Title
Centennial Park Amenities at Lake Sedgewick
History
As you know, Centennial Park is one of the premier park facilities in Orland Park. The park has become a destination for activities all year round with cold weather activities at the ice rink, sled hill and the winter wonderland and warm weather attractions at the Centennial Park Aquatic Center, baseball and soccer fields, bike trails, fishing piers, boat launch and more.
The Recreation Department staff has been researching the possibility of expanding activities and activating Lake Sedgewick with pedal-boats and kayaks. For this first year the proposed season for these new activities would be Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend to correspond with Aquatic Center operations. The clerical staff at CPAC would process all payment for rentals working in conjunction with an attendant stationed at the Lake. Proposed hours for rentals will also correspond with the pool. Plans to add these amenities include the following initiatives for your consideration;
Staff proposes that the Village purchase two pedal boats (4 seat models) at a cost not to exceed $3,000.00. The four seat models will allow families or couples to participate in small groups which staff believes would make this outing more appealing.
Use of an exissting dock at the Lake is being researched by Parks and Facilities Director Frank Stec. A locking mechanism will be added to secure the boats when not in use. The work included will be funded through existing park development funds.
A partnership with Chicago Kayak is also being considered. This organization appears to be willing to provide kayaks to the Village for use by visitors to Centennial Park throughout the season. Staff is currently considering six kayaks that could be rented. Staff hopes to be able to secure both double and single seat kayaks. These kayaks will be secured away from the water Monday through Friday and after hours on weekends. In exchange for the kayaks and training, Chicago Kayak has requested use of Centennial Pool on three or four dates over the summer for kayak lessons. Specifically, they hope to practice rollovers in the safety of the pool. CPAC staff will already be present preparing for an 11am opening and staffing the pool for swim practices thus requiring no additional staff costs.
A formal agreement with Chicago Kayak will be brought back to the Committee and Board for approval once it is prepared.
Staff is working on the logistics of providing renters with information about the functions of the watercraft as well as rules and topography of Lake Sedgewick. Staff is also preparing a waiver to be signed by renters and policies for personal floatation devices provided by the Village.
Research on similar amenities in communities was done to consider the rental rates. Because this is a new initiative that may appeal to those who are visiting the park for baseball tournaments or swimming, staff is recommending a low rental rate for the 2011 season. Pedal Boats - $10 per hour per boat (up to four passengers) and Kayaks - $5 per hour per person or $20 per half day (5 hour maximum) per person and $25 full day per person
Should the Committee and Village Board approve of this initiative; staff will proceed with programming for an opening of May 28, 2011.
On March, 21, 2011, this item was reviewed and approved by the Parks, Recreation & Environmental Initiatives Committee and referred to the Board for approval.
Financial Impact
Parks Equipment 281-4003-451.6160 funds will be used to secure equipment and supplies. Costs will not exceed $3000 for pedal boats and an additional nominal amount yet to be determined for other equipment and supplies. Funds are available in the Parks budget.
Recommended Action/Motion
I move to approve the Village Board to allow staff to advance plans to provide pedal boat and kayak rental on Lake Sedgewick for the 2011 season.