8.0. PRSR 09-13-1995 ITEM 8 .
110
September 6, 1995
To: Elk River Park & Recreation Commission
Fr: Jeff Asfahl
Re: Overview Of'95 and Miscellaneous Items For Discussion
I will look froward to reviewing and discussing the following at the meeting. Please call me at 241-
3523 if you have any questions or comments.
Overview of 1995 Recreational Programming: Of course there is still a substantial amount of 1995
remaining, but I want to take the opportunity at this time to share with you the past 8 months
activities. This past Winter and Springs activities included: skating lessons, gymnastics, intramural
basketball, youth bowling, cheerleading clinics, youth volleyball, open gyms, and a variety of family
and youth oriented special events. Spring is also very busy preparing for the upcoming summertime
activities that we offer as well as coordinating use of the outdoor ballfields that are utilized by the
youth athletic associations.
The summer of 1995 offered: Numerous T Ball opportunities ( This was the 2nd year of evening
opportunities as well), Just "4" fun (similar to T ball but for 4 year olds), S.P.O.R.T., Preschool aged
opportunities, several entertainment events in parks settings( Thursday in the Park ), soccer camp,
basketball camps, tennis lessons, golf lessons,track and field, football camp, "Ride the Rec.", open
gyms, strength and conditioning programs, Fridays' are the "pits", penny carnivals , scavenger hunt.
We estimate that nearly 4000 youth took part in opportunities that were provided them this summer.
We also organized a Fun Run and Sand Lot Volleyball Tournament in early June in conjunction with
the Elk River Community Festival.
Fall '95 will bring: Women's volleyball, Men's volleyball, Men's basketball, open gyms/weight room,
intramural volleyball, flag football, indoor walking, gymnastics, and numerous special events to take
place on non-school days.
1996 Recreational Opportunities : I am hopeful that the following goals could be reached in 1996.
- Continue" Ride the Rec" and similar that provide transportation
- New opportunities for Teens
- Improvements to camps w/ support from the associations
• - Increase Family opportunities
- Utilization of the Woodland Trails area (Promotion of the area )
- Field development
- Handke "Pit" Warming House : As you may know the Pit is a very popular skating and sledding
facility and receives heavy use. The building which is utilized as the warming house has been
deteriorating for years and could benefit from some significant improvements.
I believe that this venue with its' natural beauty and ideal atmosphere for winter recreation deserves
better! I would like to suggest that the City and School District cooperate in making the necessary
improvements.
I recall that some time ago similar discussion resulted in no action due to the uncertainty of the
School Districts long term intentions for Handke. Perhaps, we are no closer to an answer at this time
either. I would like to recommend that the Park and Recreation Commission initiate some discussion
with the School District aimed at identifying the long term future of Handke and determine what
recreational opportunities exist and ask for partnership in making some improvements.
field Development: I am hopeful that we can soon complete our determination of field needs and
receive council action on development. I would like to hear from the commission how we can best
proceed from this point and attempt to establish a time line on this matter.
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