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STAFF REPORT <br />TO:Parks & Recreation Commission <br />FROM:Sierra Hietala, Recreation Coordinator <br />DATE:November 4, 2021 <br />RE:Fall Programming <br />ACTION REQUESTED <br />Informational Update. No action requested. <br />BACKGROUND <br />November marks the end of fall programming. During the fall we had youth activities <br />(volleyball, gymnastics, and basketball), adult programs (Master Gardener Series, and Defensive <br />Drivers), and the community-wide Explore Little Canada program. <br />Youth Activities: Fall sports were a success. I was able to work a lot with gymnastics which was <br />a big success. We had a lot of interest in gymnastics and even had a waitlist. Hopefully, we can <br />offer two different classes come winter to accommodate all of our local gymnasts. We also had <br />one volleyball team and ran a Saturday morning basketball clinic. <br />Adult Activities: Monthly virtual Master Gardener Classes in partnership with the University of <br />Minnesota Extension Services take place the first Tuesday of every month from 7-8:30 PM. Each <br />month features a new topic. I have been a part of the last two, which have had about 6 people at <br />each. Next month will be Nature Heals, which teaches participants the multitude of benefits to <br />simply spending time outside. <br />Defensive Drivers maxed out on participants for the two refresher courses and had 5 people for <br />the introductory course. I have already received calls for interest in next years class which will <br />take place in April. <br />Explore Little Canada returned as a self-guided naturalist tour of parks and trails in Little <br />Canada! Each week included a new location where you can show up and follow the signs to <br />learn about seasonal facts. This year Explore Little Canada focused on lesser-known parks and <br />trails in Little Canada to increase people’s awareness about their location. This program was free <br />and offered a ‘passive’ recreation opportunity in Little Canada. This fall we utilized a QR code <br />to get feedback on the program. The responses from the feedback were positive and individuals <br />said they look forward to the program continuing. Staff will work on a spring Explore Little <br />Canada program and also other similar activities encouraging people to get outside (e.g. exercise <br />activities). Staff will also look into placing permanent signs throughout the parks.