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STAFF REPORT <br />TO:Parks & Recreation Commission <br />FROM:Bryce Shearen, CPRP, Parks & Recreation/Community Services Manager <br />DATE:March 4, 2021 <br />RE:Snowshoes <br />ACTION REQUESTED <br />Motion to recommend up to $1600 to purchase snowshoes for a winter recreation offering. <br />BACKGROUND: <br />A common theme staff has heard over the last few months from both the Commission and <br />through feedback from the community was the interest to add more winter outdoor recreation <br />offerings in the parks. Snowshoeing was amongst many ideas for winter activities and would <br />offer a great way for families to get out and enjoy the winter weather and the Little Canada park <br />system. Staff contacted area Parks & Recreation Departments that offered snowshoes to their <br />residents and received positive comments. <br />Staff contacted the owner of Joe’s Sporting Goods in Little Canada for purchasing snow shoes. <br />There was no available stock this season for snowshoes, but the owner said he would be happy to <br />work with the City late-summer to purchase snowshoes at a discounted rate. <br />At this time, staff is tentatively planning on ordering approximately twenty-five (25) snowshoes <br />that would be available for Little Canada residents to rent. These snowshoes would come in <br />three different sizes from youth to extra-large, so all different sized individuals can participate. <br />A preliminary cost estimate for 25 snowshoes will be approximately $1600. The funds to <br />purchase the snowshoes would come from the Parks & Recreation General Fund – Community <br />Events. This fund is used for events such as Cookies with Santa, 5K, Arbor Day, Movies in the <br />Park, etc. If recommended, staff may need to reduce one community event, such as Movies in <br />the Park, or search for community sponsorships. With the uncertainty of COVID-19 regulations, <br />this may be an optimal year for not using the funds for high attendance events and utilize the <br />funds towards alternative events or community offerings such as snowshoes. <br />STAFF RECOMMENDATION: <br />Staff recommends the Commission recommends the purchase of snowshoes to be rented to <br />residents for a winter outdoor recreation offering.