HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-05-06 Government Operations Committee Minutes
Government Operations Committee
Minutes Monday, May 6, 2019 Meeting
City Hall Council Chambers
Council Members in Attendance:
Council Chair Nichols
Committee Chair Supica
Councilor Sprague
Councilor Weston
Councilor Graham
Councilor Schaefer
Councilor Nealley
Councilor Tremble
Staff in Attendance
City Manager Conlow
Assistant City Manager
Cromwell Tracy Willett – P &
R Director
Agenda:
Council Resolve to accept the donation of a FitLot from the American Association
of Retired Persons (AARP).
Summary:
th
As part of AARP’s 60 anniversary celebration National AARP decided to ‘give back’ and advance
healthy living initiatives in all 50 states. Each AARP state office was asked to nominate a
municipality. Bangor’s Livable age Friendly community committee’s on-going work made Bangor
an ideal fit for our community and Bangor was the only community in Maine chosen for this
initiative. FitLot is a national non-profit based in New Orleans whose goal is to help communities
find resources and help fund outdoor fitness parks and to work with active Parks and Recreation
departments to embed on going fitness programming.
Staff has looked at location options and we feel that Broadway Park would be the best location for
the FitLot. Specifically, there is a location in close proximity to the existing playstructure.
Broadway is somewhat centrally located in the City and is also in close proximity to the downtown
area. There is currently a measured walking path around the perimeter of this section of the park.
We feel that these characteristics will give a majority of citizens in the City easy access to this
unique amenity and blend with the existing use. Previously there had been discussion about
locating the skatepark at Broadway Park. At that time, we had discussed creating parking spaces
available along Pine Street, which we could explore for the FitLot if the popularity generated that
need. There is parking available already next to the playstructure.
AARP will be donating the equipment as well as its full installation. Further, they will be donating
an accompanying trash receptacle, park bench, and bicycle rack. We have had a preliminary
meeting with the equipment installer to assess the Broadway park location and they see no
issues.
This item was moved by Councilor Weston and seconded by Council Spraque.