8. PRSR 09-12-2012 S
ElkMEMORANDUM Item: 8
River
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director
DATE: September 12, 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.
Summer Concert Series
The annual summer event has received good reviews this year. The concerts with the best
attendance of over 1,500 people were the July 19 Rockin'Hollywoods and the June 21 Church of
Cash. Except for the June 14 Dueling Pianos (at the Arena because of weather),all of the concerts
were at Rivers Edge Park. Staff is currently reviewing the Series. We have already spoken with the
Bank of Elk River on a proposal for 2013.
Parks and Recreation Budget
A draft operating budget was presented to the City Council in July. The City Council will continue
to review City budgets through next month. We will present the parks and recreation capital items
to City Council in October. I plan to have a work session with the Parks and Recreation
Commission on October 10 regarding the department capital improvement plans. One of the
major items in the capital budget for 2013 is the Orono Playground- also a work session item for
the September 12 meeting to discuss concepts.
Woodland Trails Park Trails
Parks Maintenance staff spent over a month preparing the trails for sealing. We were able to fog
seal the trails in early August and hope this process will provide a longer life. We have received
positive feedback regarding this effort.
Minnesota Recreation and Park Association (MRPA) Annual Conference
Some of our staff will be attending the MRPA Annual Conference in Brainerd,MN next week. I
will be presenting an educational session "Partnering Your Way To Success" at my first MRPA
conference.