8. PRSR 07-11-2012 Item: 8
ElkMEMORANDUM
River
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director
DATE: July 6, 2012
SUBJECT: Director's Report
This report is a highlight of our Department's activities to inform the Commission on items related
to strategic planning, staff development,park operations and collaborations during the past month.
Woodland Trails Park
I was able to stop the Wright Tree service from continuing their work on the Xcel transmission line
through the north end of Woodland Trails Park. We were first told that the work was to increase
the height of the line but found that the crews were indiscriminately using herbicide and killing all
plant life. The work they have already completed on the Tiller property adjacent to the park is now
barren under the transmission line. Their overspray on the park property that was stopped has
killed desirable native woody plants as well as native prairie grasses on park property. We plan to
meet again with the tree service the week of July 9 to better define the areas to be sprayed. In the
meantime,I have sent a letter of concern to Xcel regarding the poor management methods that
were used in the park. David Anderson is assisting staff in this effort. We avoided something that
was similar to the recent bad experience with the GRE transmission line at Hillside Park.
Summer Concert Series
The annual summer event seems to be receiving good reviews. Attendance has been strong at all of
the concerts. The June 14 concert with the Dueling Pianos was moved inside to the Arena because
of the weather and it had a crowd estimated at nearly 800. The Church of Cash concert drew one
of the best crowds at an estimated 1,300 attendees- probably due to the excellent weather and the
type of music,a tribute to Johnny Cash. The next concert is July 12 with the Moose Knuckle
Brothers - a Blues and Rock band.
Pinewood Golf Course
Pinewood Golf Course recently had two hole-in-ones on the 6th hole. The hole is a 140 yard par 3.
The first one was on Father's Day by Bobby Simon. The 2nd was by Devin Bennington on the first
day of the Junior's Go for the Green Golf League. Devin is 12 years old and has only golfed a
handful of times in his life. We typically have 4-6 aces,two in three days is exciting!
Parks Maintenance Position Vacancy
The request for action to hire a parks maintenance worker to fill the vacancy is on the City Council
consent agenda for July 9. We initially received 150-applications and narrowed the list this past
month with phone and then in-person interviews. The list of applicants was finally narrowed down
to a final two for a last round of interview questions and testing.
Mississippi River Trail
The Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota brought nearly 150 bicyclists through Elk River on Saturday June
23'1 on the Mississippi River Trail. They stopped for lunch between 1:00 and 2:00 p.m. and staff
was able to meet with them to talk about area parks and biking in the community.
Ice Arena Commission Meeting
An Ice Arena Commission Special Meeting is planned for Thursday,July 12.The agenda includes
the review of options for renovations to the arena. The Commission recommendations will then be
brought forward to City Council in August.
Parks and Recreation Budget
The Parks and Recreation General Fund Budget will be presented to City Council at a work session
on July 16.
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