8.0. PRSR 01-09-2013 Item: 8
Elk
MEMORANDUM
River
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director
DATE: January 9, 2013
SUBJECT: Director's Report
I think 2013 is going to be a signature year for the City of Elk River Parks and Recreation
Department. We plan to install the community's first destination playground at Orono and we will
later in the year be working on a comprehensive master plan for the department. We will kick off
the design process for the new playground after our meeting on January 9.
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.
Baily Point Project
A work session is planned for Thursday,January 31 to discuss the plans and uses for Bailey Point.
We plan to advertise this in the newspaper and will send out announcements to the area neighbors.
We have a tour of Bailey Point planned on the same day at 5:00 pm. We will walk the sight,weather
dependent,to look at some of the unique features. Please be aware that the parking is limited on the
street and when parking to not block the gate access to the neighbor's easement.
Orono Park Playground Public Meeting
A public meeting/work session is planned on January 9 to review initial concept plans for the
"Powered By Nature" theme destination playground at Orono Park We will have a variety of
concepts that staff has reviewed for the work session.
City Maintenance Facility
Parks maintenance staff were able to move into this new facility in late December. Rodney and all
of the parks maintenance staff were able to move into their offices and work areas. Most all of the
parks vehicles and equipment will be stored/parked under one roof. We plan to utilise this facility
for the central storing of recreation and programming equipment. Parks Supervisor Rodney
Schreifels continues to spend a great deal of his time with this project on moving and punch list
items.
Field & Facility Use Allocation Policy
The Field 8c Facility Use Allocation Committee did meet on December 12 to discuss the fourth
draft of the policy. Input was received from committee members regarding sections of the policy, in
particular,priority group classifications and the allocation process. We are making good progress on
a very comprehensive policy. Currently,the City Attorney Peter Beck is reviewing the important
section on background screening. Peter will also need to review the entire policy before it will again
be reviewed by the Committee and then the Commission. The next Committee meeting will be in
mid-late February after we receive a draft review back from Peter Beck.
PONEAEP AI
N:\Departments\Parks and Recreation\Commission\Packets\20I3\01-09-13 PRC Packet\IIem_8 Directors Report.docx NATURE