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STAFF REPORT <br />TO:Parks & Recreation Commission <br />FROM:Sierra Hietala, Recreation Coordinator <br />DATE:November 4, 2021 <br />RE:Winter Programming <br />ACTION REQUESTED <br />Informational Update. No action requested. <br />BACKGROUND <br />The City of Little Canada is thrilled to offer many new programs, as well as welcome returning <br />programs this winter season. <br />Winter Registration for ice skating, volleyball, and basketball is now open. Community members <br />had expressed a lot of interest in gymnastics, so hopefully, we can create two classes for this <br />season. <br />I Can Engineer! is a new program we have implemented with the help of the University of <br />Minnesota, 4-H Extension. This class’ goal is to teach kids grades K-2 the Engineer Design <br />Process through experiential, hands-on learning with different experiements. This program <br />started this week, and takes place Mondays until the first week of December. <br />The Parks and Recreation Department recently purchased 20 pairs of snowshoes. These will be <br />used for rentals, how-to programs, and pop-up rentals at parks on the weekends. The cost to rent <br />is $2 for residents and $4 for non-residents. This will hopefully encourage exploring different <br />parks in the area and generate excitement for residents. Dates for pop-up rentals and guided <br />activities are not currently set, since snowshoeing relies on at least 6 inches of powder, so stay <br />tuned! <br />Cookies with Santa is coming up on Saturday, December 4 from 1-3 PM! This year we are <br />including prepackaged cookies, cocoa, a take-home craft, a picture with Santa Boe, and live <br />reindeer. We currently have two sponsors, the LCRA who donated $2,500, and Cardigan Ridge <br />who is donating cookies. The Toys for Tots and One Warm Coat drives have now begun. There <br />are boxes for donations in City Hall for those who donate. We greatly appreciate those who can <br />donate, or help us advertise so we can spread holiday cheer. As the event continues to approach <br />we will continue to monitor COVID-19 guidelines to ensure the safety of our community <br />members. If you are interested in volunteering to assist during the event please reach out. <br />Planning for the 2022 5K Sap Run has begun. Currently, we are working on creating different <br />sponsorship levels. Sponsors will allow us to purchase medals, t-shirts, and food for participants, <br />as well as pay to have Anderson Race Management assist in the timing and organizing process. <br />We will begin reaching out to local businesses starting in January.