. Mr.
Estep related that the senior bridge program will be moving to the old catholic services building
for the summer months.
At this time Mr. Ocampo, who runs the travel soccer program, was introduced to the Committee.
Mr. Ocampo said that they may be partnering with another company. Mr. Ocampo started travel
soccer in 2006 with eight players. The program currently has been capped with 220 players
due to space constraints. One of the benefits of partnering is the ability to help place older
players with colleges and help grow the program. The company is Captiva which originated in
Spain and they specialize in 5k/10k as well as consulting with travel soccer organizations. They
started the Real Madrid program. Another benefit is having a bigger pool of players to select
from. Mr. Ocampo is looking to see how Captiva can integrate with the current travel soccer
program. Captiva will bring technical advances to the current program and better training for
coaches. Mr. Sastre would like to make sure that the program does not lose its’ identity. Mr.
Sastre suggested portable lighting to illuminate the fields for extra practice time. It was noted
that there are lighting standards that are required to host an organized sport. Mr. Ocampo is
looking at different venues to grow the soccer program. Mr. Ocampo noted that his current
coaches are on board with a possible merger with Captiva. Mr. Sastre suggested that
Morningside Park could be an option.
Discussion turned to the new Recreation Center which would be 62,000 square feet and
includes a larger gymnasium. The new center will have additional safety features including a
R.A.C. mtg., 6/6/16, pg. 2 of 2
swipe entry system. There is a push to put this on the April 2017 ballot along with the Council
election.
Discussion turned to the Dog Park. Eleven parking spots will need to be removed to
accommodate the new dog park. Additional parking would be created on the north side of the
pool. A suggestion has been made to add an additional entry gate on the pool’s north side.
It was noted that the restrooms at the pool are not clean and have poor lighting. It was also
related that the athletic fields are being torn up by non-resident usage and an ID card system is
needed. Also, three out of four of the rims are in need of repair on the basketball courts;
breakaway rims are being investigated.
Mr. Brady asked about what the recreation department does for disabled/special needs children.
Mr. Estep said the rec. department mainstreams special needs children.
The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.