7-21-25 Parks Commission Meeting Packet

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STAFF REPORT DATE: 07/21/2025 Discussion TO: PARKS COMMISSION FROM: Assistant Public Works Director – Adam Swanepoel AGENDA ITEM: Sally Manzara Nature Center – Star Gazing Event CORE STRATEGIES: ☒ Vibrant, inclusive, connected community ☐ Efficient, reliable, innovative services ☒ Responsive, transparent, adaptive governance ☐ Balanced Finances now and future ☐ Managed Growth ☐ Resilient Infrastructure BACKGROUND: The Sally Manzara Nature Center has been providing community programming since 2017. Programming provided by the center focuses on community activities related to outdoor life for all ages. Current programming is run by the center’s program manager, Verity Davis, and includes summer camps, family nature day, buckthorn removal festival and an adopt a tree program. Along with programs the center provides, several exhibits and activities including bee, butterfly, tree, bird and aquatic life resources are also available. Normal business hours for the center currently in the winter are 9am- 3pm. Sunfish Lake Park is open from dawn to dusk. ISSUE BEFORE PARKS COMMISSION: Would the Parks Commission consider recommending the Sally Manzara Nature Center to hold a star gazing event on October 11th PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS: The Sally Manzara Nature Center is requesting to host a star gazing event to be held on site the evening of October 11th with (October 28th being the backup). The event would start around 7pm and would conclude at 10pm. Attendees would hear from the MN Astronomical Society about star constellations and be able to use telescopes in the prairie area for viewing. Consideration for this event is being brought forward for the purpose of extending the hours of the park for the event. Currently the park closes at 9:00 p.m. and volunteers are requesting extension of the hours for their event. The Center is planning for approximately 20-25 people to attend the event.