210317 Memorial Park Revitalization Advisory Committee MinutesThe Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg
Memorial Park Revitalization Advisory Committee
March 17, 2021
5:30pm
Electronic meeting
MINUTES
Attending: Rosemary Dean, Joan Weston, Terry Smith, Eugene Todd, Scott
Vitias, Mel Getty
Regrets: Ken Patterson, Mike Cerna, Kim Sage, Chris Rosehart, Jane Ann
McLean
Staff: Christopher Baird, David Drobitch, Karen Keller, Cephas Panschow,
Margaret Puhr
1. Call to Order 5:37pm
2. Adoption of Agenda
Proposed Resolution #1
Moved by: Joan Weston
Seconded by: Eugene Todd
THAT the Agenda as prepared for the Memorial Park Revitalization Advisory
committee meeting of March 17, 2021, be adopted.
3. Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
4. Minutes of the Previous Meeting
Proposed Resolution #2
Moved by: Joan Weston
Seconded by: Mel Getty
THAT the Memorial Park Revitalization Advisory Committee Minutes of November
18, 2020, be adopted.
5. Presentations/Deputations
5.1. Marketing Department – wayfinding signage – signage was last installed
2012 and since then some issues were identified and town branding changed.
This committee is the first to see the new proposed signage which involved a
long process of development. Karen Keller developed this signage and
presentation. The next steps involve presenting to the managers, other
committees and council.
Joan commented that there is a need for a sign to lake Lisgar and boat ramp –
Karen indicated that there is a sign proposed for the lake that wasn’t on this
specific presentation. Also the Great Trail/Trans Canada Trail from Fourth Street
access to the trail.
Chris noted that there is a trail head at Fourth street that will be expanded by the
new developments. There is money in the budget for trail signage, so this will
dovetail with the marketing department. Also suggested replacing the skatepark
sign with Fairgrounds, for those traveling by car.
Cephas suggested using differentiation between the Lake Lisgar Waterpark and
Lake Lisgar. For example Waterpark and Lake Lisgar.
The committee and the director will further develop signage within the Memorial
Park are following this template. Scott would like to add the outdoor pad to the
signage.
6. General Business & Reports
6.1. Staff update – Chris introduced Dave Drobitch who started last week as the
Parks and Facilities Manager; Dave comes with great experience and we are
glad to have him on board. Dave introduced himself to the committee. Dave is
very impressed with the Master Plan for the Memorial Park and the work of this
committee.
6.2. Community Healthy Initiatives Grant application – there are many grants
coming available and this new initiative is a 35M investment from the federal
government as part of COVID recovery. Our parks and trails have been busy
over the past year. This became available on short notice last week, Chris
prepared the report to council which was approved and application submitted for
a covered outdoor fitness area. The proposed area is in Memorial park near the
bridge, on East side, along the walking path. This would be additional asset in
the Memorial Park. The community centre could also use this for outdoor fitness
classes, other groups could use it for training. The committee will be updated
when there is a response. This is 100% funded project, no matching fund
requirement from municipality. Tillsonburg applied for $150,000.00.
Master Plan report card review – this represents the accomplishments of the
committee as of March of this year, the committee has done a lot of work. There
is money in the new budget for parking ($25,000), playground ($75,000),
improvements to dog park ($6,000), signage at parks ($4,000) and $35,000 that
was going to be used to finish the new parking lot but will be instead used to
sports fields enhancements – these are ideas for the committee to review along
with the report card for the next meeting. Additionally, Courtland Garden
celebrating their 20th anniversary and donated 20 trees to be planted in
Memorial Park. They will be planted along the path on East side of the park.
Scott would like to know if there will be trees planted around the diamonds – will
meet with Dave and Chris on-site to review what and where.
Joan noted the memorial stones along the lake – some have been lifted, but
many still need work.
Mel would like some flowerbeds and beautification in the park near the
diamonds and paths, along with trees.
Eugene noted that when beautifying, make sure they are not in areas where
they may damaged by children and other activities.
7. Next Meeting – April 21
8. Adjournment
Proposed Resolution #2
Moved by: Joan Weston
Seconded by: Scott Vitias
THAT the March 17, 2021 Memorial Park Revitalization Advisory Committee
meeting be adjourned at 6:36 p.m.