9. PRSR 08-14-2013 ElkMemorandum
River
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Michael Hecker,Parks and Recreation Director
Date: August 14,2013
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
We have seen some large capacity crowds at the Summer Concert Series this year. Staff
estimates that at two of the concerts July 25 (Elvis) and August 1 (Rockin' Hollywoods) that
we had a record crowd of 1,500 people and near the parks capacity. The August 8 (Killer
Hayseeds) had a good crowd of over 1,100 people. Staff will be reviewing how to take
advantage of the larger crowds and people setting up chairs earlier in the day.
The last concert of the summer season is tomorrow August 15. It will be the first time for
the band"Ladies of the 80's" to perform in Elk River. Staff plans to review the season to
see how we can take advantage of the large consistent turnouts for the series.
Recreation Coordinator
Recreation Coordinator Jessica Converse will be introduced at the August 14 Parks and
Recreation Commission meeting.
Parks and Recreation 2014 Operating Budget
The Parks 2014 operating budget was presented to City Council on August 8. Contractual
Services is requested to increase for buckthom/invasive species removal ($10,000). Not
included in the preliminary budget an additional request in the amount of$18,000 is being
considered for Contractual Services for Horticulture and Tree expert services.Personal
Services increases since the preliminary budget includes an additional park maintenance
worker and additional seasonal staff. The Recreation,Arena and Pinewood Budgets will be
presented on August 15.
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Capital Improvement Plan Work Session
Staff is recommending a Commission work session in early September to review and discuss
the Park Improvement Fund. Recommended dates include Wednesday September 4 or
Tuesday, September 10.
Bench Donation for Great Northern Trail
A local resident has requested to make a bench donation at the dead end of the Great
Northern Trail (4 3/a mile marker) on the township/city line. The resident prefers for the
bench to be installed on the landfill side of the trail in the city limits. The donation amount
is $700 which will need to be approved by City Council through resolution.
Pinewood Golf Course
The month of July was very successful at Pinewood. Revenues were nearly$3,000 better
than July 2012. As we know weather is our most important asset when it comes t rounds of
golf and daily patrons. July weather was mild and that helped the golf course tremendously.
Houlton Property
Commissioner Mike Niziolek and staff did meet with Friends of the Mississippi River
nonprofit organization on July 19 to tour the Houlton property. They are very interested to
assist the City with the acquisition and future management of the property.
Bailey Point Nature Preserve
Hundreds of volunteer hours have been spent at Bailey Point Nature Preserve this summer
continuing to clean up and prepare the new park for public use. A new gate and split mil
fencing were installed in July by the volunteers led by Eric Toth and Dave Anderson. Most
of the volunteers are neighbors of the park.
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City of
Elk — Memorandum
River
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Steve Benoit, Recreation Manager
Date: August 7, 2013
Subject: Recreation Managers Report
Hot Topic(s) of the Month
Staff are currently working on wrapping up summer programming and finalizing the
planning process for upcoming fall programs. The fall recitation program guide is now
complete and is being mailed to public as well as being distributed to key locations
throughout the City.
July Programs
• Men's Softball • Faster, Higher, Stronger
• Women's Softball • Sports Extravaganza
• Co-Ed Softball • Dodgeball/Kickball Ultimate
• Geo-Caching Sports Camp
• Parent and Tot Soccer • Half Day Hoops
• Soccer • Open Gym
• T-Ball • Adult Basketball Pick-Up Games
• Termite T-Ball • Tuesday Park Races
• Sunday T-Ball • Farmers Market
• All Sorts of Sports • Riverfront Concert Series
• Soccer League • Kidstock
• Lacrosse League • Chalk-It Up
• Flag Football • Youth Tennis
• Fizz,Muck& Goo Camp • Safety Camp
• Sticky Fingers • Game On! 4 Girls
• Mini SPA • BFF Girls Club
• Sneaker Club Camp • Yum-O! Bam! Cooking Camp
• Volleyball Camp • X-Treme Boredom Busters
• Basketball Camp • Kid versus Wild
• Flag Football Camp • Super Soaking Safari
• Baseball Camp • NatureMania
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• Krafty Kidz Camp
• Survivor Challenge
Special Marketing Efforts
• Farmers Market
• Riverfront Concert Series
• Chalk It Up
• Kidstock
• Fall Program Guide Production
Volunteer Program Updates
To date seven individuals have expressed interest in the new City-Wide Volunteer Program
Staff are in the process of determining to best volunteer position for each of them based on
their skills and interest.
Volunteers will now be recognized quarterly at the Parks and Recreation meetings as
compared to monthly as we have it the past. This change is to ensure the continued quality
of the recognition award.
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City
/j
of
ElkMemorandum
River
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Annette Bonin
DATE: August 2,2013
SUBJECT: Activity Center Report
July Recap:
• Dog Days of Summer- K-9 demonstration by ERPD Office Bebeau and K-9 Zeus.
This was an intergenerational program enjoyed by over 50 people.
• National Cheesecake Day- Participants played card bingo and sampled cheesecake
bites to celebrate this unofficial but delicious holiday.
• Managing Low Vision- Informational program presented by staff from Golden
Living in Anoka.
• Trips included a St Croix Boat Cruise with a lunch buffet.Positive comments were
received regarding the beautiful day and excellent food.
Attendance 2013
Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
Monthly 1894 1790 2341 2217" 2223 1896 2104
Totals
Daily 90.19 94.21 112.0 100.8 101 94.8 95.6
Avenge
Note:July average daily attendance is up from 84.2 in July 2012 to 95.6 in July 2013
Upcoming August Events:
Night to Unite
`Lost Loot"Author Talk
"Communicating with persons with Dementia" Presentation
Trips: Landscape Arboretum,MN State Fair,Mystic Lake
1011111111 IT
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i
City of Memorandum
Elk -..-�
River
TO: Parks and Rec Commission
FROM: Rich Czech
DATE: 7/23/2013
SUBJECT: August Arena Events
August Events:
• Fall Breakaway League starts
• Summer Learn to Skate program begins
• Registration continues for Fall Craft Show
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