4.8. SR 02-17-1998,ity of
River
MEMORANDUM
Item #4.8.
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
Mayor & City Council
Pat Klaers, City Adminis
February 17, 1008
Community Recreation Annual Report
The Community Recreation Program started in 1992, and Jeff Asfahl was
hired to be the Community Recreation Director. The goal of the program was
to assist participating communities in the organization and management of
recreation programs and to assist youth organizations in their sporting
activities.
The Community Recreation organization is a unique response to park and
recreation needs by neighboring cities, townships, and the School District.
This report from Jeff on 1997 activities will cover the entire region which he
serves, but the City Council should remember that Elk River is over 50% of
the population of the region, generates over 50% of the revenues for
administration of the program, offers over 50% of the recreation programs
available within the region, and has over 50% of the participants in
programs. Jeffis the staff person for the city who is in charge of our
recreation programs, our hnk to the youth organizations, provides vital
communication between numerous recreational entities/organizations and is
a visible spokesperson for the city in promoting healthy park and recreation
activities.
In 1997, the Community Recreation organization experienced some turmoil.
Zimmerman and Livonia Township dropped out of the organization while
Hassan Township and the City of Otsego also considered this action. At the
end of 1997, Otsego and Hassan Township both decided to remain active
members in the program. Nonetheless, these type of issues and discussions
will force Elk River in 1998, to evaluate all of its options ff and when the
Community Recreation organization is no longer in existence. The goal of
Elk River is to see that this does not happen because by the consolidation of
resources, the City of Elk River and all the members are receiving a
significant economy of scale in providing services and programs to our
citizens and their children. Elk River and all the members are getting a "big
13065 Orono Parkway · P.O. Box 490 · Elk River, MN 55330 · TDD & Phone: (612) 441-7420 · Fax: (612) 441-7425
bang for their buck" and the individuals benefiting from this organization are
our citizens.
In spite of this turmoil in 1997, a lot of good things also happened. There
was a higher level of participation in the programs provided and there was
more diversity in the types of programs offered in 1997. Additionally Jeff
moved forward with the Youth Initiatives work and we are beginning to see
positive results of this city initiative.
Community Recreation issues for the City of Elk River in 1998 include
offering additional programs at the Ice Arena, completion of some
improvements at the varsity field, transforming the Prairie House into a
facility that serves the youth, completing the skate park project, and
programming the new girls softball/boys baseball fields in the east Elk River
Youth Complex.