HomeMy WebLinkAbout5.4.2026 Park & Rec Minutes1 | Page
CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS Regular Meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission
City Hall 2077 West Larpenteur Avenue MINUTES May 4, 2026
ROLL CALL: 6:32 PM Eric Brenton (Chair)__X___Tom Faust (Vice-Chair) __X___VACANT (Secretary)_____ Robert Haight__X___ Jerry Buckridge__X___Naomi Loud - Heinsch__X__Chuck Long_____ COUNCIL LIAISON: Randy Gustafson __X__
STAFF PRESENT: Kelly Nelson__X__
C. PRESENTATION:
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 1. April 6, 2026 – Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Buckridge motions to approve the minutes; approved 5-0 E. AGENDA: 1. Future Park Improvements and Friends of the Park Donation Discussion At the request of Commissioner Faust, the topic of fundraising was brought forward as an agenda item.
Nelson provides some background information on state statutes regarding donations and fundraisers so that the commission understands what can and cannot be done. Many cities have a Friends of the Park 501(c)(3) established, and Falcon Heights’ Friends of the Park group used to
actively raise funds, which were then used to hold the Ice Cream Social. In addition to general discussion surrounding fundraising and donations, Commission Vice Chair
Faust suggested that the commission discuss park donations in terms of brainstorming ideas to bring forward to the Falcon Heights - Lauderdale Lions Club, who have verbally committed a future donation. Faust believes that a 501(c)(3) likely has to have a board and meet at least twice per year. Haight wonders if the Lions could act on behalf of a Friends of the Park group. Brenton adds that if the Lions can assist in the interim, then the commission’s longer-term goal could be to form /renew our own 501(c)(3). He also recommends prioritizing bigger ticket items to present because that may be easier.
Haight suggests creating a list of ideas to present to the Lions and then to Council for their approval.
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The commissioners discuss the next phase of renovations at Community Park and areas in need of refreshing or replacing. They establish the following menu of items that are deemed a priority.
o Adding lighting and repairing the fencing (gap underneath) at the tennis court o Resurfacing the basketball court o Replacing the exercise equipment around the perimeter Perhaps down the road a bit more, the area that the existing playground is in can be discussed and a plan made for that area. Gustafson adds that there will be a future need, and maybe the Lions would be willing to help then. Faust suggests obtaining quotes in order to provide more concrete ideas/plans. Nelson will research next steps, consult with the City Administrator, and schedule a meeting with
the President of the Lions to discuss. F. INFORMATION/ANNOUNCEMENT
Haight shares that the Community Garden event held on May 3rd went well and two steering committee members were elected.
Fellow commissioners congratulated Loud-Heinsch on being selected as the Parks and Rec representative appointed to the Les Bolstad Community Advisory Committee (CAC). Nelson reminds the commissioners that they will not meet in person in June so that each commissioner can individually complete park audits. They will meet next in July to discuss their findings and to make recommendations for repairs/replacements. G. ADJOURNMENT: 8:04 PM Buckridge motions to adjourn the meeting; Approved 5-0