HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 3, 2026 Park and Rec Minutes1 | Page
CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS Regular Meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission
City Hall 2077 West Larpenteur Avenue MINUTES August 3, 2026
A. CALL TO ORDER: B. ROLL CALL: Tom Faust (Vice-Chair) __X___Katie Merriam __X___Kia Moua __X___ Robert Haight__X___ Jerry Buckridge__X___Naomi Loud - Heinsch__ea___ (excused absence) Chuck Long__X___
COUNCIL LIAISON: Randy Gustafson __X__
STAFF PRESENT: Kelly Nelson__X___
C. PRESENTATION: D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 1. July 9, 2026 – Parks and Recreation Commission Special Meeting Minutes Long motioned to approve the minutes; approved 6-0 E. AGENDA: 1. Finalize Park Facility Rental Policy Nelson summarized that there was no consensus during the July 9, 2026 Parks and Recreation
Commission meeting on the wording selected for noise restrictions and in a few other highlighted areas of the rental policy draft, including whether helium balloons should or should not be allowed.
Long questioned whether helium balloons should be banned. Merriam wondered if something like helium balloons could be allowed for now and revisited down the road if it became an issue. Merriam asked what the process would be to alter the rules. Nelson responded that Council could amend the policy at a later date. Gustafson suggested striking “helium balloons” from the list of banned items since the rules state that you must remove all belongings when you leave and this could include balloons stuck in the rafters, in trees, etc.
Commissioners recommended adding language to support park users bringing their own grills, if used in an approved area and with prior permission. They supported the proposed changes and
recommended it as a final draft.
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Long motioned to approve the Park Facility Rental Policy as revised; approved 6-0
2. Finalize Community Park Donation Discussion Nelson shared that this topic is being brought back for further discussion to reach a consensus since the workout equipment was initially prioritized for replacement, but commissioners suggested the basketball court was currently more of a priority. During the July 9, 2026 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, Buckridge had said that the workout equipment had been refreshed by Public Works and was less in need of immediate
replacement. There was some agreement amongst the commissioners. Faust said that he returned to Community Park to look at the workout equipment more closely
since the July meeting and agreed that it was less in need of replacement than it previously had been.
Merriam and Faust agreed that the benches on a few pieces of equipment do need additional work and wondered if Public Works would be able to take it on. There may be replacement parts available, which would help extend the life of the equipment. Haight recommended exploring both ideas, to fix up the workout equipment and to resurface the basketball court. Buckridge wondered if the basketball court could be reduced to a half court to reduce costs. Faust reminded the commissioners that repairing the exercise equipment further is a temporary fix and might gain us five years before a full replacement is needed.
Buckridge shared that Community Park is becoming a showpiece and the basketball court needs to be addressed. Faust added that having one regulation hoop and one low hoop at Curtiss field sees a lot of use.
Haight motioned to obtain a bid to resurface the
basketball court; approved 6-0 Merriam made a separate motion to explore refurbishing the existing workout equipment; approved 6-0 3. Vision of Future Park at Les Bolstad Development Haight asked Gustafson to bring the commission up-to-date on the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) meetings and what had been previously discussed.
Gustafson summarized the initial proposal that Rachel Development had submitted to the University of Minnesota during the Request for Proposals (RFP) process.
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Haight recommended creating a vision statement, and shared his preliminary statement as, “Provide equal access to parks and playgrounds to all residents of the golf course community and
to protect as many trees as possible.” Long shared that their preference is for the parkland be city-owned, city-operated, and city-maintained, rather than directing an HOA. Faust shared an example of a modern development in Lino Lakes and the walking paths connecting the parks within the space. Moua said they would want everyone to feel welcome and involved, to make intentional decisions, to include native plants, and to be good stewards of the land.
Haight and Faust asked Moua if they could elaborate more on their vision. Moua elaborated that it feels inclusive for the community to gather rather than to have this be
their HOA space. Moua asked, “How do you know you’re in Falcon Heights and how do you know this is a community?”
Buckridge said his fear is that several pieces of land will be broken off. Haight recommended each commissioner produce a vision statement (at a high-level) for the parkland. Information/Announcement Before adjournment, Long raised a point related to the Rental Facility Policy to include a mention of security cameras to renters and to post signage at Community Park, once installed.
Commissioners addressed the upcoming canceled September 7 meeting due to the Labor Day holiday and proposed September 2 as an alternate. G. ADJOURNMENT: 8:47 P.M.
Moua motioned to adjourn the meeting; Approved 6-0