11-07-2019 Parks_Rec Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION November 7, 2019 The Recreation Coordinator reported Astronomy in the Park is a biweekly event held at Pioneer Park. The Recreation Coordinator explained Dave Johnson, a former resident, led the event. She noted it was a free event, and Johnson brought state of the art equipment to use to view the sky. The Recreation Coordinator explained the last event of the year, the Statewide Star Party, would be November 9, from 8-11 p.m. She explained this event is held at 30 different locations across the state, and Little Canada was one of them. Chair Miller asked if there was a way to thank Johnson. The Recreation Coordinator explained she had presented Johnson with a volunteer appreciation certificate, and the City wouldn’t have been able to host this event without him. The Recreation Coordinator stated the City was hosting the third annual Cookies with Santa event on Saturday, December 7, in the Council Chambers from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. She explained the event has grown each year and the City is expecting approximately 300 people this year. The Recreation Coordinator noted the LCRA is sponsoring the event, and Creative Catering and Cardigan Ridge are supplying the Cookies. She explained the City would be collecting toys for the Toys for Tots at the event, and collecting winter clothes for the One Warm Coat Project. The Recreation Coordinator stated volunteers are needed for this event, so if anyone is available please reach out to the Recreation Coordinator for more information. The Community Services Manager reported the City is implementing a new recreation software that will increase efficiencies and also have online community facility rentals. He noted the site would look very similar to the City website, and they were hoping to go live before February 1, which is the date residents can begin reserving community facilities. Chair Miller asked if residents would still be able to reserve by phone. The Community Services Manager stated the primary method would be online, but staff would still accept phone calls to reserve spaces. The Community Services Manager reported the next Morning Talk would be on November 13, and it would be the annual holiday party. He explained this would take place at Cardigan Ridge. The Recreation Coordinator stated a Twin Cities Based, Norwegian Fiddle Group would be playing, and in addition to the usual breakfast items offered, they were bringing in some desserts from Taste of Scandinavia. Chu asked how many people came to the event each month. The Recreation Coordinator stated there was on average about 15 – 20 visitors, and 4 – 5 staff from all of the partners. OTHER BUSINESS ASTRONOMY IN THE PARK COOKIES WITH SANTA