Partners' Post — The Partners' Post Newsletter is mailed to all divide addresses around the 15th of every other month. Watch for your copy! Community Partners are welcome to submit event information for publication. Send details to carquette@gdrd.org For a list of deadline dates click here.
Board Leadership Continues/Changes
At GDRD’s annual reorganization in December, Aloha Adams was asked to take on a third year as Chair of the Board. The Cool representative consented with the strong statement, “this is my last year.” Georgetown representative, Esther Prunella, was selected as Vice-chair.
The Board’s newest member, Ken Spencer, was appointed to represent the District on the Georgetown Divide Ready By 21, Inc. Board of Directors. He was also appointed to serve as Board representative on the newly created Youth Sports Advisory Committee.
In other annual business, the Board set regular Board meetings for the fourth Thursday of the month except for November and December when they will meet on the third Thursday.
Community member, Thiaa Besan, and GTRB21 Coordinator, Stephanie Root, complemented GDRD Board member, Mary Sartori, for her past service on the initial GTRB21 Board. Sartori indicated she will be working on the BOMUSD Charter School project effort this year in addition to representing Greenwood on the GDRD Board.
Grant Projects Modified Two grant projects for a recreation center and swimming pool have been modified to meet budget guidelines. Preliminary discussions with the Black Oak Mine Unified School District have the projects relocating to a vacant area at Golden Sierra High School.
The emphasis will be to get instructional, exercise, and water play areas in the first phase of the project with a possible competitive pool in the future with additional funding from recreational facility grants.
The recreation center and pool projects are being provided with 2002 State Park Bond Act funds supplemented by GDRD funding and community fundraising efforts. Local pool builder, and Divide Little League representative, Dave Frey, has volunteered to help with the detailed construction plans.
As the project plans are detailed, input from the BOMUSD Board of Trustees and an eventual land-use agreement will be sought. The concept was previously discussed by both BOMUSD and GDRD Boards.
New Park Bond Act Application GDRD Board members have seen preliminary plans for a possible gymnasium. The idea surfaced in discussions with BOMUSD and GDRD staff about the pool/recreation center projects at the Golden Sierra High School/Garden Valley site.
The project seeks to meet a major need identified in the GDRD’s 20-year Financial Plan and from the newly created Youth Sports Advisory Committee. The YSAC is made up of representatives from GDRD Community Partner groups, Divide Little League, Gold Nugget Soccer Association, Jr. Grizzlies Youth Football and Cheer, West Slope Volleyball Club, GDRD youth basketball, and Grizzly Jr. Volleyball Club.
With indoor practice facilities stressed to the limit and teams on very limited schedules, the new concept was discussed. The GDRD Board gave approval to have the initial grant application prepared for consideration prior to the March 1, 2010 deadline.
The new funding comes from Park and Recreation Facilities Bond Act recently approved by State voters under Proposition 84. Projects up to $5 million are eligible with no local matching requirements.
Long–Range Planning Ramps Up The GDRD Board of Directors made its commitment to continue long-term planning in spite of the unsettled nature of the State budget by setting a public process to receive input for programs and facilities on the Divide.
In 2007, GDRD began planning for a 20–year Financial Master Plan which was reviewed in over 30 planning sessions. It was presented at the District’s 20 year Anniversary Dinner in October 2008. Outstanding Community Partner volunteers were also recognized.
With 2009 so unsettled by the State budget crisis, GDRD slowed its efforts, but implemented one phase of the program a Park Impact Fee that was phased in over 5 years due to financial conditions.
Playgrounds Refurbished Playgrounds at all GDRD parks were completed in December through a variety of volunteer efforts. Garden Valley Park, Georgetown Park, Greenwood Park and Bayley House Historic Park all had their playgrounds filled with manufactured wood chips to maintain safe landing areas for eager Divide youth who regularly flock to the playgrounds.
Thanks go to all of the community individuals and groups that helped in the spreading of the chips in the playground areas. We saw helpers from 2 years to 80 out with their wheel barrels, shovels and rakes making it happen. The work was done in the off–season to reduce down time at the play–grounds and to take advantage of discounted trucking rates.
