9.0. PRSR 06-12-2013 �i Item: 9
ElkMEMORANDUM
River
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director
DATE: June 12, 2013
SUBJECT: Director's Report
This report is a monthly highlight of our Department's activities informing the Commission on
items related to collaborations, strategic planning, staff changes/ development, and park operations.
Summer Concert Series
Even though the temperature barely hit 58 degrees with overcast skies,we had a nice crowd for the
first concert of the summer concert series. Our estimated crowd number is up to 600 people. The
next concert on June 13 will be with the Jimmy's —Chicago Blues/New Orleans Funk. They are
from Madison,WI and it's the first time for them to perform in Elk River. The June 20 date will be
with the Deuces Wild! Dueling Pianos and then the Whiteside walls will perform on June 27.
Recreation Coordinator Vacancy
Our new Recreation Coordinator Jessica Converse started her first day on June 6. She will attend
our annual recreation seasonal staff training on June 10 and then begin full time on June 17. Staff
plans to introduce Jessica to the Commission at the August 14 meeting.
No July Parks and Recreation Commission meeting
Staff is recommending canceling the July 10 meeting. The next meeting will then be on August 14.
Orono Park Playground
Even though work on the playground has been delayed due to the wet weather,we expect that the
playground dedication planned for Tuesday,June 25 at 7:30 pm is still on schedule. The dedication
grand opening will include a ribbon cutting,roving entertainment and free giveaways. The event will
take place rain or shine. Invitations will soon be sent out to all Commission members who are
highly encouraged to attend. It is the largest playground installed in MN this year by Landscape
Structures.
Pinewood Golf Course
The Pinewood Golf Course attendance and golf rounds are down substantially this year due to the
cooler wet spring.
Bailey Point Nature Preserve
City Council did approve the recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Commission for the new
park name—Bailey Point Nature Preserve.
City Council also approved the regulations recommended by the Parks and Recreation Commission.
This included fishing and canoeing only permitted at the designated river access.
The construction of the parking lot is delayed due to the wet weather. We hope to still have a stone
surface prepared at the site in time for the first archeological dig planned for June 15.
Up to 200 volunteer hours, and over 40 staff hours have been spent at Bailey Point Nature Preserve
the past three weeks cleaning and preparing the site. Most of the white rotting fence and old tennis
court have been removed. Eric Toth and Dave Anderson have been doing a phenomenal job in
leading an effort of volunteers to assist. Most of the volunteers are neighbors of the park.
Parks staff has been in contact with an Eagle Biologist with US Fish and Wildlife Service (MN
office) regarding the Eagle nest at Bailey Point. It seems we have two eaglets in the nest. We are
fine using motorized equipment such as chain saws and mowers after mid July. We also should be
fine to mow the trails and open field area near the main entrance since this was done by the previous
owner. The eagles have a tolerance to mowing since this was done in previous years.
Archaeological Dig
The Archeological Dig for Bailey Point is planned for the weekends of June 15 and 22. The Dig is
required by the DNR grant for the acquisition of Bailey Point. It is being financially supported
through a $11,000 grant that was recently approved by the Minnesota Historical Society.