HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 3, 2025 Park & Rec Meeting Minutes1 | Page
CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS Regular Meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission
City Hall 2077 West Larpenteur Avenue MINUTES March 3, 2025 at 6:30 P.M.
A. CALL TO ORDER: 6:34 PM
B. ROLL CALL: Mike Bradbury__X___ Eric Brenton__X___Tom Faust__X__ Bob Haight__X___ Wesley Goldberg_____ Erin Williams__X___
COUNCIL LIAISON: James Wassenberg __X__ STAFF PRESENT: Kelly Nelson__X__
C. PRESENTATION: N/A D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 1. February 3, 2025 – Parks and Recreation Regular Meeting Minutes
Williams motions to approve the Park minutes; approved 4-0 (Bradbury not yet present) E. AGENDA:
1. Community Park Renovation Update
Nelson shares updated renderings of the prefabricated restrooms/concessions building and picnic structure and also of the park layout. Since the City has moved away from a building, which exceeded the City’s budget, the prefabricated structures leave more room in the budget for
amenities, including increased square footage in the playground and the potential to add a splash pad. Nelson presents a splash pad option that Staff (including Public Works) favors because it takes into consideration the initial cost, has lower maintenance of equipment, and maintains the
most flexibility and usability of the plaza space. If the City wants to use the area for live music, for example, the nozzles are all below the surface. Water can be turned off and the area can be converted for a different use very quickly and easily. Brenton is fine with the option that Staff favors because of its placement within the layout. Williams says maybe there is an option to have one above ground element. Wassenberg says that although the splash pad is simple, it would probably still be very much enjoyed by kids.
Faust thinks the splash pad is really nice but just wants to make sure everything has been considered, from the placement to the upkeep to the true flexibility in the space. He wants to confirm that the space will be multipurpose and can be used without plugging the nozzle
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openings in order to switch over. He suggests placing the push button to the side of the splash pad and not in the center of it, so the area is more usable.
Brenton says that if you are doing an event in which the splash pad is closed, then it’s really about signage to state this. Bradbury asks if maintenance instructions will be provided by the manufacturer so there are no concerns or surprises in maintaining the equipment. 2. City Event Planning Nelson shares that she wants commissioners to begin discussing dates and activities for the City’s
annual events and hopes to have a joint meeting with the Community Engagement Commission in April.
Spring Together will be held from 3:00 to 5:00 PM on May 17 at Curtiss Field. Ice Cream Social will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on July 17 at Community Park. Commissioners discuss what date to hold the fall festival on and think October 11 or 12 would be good. They slightly favor October 11 as the date. So, tentatively, the event would be from 2:00 to 5:00 PM on October 11. This can be revisited at an upcoming meeting. Brenton suggests bringing a speaker and playing music at Spring Together rather than having an open mic event again. Faust enjoyed featuring the local dance school at Ice Cream Social in 2024 and wonders if there
are any other entertainment options to feature for the fall event. Faust wonders if the Lions could coordinate a Punt, Pass, Kick on the lawn for the fall event. Brenton wonders if the football would go into Larpenteur if the event is held at City Hall again.
Bradbury mentions that it will be Indigenous Peoples’ Day and proposes adding activities to support and acknowledge it. He also wonders if Roseville would want to play a scrimmage game of lacrosse on the lawn. Brenton thinks an events-based fall festival is nice as opposed to those that are more focused on food. Information/Announcement Wassenberg talks about adding a youth commissioner to the commission and other commissioners are in support.
Nelson shares that a few details need to be better clarified such as the minimum age of a commissioner, whether it is a separate spot or just an added option for filling a vacancy. She will inquire and ask Council to workshop it soon.
Haight would like to talk about the Community Garden at an upcoming meeting. A governing structure and updated garden rules and regulations may be in order. Commissioners agree that Haight should meet with Nelson to discuss proposed changes and implementation so that it’s finalized before the 2026 renewal cycle and gardening season. Haight and Nelson will meet and then bring the proposed changes to the commission in either April or May.
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G. ADJOURNMENT: 8:20 P.M. Bradbury motions to adjourn the meeting; Approved 5-0