05-05-2022 Parks_Rec Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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STAFF REPORT TO:Parks & Recreation Commission FROM:Sierra Hietala, Recreation Coordinator DATE:May 5, 2022 RE:Recreation Updates ACTION REQUESTED Informational Update. No action is requested. BACKGROUND Arbor Day: City staff has reached out to local schools to invite 4th-grade classes to our Arbor Day celebration on Friday, May 6 at 1:00 p.m. This year AFSA, Little Canada Elementary, and St. John’s will meet in Spooner Park for the festivities, which include a word from the mayor and Parks and Recreation staff, a few songs from the 4th graders, a tree planting, and refreshments afterward. Students will be planting three trees in Spooner park near the new playground, so playground users can enjoy some shade. Commissioners are welcome to attend. 5K Sap Run: City Staff is working hard on registration for the 2022 5K Sap Run, which will take place May 7 at Lake Gervais. We currently have 76 participants signed up ranging from ages 17- 72. Each participant will receive a Sap Run t-shirt and swag bag, finishers will receive a medal, and winners of each age category get an exclusive 2022 Sap Run quarter zip! Staff is still looking for volunteers for 1-hour to 4-hour shifts. Please scan the QR code or contact the Recreation Coordinator if interested. City-Wide Garage Sale: The City currently has 22 residents signed up for the annual City-Wide Garage Sale which takes place from Thursday, May 19, until Saturday, May 21. It is free to register for a sale, and participants can take advantage of the City marketing their event! Staff is working on a City map with each garage sale marked and information on the items at the locations. The last day to register is May 13, so sign up soon! Pollinator Planting Event: Join Great River Greening for a Saturday morning restoration event! Together participants will be planting pollinator-friendly grasses and forbs in newly restored pockets of Thunder Bay Park. These pockets of flowers and grasses will provide a much-needed resource for pollinators moving through the corridor. Participants can look forward to seeing a positive change in both pollinator presence and biodiversity at this site as restoration and monitoring efforts continue. This is a family-friendly event. Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to attend. No previous knowledge or experience is necessary, we will provide the tools and training required. However, capacity is limited, and registration is required. We are still looking for 19 more volunteers. Learn more and sign up today at www.greatrivergreening.org/events” Wildlife Walk: Join Carpenter Nature Center (CNC) at Spooner Park for our Wildlife Walk! Participants, grades 3-5, will enjoy a guided hike through Spooner with a Naturalist from CNC.