06-01-2023 Parks & Rec Commission Minutes

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MINUTES PARKS & REC COMMISSION JUNE 1, 2023 2 Commissioner Abruzzese referenced the areas that are currently being mowed but marked for future pollinator enhancements and asked if there is a timeline for when that would occur. The Parks & Rec Director replied that the current grant with Great River Greening continues through 2024 and the City has budgeted a substantial amount to continue this project. He noted that in 2024 and 2025 they would begin to tackle those additional areas. Commissioner Hipp asked for details on the Girl Scout project. The Parks & Rec Director replied that the project did not move forward. Chair Horwath noted that as a user of the park, he appreciates the area. NEW BUSINESS: MRPA ARTICLE – SPOONER PLAYGROUND The Parks & Rec Director reported that the Spooner Park playground was highlighted for accessibility and inclusiveness in the most recent Minnesota Recreation and Park Association magazine. NEW BUSINESS: RECREATION COORDINATOR UPDATE The Recreation Coordinator provided a recap of recent events and activities. She also provided detail on upcoming events and activities as well as youth and adult programming. Chair Horwath commended staff, recognizing how far the recreation program has come. NEW BUSINESS: REVIEW OF PARKS AND RECREATION CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN (CIP) The Parks & Rec Director explained that the City uses its CIP to schedule public improvements and purchases over a ten-year period. He noted that the CIP is a planning tool and is not a budget or approval of those items as each item would still need to come forward for consideration and approval. He provided an overview of the park’s items, noting that many of them are placeholders without an exact date of when they would occur. He noted that in 2026 the fund used for parks projects will go negative, therefore additional funds options will need to be considered prior to that time. He welcomed input from the Commission on the parks items identified for the next ten years. Chair Horwath stated that he did not see the water feature for the Pioneer Park playground project. The Parks & Rec Director explained that has been included within the Pioneer Park play node, noting that the project has already been approved by the City Council.