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Health & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 3.17.26 - FINALHEALTH AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2026 HYBRID FORMAT IN PERSON AT AVON TOWN HALL AND VIA ZOOM Page 1 of 5 1. ROLL CALL Present- Committee Members: Committee Chair Nancy Tashman, Vice-Chair Lisa Post, Amy Phillips, Pat Nolan, Derek George and Kathy Ryan Staff: Recreation Director Michael Labagh, Recreation Services Superintendent Jerrica Miller, Aquatics Superintendent Kacy Carmichael, Planning Manager Jena Skinner Town Council: Councilor Kevin Hyatt, Councilor Ruth Stanley Absent- Committee Members: Sonia Martinez and Courtney Walters Rawson Committee Chair Nancy Tashman opened the meeting at 12:00 p.m. 2. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA Committee Chair Nancy Tashman made a request for a motion to approve the agenda. Committee Member Kathy Ryan moved to approve the agenda and Committee Member Amy Phillips seconded the motion. Committee Chair Nancy Tashman declared the agenda approved. 3. APPROVAL OF THE JANUARY 20, 2026 MEETING MINUTES Committee Chair Nancy Tashman made a request for a motion to approve the minutes of the January 20, 2026 meeting. Committee Member Amy Phillips moved to approve the meeting minutes, and Vice-Chair Lisa Post seconded the motion. Committee Chair Nancy Tashman declared the minutes approved. 4. PUBLIC COMMENTS No public comments were made. 5. BUSINESS ITEMS 5.1 Mountain Recreation Master Plan Presentation Recreation Director Michael Labagh introduced Mountain Recreation Executive Director Ture Nycum and Communication and Marketing Manager Jamie Wilson to share a presentation about Mountain Recreation’s Master Planning efforts. Director Nycum shared that the purpose of the presentation is to increase collaboration and offer complimentary facilities and services as we move into the future. Next, he shared general information about the organization including, Mission, Vision, Values, staff levels and facility locations and types. He shared the scope of their programs including gymnastics, aquatics, youth and adult sports, outdoor recreation, day camps, non-sports, active older adult programs, fitness, e-sports, ice/hockey, and special events. Visitation at their facilities is high and he shared details of their revenue and cost recovery. Looking to the future, Ture highlighted several operational improvements and reviewed planned capital improvements for the Eagle Sports Complex, Gypsum Recreation Center, and Edwards Field House. Mountain Recreation has never had a district-wide comprehensive Master Plan, so they decided to create one with the help from consultant, Berry Dunn. They are conducting a feasibility study of adding a second sheet of ice and they are trying to determine how they can better partner with fellow parks and recreation agencies. HEALTH AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2026 HYBRID FORMAT IN PERSON AT AVON TOWN HALL AND VIA ZOOM Page 2 of 5 Communication and Marketing Manger Jamie Wilson shared that they are on their fourth week of community outreach. They have been making efforts to speak to as many people as possible and reach a variety of demographics. What they’ve learned so far is that folks are deterred from using Mountain Recreation because of limitations on parking, busy facilities, and changes in communication by generation, among other factors. The committee commented/inquired: • Committee Member Pat Nolan inquired if they still offer indoor soccer in Edwards. • Committee Chair Nancy Tashman shared that the wood floor at the Edwards Field House is beautiful with lots of lines but enjoys playing pickleball there. • Committee Member Amy Phillips inquired about which demographic is growing and which is shrinking. • Committee Member Amy Phillips inquired about a new sheet of ice in Edwards, CO. • Committee Member Derek George inquired about indoor fitness at the Edwards Field House. • Committee Member Pat Nolan shared that the older adult community is growing, and they love the Vail Ski and Snowboard Academy at Maloit Park for their senior center, even though it is hard to access with all the entry staircases. Seniors like to have a buddy to go do activities like hikes. She also shared with the group that there has been collaboration with Mountain Recreation and Avon Recreation Center to offer senior services. • Committee Member Amy Phillips requested a curling league. • Committee Chair Nancy Tashman shared her interest in a second sheet of ice and a curling league as well as a small fitness area in Edwards. • Committee Member Amy Phillips shared that the next step for a world-class sport facility would be to approach Eagle County to try to provide a pool for elite athletes. There is a demand for competitive swimming. • Committee Chair Nancy Tashman said a new pool could provide opportunities for special events. • Planning Manager Jena Skinner stated that we have a robust hockey community and inquired about roller hockey in the warmer months. She also inquired about broomball and floor hockey opportunities. Mountain Recreation Executive Director Ture Nycum shared that the older adult community is growing, and young families are moving away. He also explained that they are exploring options in the feasibility study, but they have not identified a space in Edwards for a sheet of ice. Additionally, he shared that a 3,000 square foot area at the Edwards Field House could be dedicated to expanding fitness. He also shared that the Gypsum Creek Pool will stay open this summer. Ture inquired to the committee about the interest to add an indoor pool facility and the majority responded positively. Recreation Director Michael Labagh also shared the Avon Swim Club’s latest accomplishments and need for more pool space. Community and Marketing Manager Jamie Wilson shared that with Dobson Ice Rink closed, there was more interest in indoor roller hockey “stick and puck” through the summer. Recreation Services Superintendent Jerrica Miller shared that the county would benefit by investing in more safe spaces for teens. Additionally, Kacy Carmichael shared that Edwards Field House used to have an indoor skateboard half pipe that Avon Recreation lifeguards still talk about how they miss the opportunity to drop in to skateboard. Michael Labagh explained that Avon Recreation Center intentionally does not duplicate services already provided in the county, but instead expanding niche offerings like the Wiggle Zone toddler program. He stated that we are lucky to have three parks and recreation agencies in the same county offering a wide variety of opportunities. He shared that the Town also develops our programming based on our Recreation survey results. HEALTH AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2026 HYBRID FORMAT IN PERSON AT AVON TOWN HALL AND VIA ZOOM Page 3 of 5 Communication and Marketing Manager Jamie Wilson inquired with Town staff about county-wide communication and about coordinating similar activities and program offerings. Recreation Services Superintendent Jerrica Miller agreed that more collaboration would be beneficial among parks and recreation agencies. Mountain Recreation staff concluded their presentation and left the meeting. 5.2 Harry A. Nottingham Park Plan Update Recreation Director Labagh provided a hard copy of the Nottingham Park Plan and provided a brief slide show presentation. Planning Manager Jena Skinner spoke about the updates that were made to the plan, which included an updated cover page, added historical photos, improved the tone and writing style, and updated the subarea information. She shared that next steps include CASE Committee review, final internal review, Town Council review and approval. The committee commented/inquired: • Committee Member Kathy Ryan shared her delight in the Nottingham Park plan document. • Committee Chair Nancy Tashman inquired about the timeline for removing the outdoor Fitness Court. • Committee Member Amy Phillips asked that the use of photos of the Fitness Court be removed or made more clear of their purpose in the document. • Committee Member Derek George inquired if the Fitness Court would be used more now that the Recreation Center Fitness area is so busy. • Committee Member Amy Phillips shared her opinion to wait to remove the Fitness Court until the Recreation Center Fitness expansion is complete to avoid public backlash. She also reminded the Committee that people from the public do indeed read Town of Avon documents posted on the website and they should easily be able to understand the direction the Town is moving toward. • Committee Member Derek George shared his opinion that the document is too focused on the past and not enough on the future. • Committee Member Lisa Post suggested that the document be presented in a predictable order. She also commented that the skate park seemed to be a high priority even though it was not a likely possibility. She also pointed out a mention of Vail facilities and potential clothing drive are not relevant or likely enough to happen to be included. • Committee Member Amy Phillips stated that the plan was distributed Monday, March 16, 2026, and she wanted to know what continuing edits will be included before it is presented to Town Council. • Committee Member Amy Phillips stated that the park is a “happy place” for many people, and it is important for their mental health, but the plan doesn’t need to go too far down that road. • Committee Member Derek George inquired if the Committee knows how we could get a giant troll art piece like the one seen in Breckenridge. Committee Member Pat Nolan responded that the trolls are typically built in places that are hard to get to, such as deep in the woods. • Committee Member Amy Phillips shared that more cool art in the park could be a generic goal and increasing activities during Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. weekend could be beneficial. • Committee Member Kathy Ryan shared her frustration with not seeing work being done on the new park restrooms but expressed relief after learning there was still a plan to finish the project this year. HEALTH AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2026 HYBRID FORMAT IN PERSON AT AVON TOWN HALL AND VIA ZOOM Page 4 of 5 Recreation Director Michael Labagh explained that the outdoor Fitness Court will be removed once we are ready to build a large picnic shelter to replace it. The Town does not have an alternative location for the Fitness Court so it will likely be deconstructed and recycled or upcycled. Planning Manager Jena Skinner confirmed that the Committee will have more time to provide feedback on the updated plan. Recreation Director Michael Labagh explained that he will send a follow-up email to the Committee to ensure everyone’s feedback is received. Jena also mentioned that there is a continuing conversation about bringing more art into the park to improve mental health. She expressed her interest in the idea of a landmark art piece that draws in visitors. Jena noted two potential locations could be the P3 or PAB parks in the Village at Avon might be a good option for this type of art piece. Planning Manager Skinner also shared that an art installation is possible, such as a wood bending decoration for walkways. She also mentioned winter carnivals that have snow sculptures would be a great opportunity for the park which is mostly empty in the winter. 5.3 Recreation Department Update Recreation Director Michael Labagh provided an update to the Committee including a reminder about recruiting for five open seats on the Health & Recreation Committee. He shared the 2026 Committee goals draft and requested feedback. There was no immediate feedback. Next, he shared Recreation Center visitation statistics for January and February 2026. Then he provided an update about the Eagle County Bike Safety Education Campaign and Committee. He shared that the county is drafting print and digital materials for committee members to review in April so mass distribution can occur in May and June. The committee commented/inquired: • Committee Member Amy Phillips inquired who is responsible for distribution of safety materials. • Committee Member Amy Phillips suggested that High Five Media could do something funded jointly by all the entities to target a younger audience. • Committee Member Derek George suggested more use of TikTok and involving local influencers. • Committee Member Kathy Ryan inquired who would be addressing the 6–13-year-old children. Recreation Director Michael Labagh confirmed that all participating entities will be responsible for distributing the safety materials. Recreation Director Michael Director stated that we do not have a firm plan on how we will directly address younger children, but Recreation Department staff could provide educational talks or programs for middle school children. Recreation Director Labagh updated the Committee about the Aquatics Area Remodel delay. The project start date is pushed back by three weeks, but the end date has not changed. The final project approval will be completed at the April 28 Town Council meeting. The committee commented/inquired: • Committee Chair Nancy Tashman inquired about alternate swimming pools to use during the closure. • Committee Member Derek George inquired about extended expiration dates on punch passes. • Committee Member Derek George inquired about increased attendance in Nottingham Park. • Committee Member Lisa Post inquired about more lap swimming marked at the swim beach. • Committee Member Derek George inquired about the rules for swimming in the lake and if there would be lifeguards provided at the swim beach. HEALTH AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2026 HYBRID FORMAT IN PERSON AT AVON TOWN HALL AND VIA ZOOM Page 5 of 5 • Committee Member Lisa Post inquired if dogs were permitted to swim in the lake. • Committee Member Kathy Ryan stated that teenage children swim right off the boat dock and jump off the stage, and the rules are not enforced. Recreation Director Michael Labagh shared the flyer on the Avon.org website listing alternate pool facilities in the area. He also provided requested information on how staff are handling the extension of punch passes during the upcoming facility closure. Aquatics Superintendent Kacy Carmichael explained that the Recreation Center pool is quieter in the summer since most people prefer to be outside. Recreation Director Labagh also explained that the lap swimming lane will be added back to the swimming area and could be expanded when the pool area is closed. Recreation Director Michael Labagh explained that dogs are not permitted to swim in the lake and swimming is not permitted outside of the designated swimming area on the north side at the beach. He encouraged Committee members to call Avon Police Code Enforcement anytime they witness inappropriate behavior in the park. 6. OTHER BUSINESS AND COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS No other business or committee member comments were received. 7. ADJOURNMENT Committee Chair Nancy Tashman asked if there was a motion to adjourn the meeting. Committee Member Amy Phillips motioned to adjourn the meeting and Committee Member Lisa Post seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 1:41 p.m. on March 17, 2026. Respectfully submitted by Kacy Carmichael Aquatics Superintendent