8. PRSR 10-09-2002 ITEM # 8.
City of
Elk
River
MEMORANDUM
TO: Park and Recreation Commission
FROM: Michele Bergh, Recreation Manager
DATE: October 2, 2002
SUBJECT: Staff Report
November-December Program Guide
This will be delivered on October 9th with the Star News. We are excited about all the
opportunities we have available. The biggest one we have is the New"U"Pass,which is our
revised fitness program,geared for adults. We have a variety of classes available throughout
the week. Participants will purchase a pass that is good for November-December and with
that pass they will be able to attend any class they choose. There are two different levels of
passes available. We will also be offering special events periodically geared towards living a
healthy lifestyle as a part of the pass system. People who purchase an unlimited pass will
also be able to have a one-on-one fitness assessment with a personal trainer at no additional
fee.
Programming Space
We continue to look for space to hold programs. We are offering many daytime programs,
which are growing in popularity. We have had requests for programs or childcare that would
run at the same time as an adult program but have no space for this at this time. We are
running all our open gyms this season at the Boys and Girls Club in partnership with them
and believe it will be a win-win for everyone. We are providing the staff and they are
providing the facility. We will both be supplying equipment. All revenue will be split
equally. Participants will receive a discount if they are a member of the Club or if they come
to our office and purchase a pass for Elk River residents.
Open House/Skateboard Park
The open house was a success. We had many people in attendance,including several youth
who visit us almost every day and skateboard, bike or roller blade outside. It was great
having them there and it seemed to heighten the awareness that they need a place to go and
enjoy their sport of choice. We enjoy having them around and feel that Lions is a great place
for a skate park to be located. The Lions Club has expressed a willingness to help fund this.
Central Lutheran Church has a new Youth Director who has also expressed an interest in
being involved.
MRPA Conference
The conference will take place in Prior Lake November 12-15`h. We haven't received the
registration information yet but I expect it any day. We are hoping to all spend some time
there this year.
Employee Wellness Committee
I am in the process of organizing an employee wellness committee. We will be looking at
existing opportunities and possible future opportunities to add to promote health and
wellness for all city employees. This is something I have been interested in for quite a while
and am excited to see coming together. I will keep you updated as this progresses.
Girl Power
We are in the process of developing a program called Girl Power for girls in 4th and 5`h grade
and a smaller version of this called Just 4 Girls for 2' and 3rd graders. Girl Power is a
program sponsored by the US Department of Health and Human Services for girls between
9 and 14 years of age. The objective is to promote a healthy lifestyle for girls, including
developing and strengthening their self-esteem and teaching them to make good decisions.
We are starting this with a kick off event in January that will include activities that develop
relationships,teamwork,relaxation,fitness,taking care of yourself,self expression and more.
The Just 4 Girls is geared at the younger girls and will be somewhat of an introduction to
Girl Power with similar activities being offered.
Newsletter
We are developing a health and wellness newsletter to be called Alive and Kickin'which will
include articles and tidbits on fitness,diet/nutrition,health,and mind/spirit. All Recreation
Department admin staff will work together to develop each publication. Our first issue will
be out by November 1'.
Concessions
Concession season will be ending in about two weeks. It has been a great experience,we've
learned a lot, and we look forward to doing it again next year.
Family Fright Night
We have almost 100 people registered for this event so far and have many partners helping
to organize everything. I believe this will become an annual event and am very excited about
doing this at Woodland Trails. It's always fun to work with other city departments,other
organizations in the community and the public to pull off a great family event.
It is always such an exciting challenge to add new responsibilities and programming to the
services provided by our department. We look forward to continuing the growth and
building on what we currently provide. I think we have a great department with great staff
who all enjoy what they do. We are open to any ideas for programming so please give us a
call or stop by any time.