Laserfiche WebLink
STAFF REPORT <br />DATE: 04/2/2024 <br /> CONSENT <br />TO: CITY COUNCIL <br />AGENDA ITEM: Sally Manzara Nature Center – Star Gazing Event <br />FROM: Adam Swanepoel, Assistant Public Works Director <br />REVIEWED BY: Marty Powers, Public Works Director <br /> <br /> <br />BACKGROUND: <br />The Sally Manzara Nature Center has been providing community programming since 2017. <br />Programming provided by the center focuses on community activities related to outdoor life for <br />all ages. Current programming is ran by the center’s program manager Verity Davis and include; <br />summer camps, family nature day, buckthorn removal festival and adopt a tree program. Along <br />with programs the center provides a number of exhibits and activities that include, bee, butterfly, <br />tree, bird and aquatic life resources. <br />Normal business hours for the center currently in the winter are 9am- 3pm. Sunfish Lake Park is <br />open from dawn to dusk with the gates closing to the park at 9pm. <br />ISSUE BEFORE CITY COUNCIL: <br />Would City Council allow Sally Manzara Nature Center to hold a star gazing event on October <br />19th? <br />PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS: <br />The Sally Manzara Nature Center is requesting to host a star gazing event to be held on site the <br />evening of October 19th with (October 26th being the backup). The event would start around <br />7pm and would conclude at 10pm. Attendees would hear from the MN Astronomical Society <br />about star constellations and be able to use telescopes in the prairie area for viewing. <br />Consideration for this event is being brought forward for the purpose of extending the hours of <br />the park for the event. Currently the park closes at 9:00pm and volunteers are requesting <br />extension of the hours for their event. The Center is planning for approximately 20-25 people to <br />attend the event. <br />The Parks Commission reviewed met on 03/18/2024 and were provided additional information <br />on the event. Verity Davis a program coordinator at the Sally Manzara Nature Center provided a <br />handout and description of the event being help. The Commission voted 5-0 in favor of having <br />the hours of the park extended for this event. <br />RECOMMENDATION: <br />Staff recommends the following motion: <br /> <br /> “Move to approve the request to extend Sunfish Lake Park hours until 10:30pm on Oct. <br />19, 2024 with Oct 26 being considered to host a star gazing event held by the Sally Manzara <br />Nature Center.”