Peoria Standard

Village of Swansea Park Board met June 13.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

Members attending online: Rose Connor, Barb Kimutis, Mike Koeneman, Matt Lynch, Ryan Maitland, and Jonas Wilson

President Mike opened the meeting at 7:10 am

There was no motion to approve minutes.

October Spooktacular: Mike stated that as of now the event is on. He reported that he spoke to Jack Korves about rides for the fall event. Korves has not secured insurance, because Tribout’s has not had any events this year. Therefore, unless things open up, they probably won’t secure the insurance this year, as it won’t be profitable. He should know for certain by August 1st about the insurance and furnishing rides for the event. However, it was noted that we can still get the games for the event from Tribout’s. Ryan said he believes people will be glad to have something to do. Mike added that there may be a 2nd wave of the pandemic in the fall, and we will need a “drop-dead” decision by Sept. 1st, or at least by the September Park Board Meeting. If the Spooktacular can be held, this could allow us to do a few things differently; for example, add a pumpkin decorating contest, and have the parade we’ve always wanted.

Pavilion and Building Rentals: Mike reported that the Norman Lehr building averages 1 1⁄2 rentals per weekend, adding that the walls are freshly painted, new floor has been installed, along with restroom petitions being painted. Baby changing station are in place, the cabinets have been painted, but the counter tops are not done. The TWM Center gets rented regularly, and the pavilions are rented, and also get used on a very regular basis without a reservation. The only concern is with the Thompson Civic Center. The Government Center office staff doesn’t remember the last time it was used or rented, and they believe it has to do with the price to rent, especially if kitchen use is included. With use of the kitchen, the rent is $200, and the deposit is $300. The building lends itself to small receptions, but no music is allowed. The plan is for Mike to report to the Village Board that the rules for this building need to change. A set of common sense rules that would allow music, perhaps a D.J. or an individual playing guitar or violin, need to be adopted. The question is how to control the noise level so that no music is spilling out into the parking lot.

Schranz Park Request – Concert Series – Band Shell Use: Request to once again hold free concerts in the Park was received. The group agrees that this should be allowed again this year, but there will be a need to hold the attendance at the correct number allowed in gatherings per the State of Illinois, due to the pandemic. It was suggested that tickets or wrist bands be handed out by volunteers, so that the number of people in attendance can be managed. When the number allowed is reached, no more will be allowed to enter. Everyone concurred with these stipulations, so Mike will pass along to the Board of Trustees.

Clinton Hills Observations & Suggestions: Matt reported that he has been to Clinton Hills Park, and it appears to be seeing a lot of use. People are using the walking trails, fishing in the ponds, and the disk golf is highly used. Mike agreed stating that after the COVID threat is over, grant money will be sought to upgrade the trails, and aerate the lakes, and added that it looks beautiful. It is assumed that the Conservatory still plans to use the area to the right of the pavilion, which also rents for $25, like the rest

in Swansea Parks. Matt expanded with some ideas he has for Clinton Hills, and possible events described as follows:

• Story Series – held within the rolling hills and knolls. It could consist of a single person telling a story, and social distancing could still be observed. The only things needed would be a microphone and a light. Families could sit on blankets to hear scary stories in the fall, and fantasy stories in the springtime.

• Sanctioned family campouts

• Nature walks in the morning

• Yoga & nature walks split so that parents can enjoy activities while their children are occupied with other activities

• Group bicycle rides

• Kite flying in the spring

• Morning walks and Park cleanup when the area starts getting more use

• Possible money maker would be to hire high school aged children to babysit and entertain children within sight of parents enjoy an evening on the patio at Fletcher’s Rose suggested a Disk Golf Tournament

Centennial Park: Mike explained that the Village is preparing to tear down 4 houses in Castle Acres, to make the entrance to the Park bigger. He continued by telling everyone there would be a bid letting on Monday evening for the home demolitions. Rose also mentioned that they have placed small gravel down on the trails as well.

Mike thanked everyone for attending. Ryan made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Barb.

Meeting was adjourned at 7:48 am.

https://www.swanseail.org/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/1339